SDSU

SDSU qualifies for FCS playoffs; to visit Montana St. on Saturday

Terry Vandrovec
tvandrovec@argusleader.com

Of course, South Dakota State had to sweat out the FCS playoff selection show, placed in the last pairing that was unveiled on ESPNU.

But with the delay came gratification, the No. 14-ranked Jackrabbits rewarded for another late-season surge with a third consecutive at-large berth to the 24-team tournament, extending a program-record run. They're Big Sky bound for the second year in a row, earning a trip Bozeman to face No. 17 Montana State (8-4) at 3 p.m. Saturday. The first-round game will air on ESPN3 with the winner taking on three-time defending national champion North Dakota State (11-1) in Fargo on Dec. 6.

SDSU won three games in a row – all by double digits – to close the regular-season, catching fire as the weather turned cold with four-year starting quarterback and career passing leader Austin Sumner returning from an eight-week absence due to a broken foot. Failing to advance after all of that would have been a major disappointment to a senior class that's won 31 games. Hence the Sunday morning nerves.

"It wouldn't be us if there wasn't a little drama," safety Jake Gentile said. "But we're in, and that's all we were worried about."

In other words, the Jacks weren't crying foul about being sent to the road to face a lower-ranked Bobcats club or about a potential second-round contest against rival NDSU. Rather, they're looking forward to playing more football – much of it indoors.

This fall, SDSU opened a $32 million practice facility, the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex. That will allow for more productive, less physically harsh practices leading up to the postseason. Previously, the Jacks had to get ready in frigid outdoor conditions or on small, slippery gym floors. Coach John Stiegelmeier expects that will have a "huge, huge impact."

Also factoring in prominently: Injuries. The Bobcats were without quarterback Dakota Prukop – their leading rusher and passer – and starting running back Shawn Johnson in a 34-7 loss at Montana on Saturday. Early indications are that both will be labeled as questionable for this week.

Aside from that, SDSU doesn't know much about MSU. The programs haven't met since 2004. About their only exposure to one another in the last decade has been on game film of common opponents; the Jacks have played five Big Sky squads the last two seasons, going 4-1.

"I know they're a good football team," said Sumner said, who has thrown nine touchdowns and no interceptions the last two weeks. "Have been for a few years."

The Cats also have a formidable fan base. They're averaging more than 18,000 people per home game, a crucial factor in that the location of this game was based on bids submitted by the schools. Sites aren't chosen until after pairings are created. The selection committee aims to keep matchups relatively regional for financial reasons; the NCAA foots the bill for travel, and is required to book flights for trips of more than 400 miles.

SDSU is among five Valley squads in the tournament, a total that ties the FCS record previously set by the Colonial Athletic Association. The other league reps: No. 2-seed NDSU, No. 5 Illinois State (10-1), Northern Iowa (8-4) and Indiana State (7-5). The Sycamores were the biggest surprise. They landed their first playoff bid in 30 years – and a relatively unimposing draw – despite suffering a 34-20 loss at Western Illinois in the regular-season finale.

Conference strength side, the Jacks' biggest selling points: Road wins over UNI and Indiana State, non-conference triumphs over two Big Sky squads and their recent form. They've set season highs for yards three weeks in a row, topping 500 yards in each.

SDSU gets to try to extend that tear, to reach the second round for the third year in a row. Only five other schools have made each of the last three postseasons. The Jacks had two playoff berths in program history prior to this string.

"I go back to our senior class and not only the wins, but the type of people they've been," Stiegelmeier said. "Hopefully we can extend their careers for a few more games."