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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 12:02:14 GMT -5
Post by cruskater31 on Dec 5, 2022 12:02:14 GMT -5
Not to jump on the weather again, but the wind and precipitation may play a factor in this one (perhaps not to the extent of the UNH playoff game). Against teams with weak secondaries (and a slightly better run D) we still tried to establish the ground game as Sons of Vaval mentioned. SDSU presents the best defense we have faced all season (now granted we faced some good defenses that had a poor SOS so their stats might be skewed--aka Lafffy). I am no expert on SDSU but I did watch 3 of their games nearly in full and I think we can throw the deep ball and score quickly if we have to (and if we can protect Matt). Going to need to be balanced IMO, with good amount of counters, screens, read options, to keep the D on their toes. I like the motion in the backfield to open up the run, if we can avoid procedural penalties from it. A few weeks ago the Redskins, Washington Football Team, Commanders upset the Eagles with a strong run game (both inside and out). They used a great deal of motion, some of which was window-dressing, and some of which were options, sweeps, and reverses. This seemed to keep the D spread out a bit and allowed them to run inside against what seemed to be a bigger and better run D. I think that could be extremely helpful for HC and I have noticed a few more teams copying this move.
Speaking of protection, we were clearly off in the game against Laffy and have discussed it ad nauseam. Were we down linemen in that game? Malik Hamm is a very good DE and on the Buchanan award list and gave us more trouble than Ruiz and Silver did on Saturday. SDSU's DT Caleb Sanders is on the list as well and would be an inside guy.
Jacked, can we assume that the #1 team in the country with an elite defense will be ready to play and defend their home turf? I think belief and confidence, although not quantifiable and not a stat, can play a huge role in these types of games. I am not sure Delaware had a heck of a lot of either in that game (and certainly not after Henderson got hurt once again).
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 12:16:00 GMT -5
Post by KY Crusader 75 on Dec 5, 2022 12:16:00 GMT -5
SDSU gives up around 70 yards per game on the ground. NDSU, as I recall, is the only team to eclipse the century mark for rushing yards. I'd be interested to know if SDSU has faced an offense that has a really mobile quarterback because I think it's going to be extremely difficult to pick up yards on the ground inside the tackles and on the edge. As far as I can tell -- and think this will really play to our advantage -- SDSU have not had to face a dual-threat QB all season, after quickly scanning their schedule and QBs they've faced (jackedforlife, please chime in). NDSU's QB Cam Miller is the only one that might fall in that camp (79 rushes for 344 yards), but other than him it doesn't seem like SDSU has had to prepare for the kind of challenges Sluka and our offense will present. I know that Chesney likes to control the game on the ground as much as possible, but I think we are getting into trouble if that's the game plan. Their front seven is the best in the country. By far. Finding ways to get Shorter, Asante, and Purdy the ball in space, and dial up plays where we can hit Coker over the top are going to be key. Schuster from UND and Shelley from Missouri State would fall into dual threats as well. Honestly the running side of Sluka is good but the concern from my perspective is a broken pocket scramble. That’s where yards are possible. The D also gave up some deep balls early in the year. Here are the long passes opponents completed versus the Jack Rabiits Iowa= 27 yards UCD= 68, 28, 25 Butler= 56, 47, 27 Missouri State= 67 Western Ill= 56, 20 South Dakota= no pass over 17 yards No Dak State= 41, 30, 29 North Dakota=34, 31, 25, 21, 21 Indiana State= 29, 25 Northern Iowa= 53, 24,22,22,21 Illinois State= no pass over 10 yards Delaware= 30, 20 I came up with this list by checking the box scores and seeing each player's longest pass reception, So it's just a ballpark estimate as a player whose longest pass reception was, say, 56 yards, might also have caught others for 35 or 40
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 13:07:13 GMT -5
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Post by jackedforlife on Dec 5, 2022 13:07:13 GMT -5
www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34791900/north-dakota-state-south-dakota-state-tale-dakota-marker?platform=ampGood write up on the Jackrabbit/Bison rivalry. The quote from SDSU def coord will give you an idea of the defense’s mentality from leadership on down. They are relentless. Even in the games against NDSU/UND where they got down early on. The UNI game is another rival of sorts as they are always tough against the Jacks. UNI’s QB Day may be the best pocket passer in FCS. As I’ve said before, I think the biggest threat for big rushing yards is when Sluka breaks the pocket. Not saying your RB won’t have success it’s just rare that it’d happen all game.
