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Jonathan Taylor vs. Jaguars rush defense main event in showdown
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- Jonathan Taylor vs. Jaguars rush defense main event in showdown
Welcome to the NFL's equivalent of the moving object vs. the immoveable force.
The moving object is Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor , who enters Week 14 first in the NFL in rushing yards (1,282) and rushing touchdowns (15), second in yards per carry (5.7) and carries of at least 20 yards (nine) and third in attempts (226).
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The immoveable force is the Jacksonville Jaguars' rush defense, which leads the league in fewest rushing yards allowed per game (82.4) and are tied for second in fewest rushes of at least 20 yards allowed (three).
Buckle up your chin straps, fellas. The tougher team will win when the Colts visit the Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 7.
"(Taylor) is obviously explosive (speed-wise), but he's also explosive because he doesn't go down easy," Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanilesaid. "He's not a guy you can arm tackle. It's got to be a team tackling mentality with him. He's a physical back and they're physical (up front)."
Taylor, whose career per-game average of 92.3 yards is fifth all-time, has five 100-yard games and the Colts offense goes as he goes — 127.3-yard average in their eight wins and 66 yards in their four losses.
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The objective for the Jaguars' defense is clear: Contain Taylor on early downs to make quarterback Daniel Jones and his broken left leg have to drop back on third down. If defensive tackle Arik Armstead (hand) returns after missing the win over Tennessee , that will help. Expect DaVon Hamilton to anchor the interior.
"He's a guy that, if you really value defensive line pay and love to watch them work in the run game and transition in the pass game, he's about as good as I've been around," Campanile said.
Taylor will be looking to end his struggles in Jacksonville. In four career games, he has averaged 10.3 carries for 43 yards (all Colts losses).
Longtime rivalry: Jaguars vs. Colts rivalry highlights, home win streak; Peyton Manning
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About the Jaguars
1. Scaling back:In recent weeks, Jaguars coach Liam Coenhas opted for a Wednesday walk-through (no helmets).
"That's been great," center Robert Hainsey said. "It lets you focus on the technique and fundamentals and slow things down. For us, when you do (the walk-through) the right way, you can still get really good looks, but not throw a bunch of crazy, full-speed reps on your body."
2. Break finger, finish game:Jaguars linebacker/special teams standout Yasir Abdullah was off the injury report this week after missing two games with a broken left index finger.
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Abdullah said he was injured trying to "punch the ball out on a kickoff," against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11. He was able to finish the game.
Abdullah had surgery to "just put a little bit of screws and stuff (in the finger). Nothing crazy."
3. Downfield threat:The Jaguars also need to be aware of receiver Alec Pierce , who leads the league in yards per catch (20.9; the next-closest is Detroit 's Jameson Williams at 18.6). Pierce has 12 catches of at least 20 yards, including three of at least 40 yards.
"He can really run," Campanile said. "I think they do a great job of trying to get him isolated (in coverage) and stretch the defense with him. He's an impressive guy."
Jacksonville Dolphins head coach Jordan Mincy coaches from the sidelines during the first half. Jacksonville University played University of North Florida Thursday night, February 20, 2025 in the River City Rumble in Jacksonville, Fl. JU lead 35-34 over UNF at the half. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]2025
JU basketball off to 4-4 start
The Jacksonville University men's basketball team is 4-4 after beating Florida A&M 85-82 in overtime on Dec. 2. So, coach Jordan Mincy, what do you make of JU's first eight games as the Dolphins introduce five freshman and six transfers to the program?
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"We wanted to play one of the toughest schedules in the country because you want your guys to be battle-tested going into league play," Mincy said.
JU has already played at Miami (ACC, lost 86-69) and George Mason (Atlantic 10, lost 79-57) and play at Florida International (Conference USA, Dec. 6), Texas A&M (SEC, Dec. 14) and Florida State (ACC, Dec. 22) before opening Atlantic Sun play Jan. 1 at Lipscomb.
I asked Mincy what he wants JU to improve in the next three weeks.
"Offensively, we want to clean up our execution; we have a team that we feel can score a lot better than we're showing (74.8 points per game)," he said.
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Defensively, JU was holding opponents to 25.9% accuracy from 3-point territory until FAMU was 13 of 21.
Saturday selections
Alabama vs. Georgia ( Atlanta ):Georgia makes its fifth consecutive SEC title game appearance and Alabama for the fifth time in eight years. Georgia keeps its first-round playoff bye by repeating as SEC champs. Georgia 27-20.
BYU vs. Texas Tech (Arlington, Texas):The stakes are simple for BYU (must win to remain in playoff consideration) and Texas Tech (must win to likely get a first-round bye). The Red Raiders complete the two-game sweep. Texas Tech 37-23.
Ohio State vs. Indiana (Indianapolis):The current playoff format makes a No. 1 (Ohio State) vs. No. 2 (Indiana) for the Big Ten title merely a tune-up. The Buckeyes lead the all-time series 82-12-5 so the Hoosiers are due, right? Not quite yet. Ohio State 30-24.
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Virginia vs. Duke (Charlotte):Virginia earned its way to the ACC title game with a 7-1 record, but Duke? The Blue Devils won a five-way tie at 6-2 to advance even though they are only 7-5. Zzzzzzzz. Virginia 28-7.
Records:2-2 last week, 27-27 overall.
Sunday selections
Indianapolis at Jaguars:This has already been a wildly fun Jaguars season to chronicle. It's about to get really fun. The Jaguars take over the solo AFC South lead. Jaguars 24-20.
Top game — Chicago at Green Bay :The Bears have a half-game lead over the Packers in the NFC North and the teams play twice in the next three weeks. Chicago's Ben Johnsonis a Coach of the Year candidate and Matt LaFleur's seat should be hot. Bears 30-27.
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Lock — Houston at Kansas City:The Chiefs are a 3 1/2-point favorite over the surging Texans and positively, absolutely need to win Sunday night. That urgency makes the difference. Chiefs 20-14.
Upset— Philadelphia at L.A. Chargers (Monday):The Eagles are 3-point favorite and Chargers quarterback Justin Herberthad surgery on his left (non-throwing) hand just a few days ago. No matter. Philadelphia's offense is broken beyond recognition. Chargers 21-14.
Records:4-0 last week, 27-19 overall.
Contact O'Halloran at rohalloran@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Colts RB Taylor vs. Jaguars rush D main event in divisional showdown
