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College football: 6 reasons why you should watch the 2023 FCS Playoffs

By John Scimeca

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 29: Mikey Daniel #26 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits celebrates a touchdown against the Minnesota Gophers during the third quarter of the game on August 29, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Gophers defeated the Jackrabbits 28-21. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 29: Mikey Daniel #26 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits celebrates a touchdown against the Minnesota Gophers during the third quarter of the game on August 29, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Gophers defeated the Jackrabbits 28-21. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 29: J’Bore Gibbs #2 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits hands the ball to teammate Pierre Strong Jr. #20 as they warm up before the game against the Minnesota Gophers on August 29, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 29: J’Bore Gibbs #2 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits hands the ball to teammate Pierre Strong Jr. #20 as they warm up before the game against the Minnesota Gophers on August 29, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Can South Dakota State repeat?

The Jackrabbits had a cathartic end to the 2022 season, finally knocking off long-time nemesis North Dakota State in the playoffs with a runaway 45-21 victory in Frisco, Tex. on national TV.

First-year head coach Jimmy Rogers has taken over after legendary former boss John Steigelmeier retired to end last season. The former Jackrabbits head coach was in charge for 25 years in Brooking, South Dakota, and got to end his career with a national championship, the first in program history.

The Jackrabbits will have some stiff competition in the way in order to repeat, likely teams like Idaho in the semifinals or Montana State or North Dakota State in the title game, if they reach that far.

2. The drama is real

The first round of this year’s FCS playoffs had enough drama to keep fans excited. Delaware completed a 21-point comeback to beat Lafayette 36-34 in the first round. As a result of the victory, the Blue Hens will advance to play Montana in the Round of 16.

Early in the second quarter and trailing 28-7, Delaware had a 95.7% chance of losing according to ESPN Analytics, if you believe that sort of nonsense. The Blue Hens clawed back, as Braden Bose caught two touchdown passes and Alex Schmoke hit a 23-yard field goal with less than two minutes remaining to seal the win for Delaware.

Other close one-possession matchups saw Sacramento State pull out a 42-35 win on the road against North Dakota and Chattanooga defeating Austin Peay 24-21.

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