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Post by jackedforlife on Dec 5, 2022 13:10:31 GMT -5
www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/34791900/north-dakota-state-south-dakota-state-tale-dakota-marker?platform=ampGood write up on the Jackrabbit/Bison rivalry. The quote from SDSU def coord will give you an idea of the defense’s mentality from leadership on down. They are relentless. Even in the games against NDSU/UND wheee they got down early on. The UNI game is another rival of sorts as they are always tough against the Jacks. UNI’s QB Day may be the best pocket passer in FCS. As I’ve said before, I think the biggest threat for big rushing yards is when Sluka breaks the pocket. Not saying your RB won’t have success it’s just rare that it’d happen all game. This is the quote I’m referencing… "It consumes me, to be honest," Rogers confesses, sitting at a desk covered in old-school playbook pages. "Not hoisting the Marker. Don't ask what that feels like because I've never done that. Not as a player or a coach. I let the other guys do that. I don't want to be running to that and miss my favorite part." And, what's that, Coach? "Watching them walk off the field. Watching them have to leave that field knowing they have lost." Oh, damn. So, that's how it is.
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 13:41:46 GMT -5
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Dec 5, 2022 13:41:46 GMT -5
Great story-I encourage everyone to enjoy it
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 14:31:26 GMT -5
hc1998 likes this
Post by bringbackcaro on Dec 5, 2022 14:31:26 GMT -5
I have seen no attitude issues with Matt Sluka. I have to guess that comment came from a real nitwit You dropped these... Comparisons to Sluka would include John Griffin from Bucknell during the pL Glory Days or Brad Marchand from the Bruins - you like them if you're on your team, but there are some "questionable antics" if they're not on your team.
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Post by hchoops on Dec 5, 2022 14:37:02 GMT -5
BBC, You must have lost these just before you changed your tune on BN.
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Post by cruskater31 on Dec 5, 2022 14:40:41 GMT -5
I think Sluka has a bit of what I would call swagger. He has good confidence. I'm not going to say he never comes across as arrogant or with "attitude" but I think 90% of the time I would call it a bit of swagger. Perhaps earlier in his career he would get into a little bit with the opposing team who tried unsuccessfully to bring him down on one of his scrambles. I have, in the past, been a bit critical of his passing abilities, but that has continued on an upward trajectory and that, along with his decision making/timing, seems to have greatly improved this year.
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Post by jackjd on Dec 5, 2022 14:46:08 GMT -5
I'm confident the Jackrabbits remember the last time HC and Sluka were in Brookings. Sluka took some violent hits that had him limping off the field only to return two plays later and run for big yardage. I thought he was knocked out of the game a couple times but when he returned, he seemed just more determined. The Jackrabbit fans sitting near me were unanimous in expressing first their shock and then their admiration about how tough that guy was. SDSU is fortunate to have that game film to study.
The weather predictions continue to imrove. On Saturday, the early predicted high for this coming Saruday was 36. This morning, the weatherman is saying partly cloudy and 40. I may leave my ice-fishing gear home.
Hoping to see a lot of Holy Cross fans at the game. It should be a good battle. Safe travels!
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Post by Non Alum Dave on Dec 5, 2022 15:23:16 GMT -5
I kinda sorta have to agree with BBC here - I think, for instance, if he was the Fordham QB he would get under my skin some. He's brash, he's ultra confident.........but he walks the walk, and I am very glad he's on the side that wears purple! For those national pundits that are lukewarm on HC, I think they underestimate what his personality/presence brings to the team. I know I become more impressed with it every time I watch him.
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Post by hchoops on Dec 5, 2022 15:25:39 GMT -5
The Michael Vicens of the gridiron ?
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 15:31:19 GMT -5
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Post by Non Alum Dave on Dec 5, 2022 15:31:19 GMT -5
I think you nailed it hoops.
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 15:46:11 GMT -5
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Post by longsuffering on Dec 5, 2022 15:46:11 GMT -5
I kinda sorta have to agree with BBC here - I think, for instance, if he was the Fordham QB he would get under my skin some. He's brash, he's ultra confident.........but he walks the walk, and I am very glad he's on the side that wears purple! For those national pundits that are lukewarm on HC, I think they underestimate what his personality/presence brings to the team. I know I become more impressed with it every time I watch him. That presence has helped HC win several close games at the end during Matt's career. Brady had it, too. Some might call it "duende".
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 15:49:37 GMT -5
Ignutz likes this
Post by rgs318 on Dec 5, 2022 15:49:37 GMT -5
The comparison to Mike Vicens is most apt. He brought something special to the court for every game and that did annoy opponents, especially when it made good on what he "promised."
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Post by KY Crusader 75 on Dec 5, 2022 15:51:04 GMT -5
I have seen no attitude issues with Matt Sluka. I have to guess that comment came from a real nitwit You dropped these... Comparisons to Sluka would include John Griffin from Bucknell during the pL Glory Days or Brad Marchand from the Bruins - you like them if you're on your team, but there are some "questionable antics" if they're not on your team. Yeah, you got me again, I’m just so naive but thankful that I’ve got an experienced man like you to try to set me straight.
