2. Oakley’s strength: Oakley is back and rolling after a 7-3 season last season. The Plainsmen are 6-0 with just 20 points allowed and have a bye this week. The biggest strength is on the defensive line. Last year, OL/DL Ethan Jirak missed the first four games with a knee injury and Oakley started 2-2. Jirak returned in Week 5 and Oakley finished 5-1. Overall, Jirak, who often plays nose guard, had one sack as Oakley had 18 all season.
This fall, Oakley already has 18 sacks, including four from Jirak and Nate Cox. In a Week 2 shutout of  Ellis, Jirak had 2 1/2 tackles for loss and two sacks. That pressure has helped the Plainsmen pick off 11 passes and recover nine fumbles. In the last three seasons, Oakley is 22-2 when Jirak plays, 2-2 when he doesn’t. Helped by Jirak, Oakley will be a formidable opponent for any team in the postseason.