Aug 29, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits helmet during pre game before a game. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KWSN.com) — South Dakota State football is back in the FCS semifinals after a dramatic win Sunday night.
The Jackrabbits overcame a 20-7 first-half deficit to beat Southern Illinois 31-26 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.
“I’m so proud of our football team, to come out and play the second half the way we did,” Jackrabbits head coach John Stiegelmeier said. “I thank God for these guys; they’re here for a reason and it’s fun to be around them.”
SDSU trailed 20-10 at halftime, their first halftime deficit of the season, but they scored 24 straight points to take the lead for good. A 67-yard touchdown run by quarterback mark Gronowski gave SDSU the lead early in the fourth quarter.
Stiegelmeier said the reduced-capacity crowd of 3,547 gave his team a boost.
“I’ve never heard anything like that from that amount of people. That was a difference-making environment for our football team, and I’m so appreciative of the fans, every one of them that was here,” he said.
The Jackrabbits are now the only Missouri Valley Football Conference team left in the tournament after North Dakota and North Dakota State lost their quarterfinal games. SDSU hosts Delaware in the semis Saturday at 11 a.m. on KELO AM 1320 and FM 107.9.
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