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 16:17:10 GMT -5
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Post by cmo on Dec 5, 2022 16:17:10 GMT -5
Watching FCS podcasts everybody is picking the Jackrabbits in a rout. Some a lot nicer than others as one said "Sluka their really good quarterback is a little bit of a baby with attitude issues." Cmon Cross Goliath is prime for an upset! 34:20 Tell this guy on the left HC was in the freaking Orange Bowl and SDSU was Division 2! "These Cake Eaters, CMON! 1:07:05 Predictions Does the Fargo extra with the Stache have a Twitter account ?
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Post by jackedforlife on Dec 5, 2022 16:34:56 GMT -5
Watching FCS podcasts everybody is picking the Jackrabbits in a rout. Some a lot nicer than others as one said "Sluka their really good quarterback is a little bit of a baby with attitude issues." Cmon Cross Goliath is prime for an upset! 34:20 Tell this guy on the left HC was in the freaking Orange Bowl and SDSU was Division 2! "These Cake Eaters, CMON! 1:07:05 Predictions Does the Fargo extra with the Stache have a Twitter account ? Twitter account is @jackillustrated. Matt is a great guy and started this fan led Jackrabbit Illustrated Blog/Podcast. He’s done a lot of fantastic things for Jackrabbit athletics. Don’t judge him that harshly and understand that like many HC fans with purple glasses most Rabbit fans have Blue. Our football success is only since we joined the FCS/Division 1 timeframe. For me growing up the Jacks were mediocre at best, 4-7 to 6-5 generally. If you make it to tailgate look up “The Still Hares” tailgate spot north of the stadium. Meet Matt and understand what fantastic guy he is. Plus the food is top notch there!
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Post by classof83 on Dec 5, 2022 16:40:47 GMT -5
An interesting stat concerning Sluka's rushing - with the UNH game Sluka went over 1,000 yards for the season to lead all QB's in FCS by 1 yard over Montana States QB, Mellot -1,021 yards to 1,020 yards.
Jacked, do you think SD Sate would put a spy on Sluka?
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Post by cruskater31 on Dec 5, 2022 16:53:19 GMT -5
Earlier today I commented that SDSU's size did not concern me but rather their speed (particularly on D). At lunch this afternoon, a colleague expressed surprise that we were comparable to a MVFC team who he thought matched up well size-wise with Big 10 Iowa. With time to kill this afternoon before coaching a hockey game this evening, I decided to dive into the rosters. I don't think I could compile the 40 time for both teams so I settled for comparing height and weight based by position. Obviously size is but one factor in comparing rosters (such as where they are from, level of competition, grade level, experience, stats, etc).
| HC |
| SDSU |
| Position | Height | Weight | Height | Weight | OL | 6-5 | 295 | 6-5 | 298 | DL | 6-3 | 264 | 6-3 | 253 | LB | 6-1 | 225 | 6-1 | 205 | S | 6-1 | 198 | 6-1 | 182 | CB | 6-1 | 186 | 6-1 | 184 | WR | 6-1 | 191 | 6-1 | 190 | TE | 6-4 | 234 | 6-5 | 233 | RB | 6-0 | 211 | 6-0 | 196 | FB | 6-1 | 240 | 6-3 | 235 | QB | 6-3 | 215 | 6-3 | 220 |
Notes: HC breaks down safeties into Free vs. Strong, SDSU groups them together Both HC and SDSU only have 1 FB listed I only included Sluka and Gronowski at QB
Here is the Spreadsheet
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Post by classof83 on Dec 5, 2022 16:59:25 GMT -5
Does the Fargo extra with the Stache have a Twitter account ? Twitter account is @jackillustrated. Matt is a great guy and started this fan led Jackrabbit Illustrated Blog/Podcast. He’s done a lot of fantastic things for Jackrabbit athletics. Don’t judge him that harshly and understand that like many HC fans with purple glasses most Rabbit fans have Blue. Our football success is only since we joined the FCS/Division 1 timeframe. For me growing up the Jacks were mediocre at best, 4-7 to 6-5 generally. If you make it to tailgate look up “The Still Hares” tailgate spot north of the stadium. Meet Matt and understand what fantastic guy he is. Plus the food is top notch there! I listened to the podcast last night. I was not offended by it - it is obvious the two guys know little or nothing about the Holy Cross' team this year. They have a lot of preconceived notions of the team based on us being a "PL Team". It looked like the one guy was surprised that HC's O-line is as big as South Dakota State's and that we have blocked 7 punts this year. I guess that is an area where SD State struggles. It is the same stuff HC heard before we played UNH and from Big Sky, MV and CL fans the last few weeks questioning why we should even get a seed. I am sure Coach C will use these "lack of respect" comments to help motivate the team. He kind of mentioned it in his post game UNH press conference. The one good thing is the thought that we need to keep an undefeated season going is out the window. There is little or no pressure on HC to go out and win - all the pressure is on SD State IMO.
