Dominance.
It’s the one method to sum up all the South Dakota State statistics that replicate one of many biggest runs in FCS historical past.
The 2022 nationwide champion Jackrabbits haven’t blinked because the No. 1 crew this season, going 14-0 to push their two-year profitable streak to twenty-eight video games – the third-longest in FCS historical past – whereas outscoring opponents by over 28 factors on common (by way of a 537-136 margin).
Many numbers assist outline first-year coach Jimmy Rogers’ squad, however listed here are 5 that stand out heading into the championship sport in opposition to No. 2 Montana on Sunday in Frisco, Texas (2 p.m. ET, ABC):
26/65/9.7
SDSU’s top-ranked protection within the FCS barely lets an opponent get right into a aggressive sport. In 14 wins, the Jackrabbits have allowed solely 26 factors within the first quarter and 65 within the first half. It’s led to simply 9.7 factors allowed per sport, a mean that solely the 2018 Colgate squad (9.3) has bettered since 2010.
126.2
If it’s the postseason, working again Isaiah Davis instructions the highlight. He’s rushed for over 100 yards in all three playoff video games this season, in seven straight during the last two postseasons and in 12 of 15 over his profession for a mean of 126.2 yards, with 22 touchdowns as properly.
38/16.4
Montana’s all-purpose menace Junior Bergen is crimson sizzling within the playoffs, together with three mixed punt and kickoff return touchdowns in his final two video games. SDSU has allowed solely 38 punt return yards – simply 10 of its 30 punts have been returned – and returns on solely 34 of 100 kickoffs for a 16.4-yard common, which ranks Twelfth-lowest amongst 128 FCS groups.
54.8/81.8
Having probably the most environment friendly quarterback within the FCS – Mark Gronowski – displays within the clutch play of changing third- and fourth-down conditions into first downs. The Jackrabbits rank No. 1 within the FCS in each percentages – 54.8 (80 of 146) on third downs and 81.8 (9 of 11) on fourth downs.
98
The offense is sort of automated in an opponent’s crimson zone. Courting again to final season, the Jackrabbits have scored on 98 of their final 100 journeys (98 p.c) contained in the 20, together with 66 of 68 occasions this season. The 98 scores break right down to 77 touchdowns and 21 discipline targets.
