FCS historical past continues to unfold with defending nationwide champion South Dakota State driving a 26-game successful streak – tied for the third-longest in Division I subdivision historical past.
It’s going to possible take a historic playoff upset – one for the ages, the truth is – for Villanova to cease the steamrolling Jackrabbits of their FCS quarterfinal on Saturday.
Following is a capsule preview of the Villanova at SDSU matchup:
No. 8 Seed Villanova (10-2) at No. 1 Seed South Dakota State (12-0)
Kickoff – Midday ET Saturday at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota (ESPN)
Collection – South Dakota State leads 2-0 (final assembly: SDSU received 35-21 in a Villanova in 2021 playoff quarterfinal)
Coaches – Villanova: Mark Ferrante (47-28, seventh season); South Dakota State: Jimmy Rogers (12-0, first season)
3 Gamers to Watch – Villanova: QB Connor Watkins (146 of 251, 2,607 yards, 20 TDs, 9 INTs; 326 rush yards, 10 TDs), RB Jalen Jackson (123 carries, 914 yards, 8 TDs), LB Shane Hartzell (82 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 INT, 8 QB hurries); South Dakota State: QB Mark Gronowski (170 of 248, 2,517 yards, 24 TDs, 4 INTs; 260 rush yards, 7 TDs), RB Isaiah Davis (178 carries, 1,192 yards, 14 TDs; 20 receptions), LB Isaiah Stalbird (65 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 fumble restoration)
Notable – SDSU, the defending nationwide champion, has a 19-game residence successful streak along with its 26-game general run. The MVFC champ is the one FCS crew to rank within the high 10 of scoring offense, complete offense, scoring protection and complete protection, and its level differential is by far the very best nationally (plus-331 with 455 scored and 124 allowed). Davis has 100+ speeding yards in 10 of his 13 profession playoff video games. Linebacker Jason Freeman leads with 4 takeaways on a crew that’s +11 in turnover margin. Villanova is on a seven-game successful streak with a mean 22.7-point margin of victory. The Wildcats are surrendering solely 99 speeding yards per recreation to FCS opponents, however they’ll must match SDSU’s highly effective offensive line (Garret Greenfield and Mason McCormick are dedicated to the East-West Shrine Bowl). Whereas the CAA tri-champ averages 220.4 speeding yards per recreation, its downfield passing is a distinction maker, with WRs Rayjoun Pringle (38 receptions, 955 yards, 8 TDs) and Jaylan Sanchez (28-716-6) each averaging over 25 yards per catch.
Up Subsequent – The winner will play No. 4 seed Idaho (9-3) or No. 5 seed UAlbany (10-3) in a nationwide semifinal on Dec. 15 or 16.
Prediction – South Dakota State 35, Villanova 17
