South Dakota State beats South Dakota 31-21 in regional clash

Brookings, South Dakota played host to a tense regional clash on Saturday night, where No. 5 South Dakota State fended off a furious late-game surge by No. 6 South Dakota to secure a 31-21 victory. The Jackrabbits leaned heavily on a punishing ground game and built a commanding 28-point cushion before the Coyotes mounted a serious fourth-quarter threat that brought them within a single score.

The win improves South Dakota State to 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Meanwhile, No. 6 South Dakota falls to 7-3 and 4-2 in conference play, snapping a four-game win streak in the process.

The matchup showcased starkly contrasting offensive execution across the four quarters. South Dakota State’s rushing attack proved virtually unstoppable for the better part of three frames, paced by Josiah Johnson and James Basinger. Johnson churned out 126 yards on the ground, capped by a 5-yard touchdown run that pushed the Jackrabbits’ lead to 28-0 with 5:52 remaining in the third quarter. Basinger added 84 rushing yards, including a 2-yard scoring plunge late in the first quarter.

Through the air, Chase Mason piloted the Jackrabbits’ offense with steady efficiency, completing 16 of 26 pass attempts for 232 yards and two touchdowns.

For South Dakota, quarterback Austyn Modrzewski engineered a desperate comeback attempt through the air. Modrzewski finished the night completing 21 of 27 passes for 233 yards. His arm sparked the fourth-quarter awakening, beginning with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Brayden White. Shortly after, Modrzewski connected with Bryce Cohoon on a 59-yard strike, narrowing the deficit to 28-14.

Momentum continued to shift toward the visitors when Modrzewski engineered a 74-yard drive, capping it with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Chris Herrin to bring the Coyotes within 28-21 with just 2:08 left on the clock.

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The late surge, however, fell just short. Facing a collapsing margin, Johnson broke loose for a critical 43-yard run that marched the Jackrabbits deep into opponent territory. The drive stalled just enough for Tristan Alvano to boot a 34-yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining, sealing the 31-21 final score.

Historical precedent heavily favored the hosts entering the rivalry matchup. South Dakota State has now claimed 11 of the last 14 meetings against South Dakota, extending their all-time series advantage to 59-53-7 in a rivalry that dates to 1889.

Looking ahead on the conference schedule, South Dakota will return home to host Northern Iowa on November 14. South Dakota State hits the road next, traveling to face Northern Iowa on Saturday.