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 17:04:17 GMT -5
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Post by jackedforlife on Dec 5, 2022 17:04:17 GMT -5
An interesting stat concerning Sluka's rushing stats - with the UNH game Sluka went over 1,000 yards for the season to lead all QB's in FCS by 1 yard over Montana States QB, Mellot -1,021 yards to 1,020 yards. Jacked, do you think SD Sate would put a spy on Sluka? It hasn’t been the MO of DC Rogers to use a spy. They rely mostly on gap assignment and relentless pursuit. Again, not saying Sluka won’t have success in QB designed runs but I don’t think that’d be the bread and butter. I’d say the broken pocket runs would be.
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 17:07:31 GMT -5
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Post by jackedforlife on Dec 5, 2022 17:07:31 GMT -5
Earlier today I commented that SDSU's size did not concern me but rather their speed (particularly on D). At lunch this afternoon, a colleague expressed surprise that we were comparable to a MVFC team who he thought matched up well size-wise with Big 10 Iowa. With time to kill this afternoon before coaching a hockey game this evening, I decided to dive into the rosters. I don't think I could compile the 40 time for both teams so I settled for comparing height and weight based by position. Obviously size is but one factor in comparing rosters (such as where they are from, level of competition, grade level, experience, stats, etc).
| HC |
| SDSU |
| Position | Height | Weight | Height | Weight | OL | 6-5 | 295 | 6-5 | 298 | DL | 6-3 | 264 | 6-3 | 253 | LB | 6-1 | 225 | 6-1 | 205 | S | 6-1 | 198 | 6-1 | 182 | CB | 6-1 | 186 | 6-1 | 184 | WR | 6-1 | 191 | 6-1 | 190 | TE | 6-4 | 234 | 6-5 | 233 | RB | 6-0 | 211 | 6-0 | 196 | FB | 6-1 | 240 | 6-3 | 235 | QB | 6-3 | 215 | 6-3 | 220 |
Notes: HC breaks down safeties into Free vs. Strong, SDSU groups them together Both HC and SDSU only have 1 FB listed I only included Sluka and Gronowski at QB
Here is the Spreadsheet
Great stuff! I’d be interested to see the breakdown after the depth charts come out, maybe it doesn’t even change. But on average HC size shows across the roster.
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SDSU
Dec 5, 2022 17:42:25 GMT -5
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Post by nycrusader2010 on Dec 5, 2022 17:42:25 GMT -5
An interesting stat concerning Sluka's rushing stats - with the UNH game Sluka went over 1,000 yards for the season to lead all QB's in FCS by 1 yard over Montana States QB, Mellot -1,021 yards to 1,020 yards. Jacked, do you think SD Sate would put a spy on Sluka? It hasn’t been the MO of DC Rogers to use a spy. They rely mostly on gap assignment and relentless pursuit. Again, not saying Sluka won’t have success in QB designed runs but I don’t think that’d be the bread and butter. I’d say the broken 8pocket runs would be. As far as gaining anything off tackle, you guys certaintly bottled him up last time. The major difference between April 2021 and now is that Sluka is much more of a complete QB now. Back then, if his 1st option wasn't immediately open, it was duck, tuck and run. Now, he both a) has weapons downfield and b) is able to effectively utilize them. As far as our offensive game plan, I expect the ground and pound to be our bread and butter with designed off-guard / QB draw run plays and downfield pass plays mixed in. We are much more apt to throw on 3rd down with an empty backfield than we were past two seasons. Fellow HC fans: if my memory jogs me correctly, weren't we also without Asante and Tenio Ayeni against SDSU last time? I seem to recall both were hurt and Spencer Gilliam was our top WR threat in that game -- and Sluka was not yet really at the point where he could effectively get anyone the ball in what was his 3rd career start.
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Post by trimster on Dec 5, 2022 17:47:01 GMT -5
The comparison to Mike Vincens is most apt. He brought something special to the court for every game and that did annoy opponents, especially when it made good on what he "promised." Vicens.
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Post by nycrusader2010 on Dec 5, 2022 17:54:51 GMT -5
I have seen no attitude issues with Matt Sluka. I have to guess that comment came from a real nitwit You should see what a few people have called him on the UNH board, including words we're not allowed to use on Crossports. I know a few people who have used words like "edgy" and "arrogant" to describe him. I have no problem with how he plays. How did they feel about Laube slapping high five with his lineman 10 yards outside the endzone? Arrogant? Safe to say such an opportunity for showmanship never materialized against Holy Cross.
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