Dominance.
It’s the only way to sum up all of the South Dakota State statistics that reflect one of the greatest runs in FCS history.
The 2022 national champion Jackrabbits haven’t blinked as the No. 1 team this season, going 14-0 to push their two-year winning streak to 28 games – the third-longest in FCS history – while outscoring opponents by over 28 points on average (via a 537-136 margin).
Many numbers help define first-year coach Jimmy Rogers’ squad, but here are five that stand out heading into the championship game against No. 2 Montana on Sunday in Frisco, Texas (2 p.m. ET, ABC):
26/65/9.7
SDSU’s top-ranked defense in the FCS barely lets an opponent get into a competitive game. In 14 wins, the Jackrabbits have allowed only 26 points in the first quarter and 65 in the first half. It’s led to just 9.7 points allowed per game, an average that only the 2018 Colgate squad (9.3) has bettered since 2010.
126.2
If it’s the postseason, running back Isaiah Davis commands the spotlight. He’s rushed for over 100 yards in all three playoff games this season, in seven straight over the last two postseasons and in 12 of 15 over his career for an average of 126.2 yards, with 22 touchdowns as well.
38/16.4
Montana’s all-purpose threat Junior Bergen is red hot in the playoffs, including three combined punt and kickoff return touchdowns in his last two games. SDSU has allowed only 38 punt return yards – just 10 of its 30 punts have been returned – and returns on only 34 of 100 kickoffs for a 16.4-yard average, which ranks 12th-lowest among 128 FCS teams.
54.8/81.8
Having the most efficient quarterback in the FCS – Mark Gronowski – reflects in the clutch play of converting third- and fourth-down situations into first downs. The Jackrabbits rank No. 1 in the FCS in both percentages – 54.8 (80 of 146) on third downs and 81.8 (9 of 11) on fourth downs.
98
The offense is nearly automatic in an opponent’s red zone. Dating back to last season, the Jackrabbits have scored on 98 of their last 100 trips (98 percent) inside the 20, including 66 of 68 times this season. The 98 scores break down to 77 touchdowns and 21 field goals.
