South Dakota State answered any and each problem this season whereas capturing a second consecutive FCS nationwide championship.
The one query that seems unanswered is how excessive do the Jackrabbits rank among the many greatest groups within the 46-year historical past of the Division I subdivision?
They’re within the dialogue.
The Jacks went wire-to-wire at No. 1, finishing a 15-0 season with a 23-3 victory over No. 2 Montana in Sunday’s title recreation in Frisco, Texas. They joined 4 different FCS groups to complete with that very same excellent document, trailing solely North Dakota State’s 16-0 mark in 2019.
“I’m not overly involved about the place we stand. I do know this, that is the most effective group that South Dakota State soccer has ever had. And that’s what we concern ourselves about,” stated first-year coach Jimmy Rogers, the 2023 Eddie Robinson Award recipient. “The place it stands in historical past, I’m undecided, you guys (the media) make that call. Blessed to be across the guys.”
In marking the eighth time an FCS group has gained two or extra consecutive nationwide titles, SDSU pushed its successful streak to 29 video games – the third-longest run in FCS historical past. The dominance got here with exclamation within the postseason because the Jackrabbits’ 131-point margin in 4 playoff wins (146-15) tied for the second-largest in FCS historical past. General, they outscored opponents 560-139 behind an offense stuffed with NFL prospects and a protection whose 9.27 factors allowed per recreation marked the bottom common in an FCS season for the reason that 2003 Monmouth squad (8.5).
It’s affordable to say SDSU has joined a strong historical past of FCS dynasties. That distinction might be skewed by North Dakota State’s unbelievable run that has made all others seem mortal – 9 FCS championships in 11 seasons from 2011-21 – however the Jackrabbits have defeated the Bison an unfathomable 5 straight occasions for the reason that spring 2021 season and performed in three of the final 4 nationwide championship video games.
SDSU soccer dates to 1889, however this was the Jackrabbits’ first-ever unbeaten season that didn’t embody a tie.
“It’s fairly superior,” linebacker Adam Bock stated, “wanting on the market, a sea of blue (followers on the Toyota Stadium turf afterward), all people on the sphere. That first (nationwide title is) going to be actually particular, simply being the primary one. However, man, the feelings are nice for each (titles), understanding you labored so arduous and also you achieved what you got down to do.”
Following is a evaluation of South Dakota State’s win over Montana:
No. 1 seed South Dakota State (15-0) 23, No. 2 seed Montana (13-2) 3
Fast Synopsis – SDSU led by solely 7-3 at halftime, however scored on three straight possessions within the third quarter to increase its benefit to principally an insurmountable 23-3. Quarterback Mark Gronowski, contemporary off receiving the 2023 Walter Payton Award, was named the title recreation’s Most Excellent Participant for the second consecutive yr, and the protection didn’t permit a landing for the third time in 4 playoff wins.
Recreation Balls – Offense: Gronowski accounted for 237 yards of complete offense and two touchdowns (one speeding, one passing); Protection: Bock stopped Montana operating again Eli Gillman contained in the SDSU 1 to finish a drive on the primary play of the second quarter and completed with a team-high 11 tackles (seven solos); Particular Groups: All 5 of Hunter Dustman’s punts had been contained in the Griz 20 and compelled a median beginning spot contained in the 11 after them. He additionally kicked a 32-yard discipline objective regardless of a subpar snap.
3 Key Stats – 1. Montana ran 21 extra offensive performs than SDSU – 76 to 55 – however the Jackrabbits had been extra productive, averaging 6.8 yards per play to the Grizzlies’ common of three.6; 2. The Missouri Valley Soccer Convention champion’s protection picked the proper recreation to publish a season-high 5 sacks, usually forcing Grizzlies quarterback Clifton McDowell out of the pocket. Defensive ends Cade Terveer and Quinton Hicks had 1.5 sacks every; 3. The Jackrabbits stored Montana scoreless within the first and third quarters, which displays on the season’s terrific recreation plans and training changes. They allowed solely 26 factors within the first quarter and 14 within the third quarter in 15 video games.
Takeaway – The Jackrabbits had been unflappable in Rogers’ first season on the helm, with repeating because the nationwide champion principally their solely possibility for it to be thought of a profitable season. They met the problem by being the FCS’ greatest group by far.
Up Subsequent – South Dakota State will declare its second consecutive No. 1 ultimate rating within the Stats Carry out FCS Prime 25 Ballot on Monday. The 2024 season opener for every group is on Aug. 31: SDSU will play at Oklahoma State and Montana will host Missouri State.
