Eastern Illinois @ South Dakota St.

[Mvemjsunpx]

The stats on paper suggest all offense vs. all defense, but the truth isn't quite that simple. A lot of that discrepancy is based on the fact that Eastern Illinois's games have been played at a much faster pace than South Dakota State's—EIU & their opponents each average 85+ plays per game while SDSU & their opponents each average in the 60s.

I think each team's D is capable of containing the other's offensive strength, but it appears that SDSU is more likely to establish a passing game against the Panthers than EIU will be at establishing a running game against the Jackrabbits. South Dakota State's special teams are also less bad.

Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:

• • • Quarterbacks -- Eastern Illinois
      
      Running Backs - South Dakota St.
      
      Receivers/TEs - Eastern Illinois
      
      Offensive Line - (push)
      
      
      Defensive Line - Eastern Illinois
      
      Linebackers --- South Dakota St.
      
      Secondary ---- South Dakota St.
      
      
      Kicking ------ (push)
      
      Punting ------ South Dakota St.
      
      Return Teams - South Dakota St.
      
      Kickoffs ------ South Dakota St.
      
      
      
      
      
      • Eastern Illinois 27-34 South Dakota St.

[dal4018]

I think this will be even closer 38-35.

[houndawg]

The stats on paper suggest all offense vs. all defense, but the truth isn't quite that simple. A lot of that discrepancy is based on the fact that Eastern Illinois's games have been played at a much faster pace than South Dakota State's—EIU & their opponents each average 85+ plays per game while SDSU & their opponents each average in the 60s.

I think each team's D is capable of containing the other's offensive strength, but it appears that SDSU is more likely to establish a passing game against the Panthers than EIU will be at establishing a running game against the Jackrabbits. South Dakota State's special teams are also less bad.

Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:

• • • Quarterbacks -- Eastern Illinois
      
      Running Backs - South Dakota St.
      
      Receivers/TEs - Eastern Illinois
      
      Offensive Line - (push)
      
      
      Defensive Line - Eastern Illinois
      
      Linebackers --- South Dakota St.
      
      Secondary ---- South Dakota St.
      
      
      Kicking ------ (push)
      
      Punting ------ South Dakota St.
      
      Return Teams - South Dakota St.
      
      Kickoffs ------ South Dakota St.
      
      
      
      
      
      • Eastern Illinois 27-34 South Dakota St.

SDSU has the better QB. If he were running EIUs offense he'd be getting national attention.

SIU lost to both teams; the reason I think that SDSU will win is because even SIU's bad offense was able to put up 4 TDS and 400 yds of offense on EIU. I'm going the other way score wise on this one a see a lower scoring game as SDSU is able to run and burn clock.

[SloStang]

I have not seen either team play this season, but I am surprised that you have the O-line as a push and the D-line as an advantage to Eastern Illinois. In the past the strength of SDSU has always been the big uglies up front on both sides of the ball.

[BisoNation]

I have very little doubt that SDSU will win tomorrow and be Fargo bound again next weekend.

[dal4018]

Can't wait to hear about the matchup with Jake Gentile vs Erik Lora???? Seeing as how Lora is only 5-10 181 and Gentile is 6-1 200 needless to say he must be physical with Lora in this meeting.Wonder how come Von Wise isn't the focal point of Eastern's pass happy offense he is 6-4 210 with more size&speed.Garafalo needs three more td passes to break the conference mark of 34 held by Tony Romo.

[Theee Catrabbit]

Can't wait to hear about the matchup with Jake Gentile vs Erik Lora????

You'd probably have to wait a while to hear about that....it will be JeRyan Butler(5'8 185) or Winston Wright(5'10 190) covering Lora I'm sure......Jacks Oline will physically massacre the EIU Dline, they are B1G big averaging about 300+ lbs. Sorry it's just not a contest. Also our Dline held Shakir Bell to 65 yards, EIU will have no run game. We only have to rush 3 or 4. Everybody else covers the pass or plugs the holes. We did have one Olineman go down end of season....but we should be fine since our preseason starters are back from injury. Also Sumner played with an effed up throwing thumb for the first 6 games, the final games are a true testament to his abilities.

I'm not saying I'm not intrigued by this match up. It should be a good game. But our OLines and Dlines are one of the best in the MVFC. I'd say our Dline is only 2nd to NDSU's, maybe.

[Mvemjsunpx]

I have not seen either team play this season, but I am surprised that you have the O-line as a push and the D-line as an advantage to Eastern Illinois. In the past the strength of SDSU has always been the big uglies up front on both sides of the ball.

O-Line - SoDak State gave up a ton of sacks this year (39 sacks allowed, 5th. worst in the nation)—12 more than EIU even though EIU threw it almost 200 more times. SDSU blocks a bit better on the run, EIU blocks a bit better on the pass; therefore a push.

