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South Dakota vs. South Dakota State Preview

Another chapter in South Dakota’s greatest football rivalry will be written this Saturday afternoon, as USD visits SDSU for a 2 p.m. kickoff at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.

The Coyotes are coming off a much-needed bye week after facing the likes of No. 3 Montana (L, 24-7) and No. 1 North Dakota State (L, 34-17) over their first four games.

Meanwhile, the second-ranked Jackrabbits are rolling. After a narrow loss at Iowa to open the season, John Stiegelmeier’s team has reeled off four straight wins, including last week’s 34-10 romp over Western Illinois.  

Series History

As well-documented as this rivalry has been, the two sides are not on the same page when it comes to the number of times the game has actually been played.

South Dakota’s record books indicate the 2022 matchup as the 116th meeting all-time, while South Dakota State reports one fewer. The source of that separation traces all the way back in 1901, although it is not nearly as cool of a story as one might hope.  Here it is: USD lists two games that year, both Coyote victories. SDSU’s records reflect the first of those, but not the second. The end.

One thing that is certain is that the Jackrabbits have the edge overall with a mutually agreed upon 55 wins in the series, compared to 53 (or 52) for the Coyotes, with 7 ties.

Back To Brookings

Brookings will certainly be buzzing Saturday with the Jackrabbits getting the chance to host this game for the first time since 2018.

It is also their first chance to atone for this (Sorry, Jacks fans.):

Recent history indicates the Jackrabbits will be ready to roll on Saturday.

Just as there is no way to erase the memory of that final second in Vermillion, there is no ignoring the fact that SDSU has dominated the Coyotes on their home field in the Division I era. SDSU has won all four games by a combined score of 145-70 – including a 77-7 mark in the first quarter – while averaging 525 yards of total offense and better than 250 yards rushing.

How To Watch

You know where to go.

It all starts at 1:30 p.m. with a 30-minute pregame show on Midco Sports and Midco Sports Plus