South Dakota State University faced a heartbreaking 28-21 defeat against North Dakota State in the FCS semifinals, with several key moments contributing to their loss. A pivotal moment emerged in the second quarter when Amar Johnson fumbled the ball on the Jackrabbits’ 23-yard line while they were leading 14-7. North Dakota State capitalized on this opportunity, tying the game at 14 and shifting the momentum in their favor.
Despite a chance to score before halftime, the Jackrabbits opted for a more cautious approach. Instead of attempting a Hail Mary play, head coach Jimmy Rogers decided to take a knee. He later explained this decision stemmed from a desire to protect quarterback Mark Gronowski, who had been dealing with an arm injury. “I didn’t want to show it that he was hurt,” Rogers stated, emphasizing Gronowski’s solid performance, despite the injury, which included 204 passing yards and 15 rushing attempts.
Rogers noted that the team struggled to find energy during the game and that their defense didn’t perform at the level needed to secure a victory. South Dakota State allowed 28 points, the highest total given up all season, indicating a lapse in their usually strong defensive performance. Quarterback Gronowski reflected on the missed opportunities during the game, highlighting that they could have altered the outcome.
On the other hand, North Dakota State delivered a strong performance, with quarterback Cam Miller throwing for 179 yards and three touchdowns, while wide receiver Bryce Lance shone with 125 receiving yards and three touchdowns, including a spectacular one-handed catch that needed review before being officially counted.
As the season concluded, it marked the final game for key seniors Adam Bock, Amar Johnson, and likely Mark Gronowski. All three players expressed their deep admiration for the team and the program, with Bock calling his decision to attend South Dakota State the best choice of his life. Coach Rogers praised not just the talent of his senior class but their character, noting that players turned down lucrative offers to remain with the program.
Despite the loss, South Dakota State finished the season with an impressive 12-2 record, showcasing resilience and the strength of their program. Looking to the future, the Jackrabbits have a solid foundation to build on, and their commitment to one another bodes well for the next season.
In summary, although the defeat was disappointing, the strong bonds formed among the players and their determination to continue improving present a hopeful outlook for South Dakota State’s football program moving forward.