South Dakota State football: 3 effects of 2022 national title win
By John Scimeca
South Dakota State football won its first-ever FCS national title by defeating rival North Dakota State last week. The Jackrabbits struck early and often against the Bison in a 45-21 win, using big plays to build a 28-7 lead in the second quarter and holding on with a stout defense.
The win gave South Dakota State its first FCS national title in school history while denying the Bison a chance to build on their improbable FCS dynasty (nine national championships in the past 13 seasons). Despite North Dakota State’s success at the FCS level, the Jackrabbits have actually now beaten the Bison four times in a row.
Here are three important impacts of the Jackrabbits’ national title win.
3. What’s next after John Stiegelmeier’s retirement?
Barely a week after winning the Jackrabbits’ monumental national title, South Dakota State head coach John Stiegelmeier announced his retirement after 26 years as head coach.
The Selby, S.D., native had spent several years as an assistant with the program (his alma mater) before becoming head coach for the 1997 season. He finishes his career just one victory shy of 200 career wins, and of course, now goes home with a national championship ring.
Replacing a longtime head coaching legend is no easy task, but the Jackrabbits will put their trust in defensive coordinator Jimmy Rogers as the program’s next boss. The 35-year-old oversaw the FCS’s best defensive unit in 2022, as the Jackrabbits were among the nation’s three top teams in total defense, scoring defense, and rushing defense.
In the FCS national title game, South Dakota State held North Dakota State to just 21 points — tied for the Bison’s lowest scoring mark for the season. NDSU rushed for only 160 yards in the title game, more than 100 yards below its season average.
The Jackrabbits also famously held Iowa to seven points (by one field goal and two safeties) and 166 yards of total offense at the start of the 2022 season in a 7-3 loss. The Hawkeyes would go on to score 21+ points in seven contests against FBS opponents en route to an 8-5 record. Including that Week 1 game against Iowa, SDSU held five opponents to single digits for the season.
Needless to say, a strong defense will continue to be indicative of South Dakota State football’s strength moving into 2023.