Defending FCS champion South Dakota State is heading again to the nationwide title recreation with a 28-game successful streak and almost trying unbeaten in a semifinal-round win over UAlbany Friday evening.
However how about this: The Jackrabbits will subsequent share the dance ground, er turf, with the Montana Grizzlies, a program they’ve by no means defeated in eight earlier matchups.
Sure, it’s No. 1 South Dakota State (14-0) versus No. 2 Montana (13-1) – the best way it normally must be.
The Grizzlies went two overtimes to dispatch of North Dakota State in Saturday’s semifinal, organising the winner-take-all showdown.
Following is a evaluation of the semifinal spherical:
No. 1 Seed South Dakota State (14-0) 59, No. 5 Seed UAlbany (11-4) 0
Fast Synopsis – The MVFC champion Jackrabbits had been as dominant as ever throughout their 28-game successful streak, leaping to a 35-0 halftime lead whereas posting the most important shutout win in FCS playoff historical past. Mark Gronowski accounted for 315 yards of whole offense and three landing passes, together with two to tight finish Zach Heins, and Isaiah Davis rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns.
Recreation Balls – It’s Gronowski (15-for-19) for positive, but in addition credit score the SDU protection for producing 4 turnovers, together with linebacker Jason Freeman scoring on a 34-yard fumble return and posting a team-high 9 tackles.
Key Stats – SDSU had a 338-117 benefit in yards throughout the decisive first half, constructing it to 556-298 by recreation’s finish. Along with the historic shutout, the Jackrabbits’ margin of victory was the second-largest in FCS playoff historical past (Montana beat Troy 70-7 in a 1996 semifinal).
Up Subsequent – SDSU, enjoying within the FCS championship recreation for the third time within the final 4 seasons, subsequent faces Montana (13-1) in simply the eighth all-time matchup between the highest two seeds and the eighth that matches the No. 1- and 2-ranked groups.
No. 2 Seed Montana (13-1) 31, North Dakota State (11-4) 29, 2 OTs
Fast Synopsis – Montana received a basic matchup of energy applications, going forward 31-23 within the second extra time on Eli Gillman’s 13-yard run and Junior Bergen’s two-point move to Keelan White, then denying the visiting Bison of a two-point move try following TK Marshall’s two-yard scoring run. Corbin Walker intercepted the move within the Griz finish zone, sending a lot of the sold-out Washington-Grizzly Stadium into hysteria. Â
Recreation Ball – Bergen, a large receiver, not solely handed for the decisive two factors as he was about to be tackled on a reverse, however he scored on a 22-yard catch within the first OT and by way of a 47-yard punt return early within the fourth quarter – his third return for a TD within the final two video games. He had 80 yards from scrimmage and 75 extra on returns.
Key Stats – NDSU dedicated 9 penalties, together with six false begins, in comparison with simply two by the Grizzlies. The sport was the ultimate one for Bison coach Matt Entz, who will depart for an assistant’s teaching place at USC after successful two nationwide titles and posting a 60-11 report in 5 seasons.
Up Subsequent – Montana will play within the championship recreation for the eighth time, however for the primary time since 2009 in coach Bobby Hauck’s first stint as head coach, when it faces South Dakota State (14-0). The Grizzlies have received 10 straight video games.
