Montana Grizzlies Gear Up to Face Defending Champs SDSU in Second Round Showdown
The Montana Grizzlies, ranked No. 14, are preparing for a high-stakes clash with the No. 3 South Dakota State Jackrabbits in the second round of the FCS playoffs. This marks the second time in just 11 months that the two teams will meet, and the Grizzlies are determined to play spoiler against the two-time defending national champions. Last weekend, Montana delivered a thrilling performance in the first round, overcoming Tennessee State in a game that saw a wild finish and several records shattered. Head coach Bobby Hauck reflected on the excitement of that game, noting the electric atmosphere in the stadium and the grit displayed by his players. “That was a fun game to be a part of,” Hauck said. “It was really fun to be around them all week, and it was really fun to be around them on Saturday.”
Now, the Grizzlies face an even greater challenge in South Dakota State, who enter the game with a 10-2 record. Their only losses have come at the hands of FBS opponent Oklahoma State and a narrow defeat to No. 2 North Dakota State. Hauck is full of respect for the Jackrabbits, acknowledging their strength and consistency over recent years. “South Dakota State, they’re a very good football team,” Hauck said. “Obviously, they’re tough. They play really hard. They’ve won a lot. It’s going to be a huge challenge to go over there and win.”
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For Montana, this is a critical test, not just because of the stakes, but because of the history. Montana holds an 8-1 all-time record against SDSU, with the only loss being in the national championship game earlier this year. However, this game is special, as it’s the first time Montana has played in Brookings, South Dakota, since 1970. Senior safety Ryder Meyer emphasized the importance of overcoming adversity, especially when the intensity of the game increases. “The biggest thing is just being able to overcome adversity. It’s going to strike at some point. We’ve got to lock arms and keep pushing forward,” Meyer said.
With only 16 teams remaining in the playoffs, this game will determine who advances to the quarterfinals and who’s sent home. The stakes are incredibly high, and Montana is approaching this game with the mentality that every week is a championship week. Meyer added, “Our goal is to go 1-0 every single week. We’ve got a good feel for them, and I’m sure they have a good feel for us. We’re super excited for the opportunity to go down to Brookings.” The game kicks off at noon Mountain time and will be streamed exclusively on ESPN+, giving fans a front-row seat to this thrilling postseason matchup.
As the Grizzlies look to challenge the defending champs, they know that to come out on top, they must play a near-perfect game. With their eyes on advancing, the team is ready to give their all in a bid to upset the powerhouse that is South Dakota State.
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