D-Line - This was fairly close, but here's my reasoning… EIU gave up about 30 more ypg on the ground than SDSU, but the ypc numbers were actually the same (see the # of plays thing in the OP). SDSU did have more sacks, but (if I counted correctly) the Panthers had a few more from their D-Line. SOS wasn't a factor for me here because, although the MVFC is clearly a better defensive conference than the OVC, it isn't a better offensive conference. I did think about calling it a "push," but decided to give EIU a slight advantage. The LB & DB advantages for SDSU are much bigger than EIU's advantage here, though.

[dal4018]

Can't wait to hear about the matchup with Jake Gentile vs Erik Lora????

You'd probably have to wait a while to hear about that....it will be JeRyan Butler(5'8 185) or Winston Wright(5'10 190) covering Lora I'm sure......Jacks Oline will physically massacre the EIU Dline, they are B1G big averaging about 300+ lbs. Sorry it's just not a contest. Also our Dline held Shakir Bell to 65 yards, EIU will have no run game. We only have to rush 3 or 4. Everybody else covers the pass or plugs the holes. We did have one Olineman go down end of season....but we should be fine since our preseason starters are back from injury. Also Sumner played with an effed up throwing thumb for the first 6 games, the final games are a true testament to his abilities.

I'm not saying I'm not intrigued by this match up. It should be a good game. But our OLines and Dlines are one of the best in the MVFC. I'd say our Dline is only 2nd to NDSU's, maybe.

Hey why isn't Von Wise the focal point of EIU's pass offense at 6-4 210 he has more size and speed also can cause matchup problems.Jake Gentile at 6-1 200 is the only DB on SDSU roster with size to slow down Lora.If I were the QB at EIU Wise would get plenty of balls thrown his way.

[Ivytalk]

Wascal Wabbits win!

[houndawg]

Can't wait to hear about the matchup with Jake Gentile vs Erik Lora????

You'd probably have to wait a while to hear about that....it will be JeRyan Butler(5'8 185) or Winston Wright(5'10 190) covering Lora I'm sure......Jacks Oline will physically massacre the EIU Dline, they are B1G big averaging about 300+ lbs. Sorry it's just not a contest. Also our Dline held Shakir Bell to 65 yards, EIU will have no run game. We only have to rush 3 or 4. Everybody else covers the pass or plugs the holes. We did have one Olineman go down end of season....but we should be fine since our preseason starters are back from injury. Also Sumner played with an effed up throwing thumb for the first 6 games, the final games are a true testament to his abilities.

I'm not saying I'm not intrigued by this match up. It should be a good game. But our OLines and Dlines are one of the best in the MVFC. I'd say our Dline is only 2nd to NDSU's, maybe.

Maybe 3rd behind SIU and NDSU, but ISU might have on edge on SDSU there too.

Both SIU and NDSU were able to run effectively on the Jacks and neither offense is anything to write home about, especially SIU's.

Your o line gave up 5 sacks to NDSU and six sacks and a safety to SIU.

Your o line averaged 1.8 ypc against NDSU and 1.3 ypc against SIU. While blocking for the leading rusher in FCS.

Not saying that your defense isn't a good one, just saying it doesn't stand out that much in the MVC.


Frankly, the more I look at the season the less I see that makes me think that SDSU deserved the bye over ISU.

[Theee Catrabbit]

You'd probably have to wait a while to hear about that....it will be JeRyan Butler(5'8 185) or Winston Wright(5'10 190) covering Lora I'm sure......Jacks Oline will physically massacre the EIU Dline, they are B1G big averaging about 300+ lbs. Sorry it's just not a contest. Also our Dline held Shakir Bell to 65 yards, EIU will have no run game. We only have to rush 3 or 4. Everybody else covers the pass or plugs the holes. We did have one Olineman go down end of season....but we should be fine since our preseason starters are back from injury. Also Sumner played with an effed up throwing thumb for the first 6 games, the final games are a true testament to his abilities.

I'm not saying I'm not intrigued by this match up. It should be a good game. But our OLines and Dlines are one of the best in the MVFC. I'd say our Dline is only 2nd to NDSU's, maybe.

Maybe 3rd behind SIU and NDSU, but ISU might have on edge on SDSU there too.

Both SIU and NDSU were able to run effectively on the Jacks and neither offense is anything to write home about, especially SIU's.

Your o line gave up 5 sacks to NDSU and six sacks and a safety to SIU.

Your o line averaged 1.8 ypc against NDSU and 1.3 ypc against SIU. While blocking for the leading rusher in FCS.

Not saying that your defense isn't a good one, just saying it doesn't stand out that much in the MVC.


Frankly, the more I look at the season the less I see that makes me think that SDSU deserved the bye over ISU.

