Preview
Together, South Dakota State and Sam Houston State have combined for only one loss this year, so it's clear that these have been the country's top two teams during this unorthodox season.
South Dakota State lost its second game of the year at North Dakota and then rattled off four wins in a row to finish the regular season at 5-1. The Jackrabbits have rolled through the playoffs on the strength of their offense, scoring at least 31 points in each of their three postseason victories.
In South Dakota State's semifinal matchup against Delaware on May 8, it cruised to a 33-3 win after building a 24-point lead by halftime. The Jackrabbits, who are in the playoffs for the ninth straight season, consequently reached the championship game for the first time in program history.