#4 Northern Iowa at #9 South Dakota St

[Professor Chaos]

Game of the week in the MVFC with big playoff implications amongst the seeds. As crazy as this sounded a week ago SDSU may even be in a must win scenario next week at rival USD to make the playoffs if they drop this one. UNI doesn't really need this to get into the playoffs (I think they could still be a seed even with a loss) but they could play themselves into a top 4 seed and homefield guaranteed until the FCS semis at least if they win it.

Despite SDSU's surprising loss last week they're still favored by 6 points in this game by 5dimes and Massey and by about 4.5 points by Sagarin. Here's how they stack up statistically:



Neither team is playing particularly well offensively right now and these are two elite defenses so the 5dimes O/U of 42.5 might even be a bit high in this one.

I think turnovers, as they usually are, are going to be key in this one but especially from SDSU's perspective. UNI is +12 on turnover margin on the year and SDSU was doomed by 4 turnovers last week. I think both defenses are capable of shutting down the other's ground game forcing the opposing offense to be one-dimensional. UNI probably has the better passing game right now but I think SDSU gets a little more traction on the ground against the UNI defense than the UNI offense gets on the SDSU defense and that gives the Jacks the advantage in this one. If SDSU avoids turnovers I think they win a low scoring slobberknocker.

What's your thoughts/prediction?

[Bison56]

I picked UNI, but I wont be surprised if SDSU wins by double digits.

[Bisonator]

If the bunny turds can stop turning the damn ball over they can win this game. Big if I know. I have a hard time picking UNI because well they Farley it up too many times. I think they are a year away from being really tough, especially with the FR QB. Their run game is not nearly as good as SDSU's. Give me Strong and the jacks in a close one.

[POD Knows]

Jacks roll big 28-14 #BOOKIT

[Professor Chaos]

Another thing I'll say is SDSU needs to stay committed to the run game even if they're having tough sledding. They cannot get into too many obvious passing situations not just because they have a true freshman QB but because their O-line has really struggled to pass block at times this year and UNI has a guy named Elerson Smith who already has 12 sacks and 8 QB hurries (along with 4 forced fumbles) on the season.

Jacks roll big 28-14 #BOOKIT

Well ****! Can I change my pick?

[cx500d]

Will SDSU suffer for their Stig-ma or will uni Farley up another game?

[Gil Dobie]

State College of Iowa

[POD Knows]

Another thing I'll say is SDSU needs to stay committed to the run game even if they're having tough sledding. They cannot get into too many obvious passing situations not just because they have a true freshman QB but because their O-line has really struggled to pass block at times this year and UNI has a guy named Elerson Smith who already has 12 sacks and 8 QB hurries (along with 4 forced fumbles) on the season.


Well ****! Can I change my pick?

If you got SDSU it is a lock, not necessarily a must win for SDSU but a pretty big game nonetheless, they will be focused and probably run for 300 yards. #BOOKIT

[POD Knows]

Will SDSU suffer for their Stig-ma or will uni Farley up another game?

SDSU wins by two TD's, both trick plays by the offensive genius Stig, #BOOKIT

[CappinHard]

The fact that UNI is +12 in turnovers scares me. That has been our achilles heel all year. Imo if we win the turnover battle or at least keep it even, we win the game. Easier said than done.