South Dakota State Football Secures 14-Seed, Hosts New Hampshire

South Dakota State University (SDSU) has earned a spot in the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs as the 14-seed, marking their 14th consecutive appearance in this prestigious tournament. This announcement came shortly after the Jackrabbits concluded their regular season with a crucial victory over North Dakota, snapping a four-game losing streak.

The Jackrabbits, who finished the season with an 8-4 record, will host New Hampshire at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium on November 25, 2023. The kickoff for this first-round playoff game is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. local time, with television coverage provided by ESPN+.

Playoff Details and Ticket Information

Fans can purchase tickets online at gojacks.evenue.net, with season ticket holders given until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday to secure their usual seats. Any unclaimed seats will be made available to the general public on Wednesday morning.

This matchup marks only the second time the Jackrabbits and the Wildcats have faced each other in history, both encounters occurring during the FCS playoffs. In their first meeting in 2017, SDSU triumphed decisively with a score of 56-14.

Both teams enter the playoffs with identical 8-4 records, having earned at-large bids. SDSU began the season strongly, winning seven consecutive games and reaching as high as No. 2 in the national rankings before experiencing a challenging stretch that included four consecutive losses. Their recent victory over North Dakota, finishing 34-31 in overtime, was essential for their playoff qualification.

New Hampshire’s Strong Finish

New Hampshire is entering the playoffs on an impressive five-game winning streak, having performed well in the Colonial Athletic Association with a 6-2 conference record. Their momentum will be tested against SDSU, who will look to leverage their home-field advantage.

This year, the Missouri Valley Football Conference saw six teams qualify for the playoffs, with North Dakota State securing the top seed. Other notable seeds include USD at 11th and Youngstown State at 15th. Illinois State and North Dakota also qualified as unseeded teams, demonstrating the competitive nature of this year’s playoff field.