I don't discount SIU's defense either. SIU is better than us at Rushing Defense by a couple. However, State is the #4 scoring defense in the country allowing only 15.9 points per game....and we all know that starts up front. Ill State(not discounting them either) is a distant 41, they're rushing defense #37. SIU is a solid 15 & NDSU is #1(hence Zach having a rough day). As for the sacks? Austin does have a tendency to hold too long instead of just throwing it away, he's a sophomore. Probably half could be avoided. State just doesn't play well in domes(UNI), which going to Fargo again(should we win today) will be tough.

I also think Ill State got the bye because of EIU. They've already played them if they hadn't played them, my money is on the roles would have been reversed. Of course that's all just crackpot forum conspiracy theory......

Like I said before this will be an interesting game, Strength vs Strength. But, EIU will have to get 1st downs in order to beat the Jacks, something that doesn't come easy in Coughlin.

Enough statistics and supposition the bracket is set, the game is here! TIme to get ready head to Brookings, drink some, and go to the game! Represent the State, the Alum, and the Valley! Let's Go Rabbits!!!!!!

[houndawg]

Maybe 3rd behind SIU and NDSU, but ISU might have on edge on SDSU there too.

Both SIU and NDSU were able to run effectively on the Jacks and neither offense is anything to write home about, especially SIU's.

Your o line gave up 5 sacks to NDSU and six sacks and a safety to SIU.

Your o line averaged 1.8 ypc against NDSU and 1.3 ypc against SIU. While blocking for the leading rusher in FCS.

Not saying that your defense isn't a good one, just saying it doesn't stand out that much in the MVC.


Frankly, the more I look at the season the less I see that makes me think that SDSU deserved the bye over ISU.

I don't discount SIU's defense either. SIU is better than us at Rushing Defense by a couple. However, State is the #4 scoring defense in the country allowing only 15.9 points per game....and we all know that starts up front. Ill State(not discounting them either) is a distant 41, they're rushing defense #37. SIU is a solid 15 & NDSU is #1(hence Zach having a rough day). As for the sacks? Austin does have a tendency to hold too long instead of just throwing it away, he's a sophomore. Probably half could be avoided. State just doesn't play well in domes(UNI), which going to Fargo again(should we win today) will be tough.

I also think Ill State got the bye because of EIU. They've already played them if they hadn't played them, my money is on the roles would have been reversed. Of course that's all just crackpot forum conspiracy theory......

Like I said before this will be an interesting game, Strength vs Strength. But, EIU will have to get 1st downs in order to beat the Jacks, something that doesn't come easy in Coughlin.

Enough statistics and supposition the bracket is set, the game is here! TIme to get ready head to Brookings, drink some, and go to the game! Represent the State, the Alum, and the Valley! Let's Go Rabbits!!!!!!

I didn't think of that, I suspect you're right about that being a factor.

It will be an interesting game I'm sure, my guess is SDSU o line gets enough done for Zenner to be a factor and the Jacks to control the clock.

[BisoNation]

17-3 SDSU up early in the 2nd still. No surprises in Brookings so far.

[BisoNation]

Zenner in again, 24-3 SDSU 5 minutes to go in the 1st. The rout is on.

[BisoNation]

Blocked punt, SDSU up 34-3 at the half. 1 of the last 2 teams in my ass...

[grizzaholic]

Blocked punt, SDSU up 34-3 at the half. 1 of the last 2 teams in my ass...

So because a team comes in hot and another cold, one game means everything???

[BisoNation]

Blocked punt, SDSU up 34-3 at the half. 1 of the last 2 teams in my ass...

So because a team comes in hot and another cold, one game means everything???

No it doesn't mean everything, but if you look at SDSU all season long they have been impressive and I'm still really confused how they were one of the last two teams.

It's a real shame we have to knock out another quality MVFC team so early next weekend

[Mvemjsunpx]

It's almost like the MEAC & the OVC are trying to keep the winless streaks alive.

[EWURanger]

So because a team comes in hot and another cold, one game means everything???

No it doesn't mean everything, but if you look at SDSU all season long they have been impressive and I'm still really confused how they were one of the last two teams.

It's a real shame we have to knock out another quality MVFC team so early next weekend

Record.


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[BisoNation]

44-3 SDSU.

[BisoNation]

No it doesn't mean everything, but if you look at SDSU all season long they have been impressive and I'm still really confused how they were one of the last two teams.

It's a real shame we have to knock out another quality MVFC team so early next weekend

Record.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Same record as Wofford, New Hampshire, Ill State, App State, and Sam Houston. Maybe another in there too that I missed.

[BisoNation]

SDSU wins it, 58-10.

[Gil Dobie]

Congrats Jacks, looking for a great game in the Fargodome

[Theee Catrabbit]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVzvRsl4rEM[/youtube]

Alright Bison let's do this!

Roll! Rabbits Roll!