As South Dakota State prepares to face the University of North Dakota (UND) on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Alerus Center, both teams are vying for their eighth win of the season. Here are eight key insights about the Jackrabbits that fans should know.
1. Quarterback Situation: Mason vs. Henry
South Dakota State’s quarterback situation is a focal point ahead of the game. Chase Mason, the standout starter, led the Jackrabbits to a 7-0 record before suffering an injury. Since his departure, the team has turned to redshirt freshman Jack Henry. In a recent game against Illinois State, Henry completed 32 of 51 passes for 254 yards while also leading the team in rushing with 41 yards on 18 carries.
2. Key Player Out: Hagen
Sam Hagen, a former UND offensive lineman from Fordville, N.D., has missed recent games due to a knee injury. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound senior was named a team captain at the season’s start. He played a significant role at SDSU, starting every game at guard in 2023.
3. Struggles with a Losing Streak
SDSU is currently on a four-game losing streak, facing defeats by North Dakota State, Indiana State, South Dakota, and Illinois State. This marks their first four-game losing stretch in a single season since 2011, when they last experienced such a downturn. The Jackrabbits aim to avoid their first losing season in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) since joining in 2008, a record they have held as the only team never to finish below .500.
4. Coaching Connections
Dan Jackson, the head coach of SDSU, has spoken highly of UND’s new coach, Eric Schmidt. Jackson noted their longstanding relationship and shared acquaintances, emphasizing Schmidt’s genuine approach and the physicality of his team’s play, a quality Jackson respects.
5. Postseason Aspirations
The Jackrabbits need to win against UND to maintain their chances for an FCS postseason appearance. SDSU’s history in the playoffs is notable, with a 24-13 record and a streak of 13 consecutive appearances. The team’s most recent significant playoff run saw them reach the semifinals for five consecutive seasons.
6. Finding Solutions Amidst Challenges
Despite a difficult outing against Illinois State, where they trailed by 28 points in the first quarter, the Jackrabbits showed resilience in the second half. Coach Eric Schmidt highlighted the emergence of key offensive players like Grahm Goering, Alex Bullock, and Jack Smith, who are beginning to establish their roles within the offense.
7. Running Back Challenges
Julius Loughridge, South Dakota State’s running back and senior transfer from Fordham, had a strong start to the season but has struggled recently due to injuries. After impressive performances early on, his production has notably dropped, illustrating the impact of injuries on team performance as the season progresses.
8. Emerging Talent: Walters
Another North Dakotan on the SDSU roster is JB Walters from Grand Forks Red River, who is redshirting this season. A recognized player on the offensive line, Walters stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 280 pounds. The connection to North Dakota may diminish, however, as former UND offensive coordinator Danny Freund has departed for a coaching role at Washington State.
As the matchup approaches, fans will be keenly watching how these factors influence the game dynamics between South Dakota State and UND.
