(STATS) – FCS power South Dakota State has ascended to new heights in recent seasons and is ready to chase an even higher step during its 12-game schedule this year.
The Jackrabbits have 30 wins over the last three seasons and are coming off back-to-back appearances in the FCS semifinals – the furthest playoff runs in program history.
The Missouri Valley Football Conference squad will open coach John Stiegelmeier’s 23rd season on Aug. 29 at Minnesota. It’s the first meeting between the two programs since 2009, with Minnesota holding a 7-0 series lead.
South Dakota State will play six home games at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, beginning with a Sept. 7 matchup against transitioning FCS program Long Island from the Northeast Conference.
Highlighting the home schedule is the Dakota Marker matchup with two-time defending FCS national champion North Dakota State on Oct. 26. NDSU knocked the Jackrabbits out of the national semifinals last December, ending a 10-3 campaign.
While SDSU is replacing quarterback Taryn Christion, the MVFC’s leader in total offense, passing yards and touchdown passes, it returns 15 starters in 2019.
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2019 South Dakota State Schedule
Aug. 29, at Minnesota
Sept. 7, Long Island
Sept. 14, at Drake
Sept. 21, Southern Utah
Oct. 5, Southern Illinois*
Oct. 12, at Youngstown State*
Oct. 19, at Indiana State*
Oct. 26, North Dakota State*
Nov. 2, at Missouri State*
Nov. 9, Illinois State*
Nov. 16, Northern Iowa*
Nov. 23, at South Dakota*
* – MVFC game
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