The South Dakota State Jackrabbits head to Grand Forks on Saturday, November 22 facing a desperate playoff battle against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks. Currently 7-4 overall and stumbling with four straight losses, SDSU must win just to keep its tournament hopes alive. Meanwhile, North Dakota (7-4) sits with 5-2 MVFC record and has won its last game.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. CT Saturday at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks
- Records: SDSU 7-4 (3-4 MVFC) vs UND 7-4 (5-2 MVFC)
- Playoff Stakes: Winner gets 8 wins and earns playoff berth; loser likely eliminated
- Recent Form: SDSU in 4-game losing streak; UND won last contest 35-17 over Murray State
- Series History: SDSU won last four consecutive matchups; UND leads overall 47-38-5
Last Four Games Send SDSU Into Must-Win Situation
South Dakota State needs a statement performance badly. The Jackrabbits haven’t lost four straight in the same season since 2011, making this losing streak historically painful for a program accustomed to success.
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After starting 7-0 and ranked #2 nationwide, SDSU collapsed spectacularly. The team fell 7-4 against North Dakota State (38-7) on Oct. 25. Then came three consecutive MVFC losses: 35-30 loss at Indiana State, 21-27 versus South Dakota, and most recently a 35-21 home defeat to Illinois State on Nov. 15.
The collapse dropped SDSU to #22 in both major polls. Coach Dan Jackson’s squad also suffered a 33-game home winning streak that dated back to Nov. 2021. Defending against MVFC competition also proved challenging—the Jacks allowed 28 points in the first quarter against Illinois State alone.
North Dakota Riding Momentum Into Regular Season Finale
North Dakota’s storyline looks dramatically different. After dropping two of three games earlier this month, the Fighting Hawks bounced back impressively with a 35-17 road victory at Murray State last weekend.
That win thrust UND up to #13 in media polls and #16 in coaches’ surveys. The Hawks boast a respectable 5-2 MVFC record and sport a 4-1 home mark at the Alerus Center. North Dakota’s offense performed well last week, generating over 350 yards total in handling Murray State.
Historical Advantage Masks Current Struggles
| Statistic | South Dakota State | North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 7-4 | 7-4 |
| MVFC Record | 3-4 | 5-2 |
| Recent Form (Last 4) | 0-4 | 1-3 |
| Home Record | 3-3 (season) | 4-1 at Alerus |
| Last 4 Meetings | Won all 4 | Lost all 4 |
| Series All-Time | 38 wins | 47 wins |
| Latest Ranking | #22 | #13 |
The 91st meeting between these programs carries historic weight. SDSU won all four most recent matchups, highlighted by a dominant 38-7 victory last year in Grand Forks on Nov. 9, 2024. However, North Dakota has held the overall edge in the series throughout their rivalry dating back to 1906.
Who Can Survive the Final Weekend Push?
This playoff-elimination game hinges on which team can execute when it matters most. SDSU needs to break out of its malaise and prove the 38-7 performance last year wasn’t just a one-time thing. The Jackrabbits must string together stops on defense and avoid the offensive chaos that led to four straight defeats.
For North Dakota, momentum matters. After finding the winning formula against Murray State, the Hawks want to avoid reversing course. Winning would secure 8 wins and guarantee tournament participation. A loss puts UND’s postseason status in serious jeopardy come selection Sunday, scheduled for Nov. 23.
Can the Jackrabbits recapture form from earlier in the season? Will the Hawks continue riding momentum? One team’s season gets saved on Saturday. The other goes home wondering what went wrong.
Sources
- South Dakota State Athletics – Official game preview and season statistics
- ESPN College Football – Schedule, rankings, and game information
- NCAA.com – FCS playoff bracket predictions and selection information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.