SIU returns home for their homecoming game against the #1 team in the country and the defending FCS champions.
Meet the Jackrabbits:
South Dakota State is coached by Jimmy Rogers in his first year as head coach. Rogers took over this offseason for the retired John Stiegelmeier who went out on top with a National Championship. Rogers was a former linebacker at South Dakota State from 1995-1999 and spent 4 seasons as defensive coordinator before getting the job.
The Jackrabbits have home wins this season over #2 Montana State and #11 North Dakota. Their only true road game so far this season was a 40-21 win at Illinois State.
South Dakota State currently ranks first in the MVFC in points per game (43 PPG) and first in the MVFC in points allowed per game (13 PPG). The Jackrabbits are 1st in the MVFC in rushing yards per game (255.7) and 8th in the passing yards per game (211.3).
The Quarterback of the Jackrabbits is 6-3 Junior Mark Gronowski from Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, IL. Gronowski started as a true freshman all 10 games compiling 15 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions. In the National Championship game against Sam Houston State that year, Gronowski suffered a torn ACL causing him to miss the 2021 season. Last season, Gronowski led the Jackrabbits to the first National Championship win in school history. This season, has thrown for 1,160 yards and 15 touchdowns with just 1 interception. He'a also rushed for 146 yards and 6 touchdowns.
The leading rusher on South Dakota State is 6-1 Senior Isaiah Davis. Davis teamed with Pierre Strong in his Freshman season and rushed for 818 yards and 10 touchdowns. Last season, Davis has a huge breakout season rushing for 1,451 yards and 15 touchdowns and finished the season with a touchdown in 10 consecutive games. This season, Davis is on pace to top his previous season. He currently has 594 rushing yards on 77 carries for 7 rushing touchdowns.
The Jackrabbits' leading WR is 6-3 Senior Jaxon Janke. Jaxon has led the Jackrabbits in receiving the previous 3 seasons and has compiled a combined 3,208 receiving yards and 27 receiving touchdowns in his collegiate career. This season, Janke has 24 catches for 349 yards and 3 touchdowns. South Dakota State spreads the ball out to a few different WR's including his brother Jadon Janke.
Some defensive players to watch on South Dakota State includes 6-1 Senior Linebacker Saiveon Williamson who leads the team in tackles with 43 including 17 solo tackles. 6-3 Senior Defensive End Cade Terveer leads the Jackrabbits in sacks with 3.5.
Weather:
Massey Ratings:
Massey Ratings has South Dakota State winning 28-17 and gives the Jackrabbits a 79% chance of winning.
Links:
SIU Game Notes
South Dakota State Game Notes
South Dakota State Message Board
Biggest game at Saluki Stadium since? The (February) 2021 beatdown of #1 NDSU?
That was the COVID season, so some may argue against it, but if not, which game?
I have confidence the defense can hold them under 30, but not confident the offense can score 30. That Murray State game was unwatchable at times. Hopefully our WR and RB return this week. Maybe throw to our TEs more. Hell, I don’t know.
Find a way to win Dawgs! Not sure what it’s going to take to beat SDSU, I just hope SIU doesn’t take itself out of the game due to penalties and lack of execution.
I have confidence the defense can hold them under 30, but not confident the offense can score 30. That Murray State game was unwatchable at times. Hopefully our WR and RB return this week. Maybe throw to our TEs more. Hell, I don’t know.
Cox is back Ro isn’t according to Hill
Definitely good news, bad news. I think there is a big drop off from Elliott to any of the other 3 RB's we play in Strong, Lester and Benefield. You can see that via the eye test and statistically. Ro averages way more yards per carry than anyone else and has his whole career. Hopefully our O line will run block like they did last week, although the difference between Murray and SDSU's D line is monumental. Having D'Ante back is very big for the passing game. Gives us 3 legit threats in Davis, Cox and Hartrup. We just need to give Nic some protection to find those guys. Go Dawgs!I have confidence the defense can hold them under 30, but not confident the offense can score 30. That Murray State game was unwatchable at times. Hopefully our WR and RB return this week. Maybe throw to our TEs more. Hell, I don’t know.
Cox is back Ro isn’t according to Hill
SDSU points this season: 45, 20 (Montana St), 70, 42, 40, 41. Only #2 Montana St, my pick to win the National Championship this year, has held them to less than 40.
To have a chance, we are going to have to score a lot of points, because they probably are going to score a lot of points against us.
Having Cox back is a big plus. Hopefully the Oline will do a much better job of protecting Baker than they did last couple of games.
SDSU held UNI and UND to 40 and 68 yds rushing respectively. Only Montana St (211) and Redturd St (122) have successfully run the ball on them.
Don't have a good feeling about this game. Hope SDSU comes in flat and over confident like NDSU did a couple of years ago and we play inspired ball.
Weather forecast is 68 at game time, mostly sunny with a 10mph breeze.
Biggest game at Saluki Stadium since? The (February) 2021 beatdown of #1 NDSU?
That was the COVID season, so some may argue against it, but if not, which game?
or the SE Louisiana game that got us into the playoffs
Massey says
SDSU 31 TSIU 17
Also has us ranked 4th in the country????
If there is a decent walk up crowd, overall crowd size should be pretty good. Most of the home side seats are sold out already. Hopefully they give us all a reason to cheer!!
Yeah, I tried to get two tickets on the home side yesterday and couldn’t get one. I was surprised.
Anyone seen a spread on this game?
FYI: If you want to do a little pre-gaming, SIU is offering free mimosas as part of the dedication of the newly-named Sharp Museum in Faner from 11 - 2 today.
What a fake punt call by Hill
