No. 3 South Dakota State vs. No. 2 North Dakota State: Preview, Watch, Updates

Here’s how to watch the 2024 FCS semifinal game between South Dakota State and North Dakota State:

Here are some of the key storylines and players to keep an eye on in this year’s FCS semifinal game between South Dakota State and North Dakota State

Storylines

• How they got here
  • South Dakota State is the two-time defending FCS champion and its only FCS loss this year came to semifinal opponent North Dakota State. In the playoffs, the Jackrabbits showed why they are among the top championship contenders by outscoring Montana and UIW (in a rematch) by an average of 29 points.
  • North Dakota State entered the postseason with one loss and fended off an early scare from Abilene Christian in the second round to win by 20 points. In the quarterfinals, the Bison defeated Mercer 31-7.
• Past encounters
• Coaching
  • Two young coaches meet again. South Dakota State coach Jimmy Rogers is in his second year at the helm after winning a championship in his first season. North Dakota State coach Tim Polasek is looking to build on Rogers’ success as the Bison standout enters his first year as head coach.
• What is at stake
  • North Dakota State is experiencing its longest title drought since its first title in 2011, as the Bison have not lifted the trophy since 2021. Meanwhile, South Dakota State is trying to become the first three-peat champion since the Bison accomplished the feat in 2019. Getting to Frisco starts Saturday.

Players to keep an eye on

Here are some South Dakota State players to keep an eye on.

South Dakota State All-MVFC player

• 1st team | RB Amar Johnson
• 1st team | OL Evan Beerntsen
• 1st team | OL Gus Miller
• 1st team | DL Jarod DePriest
• 1st team | LB Adam Bock
• 1st team | LB Caleb Francl
• 1st team | DB Dalys Beanum
• 1st team | DB Tucker big
• 1st team | AP Angel Johnson
• 2nd team | QB Mark Gronowski
• 2nd team | WR Griffin Wilde
• 2nd team | DB Colby Huerter
• 2nd team | DB Colby Humphrey

Here are some North Dakota State players to keep an eye on.

• MVFC Offensive Player of the Year: QB Cam Miller
• Newcomer and Freshman of the Year: RB CharMar Brown

North Dakota State All-MVFC player

• 1st team | QB Cam Miller
• 1st team | OL Mason Miller
• 1st team | OL Gray Zabel
• 1st team | WR Bryce Lance
• 1st team | DL Eli Mostaert
• 1st team | LB Logan Kopp
• 2nd team | RB CharMar Brown
• 2nd team | PK Griffin Crosa
• 2nd team | RS Jackson Williams

At the end of the season, South Dakota State was ranked No. 2 and North Dakota State was No. 4 FCS Coaches Poll. The Jackrabbits placed 2nd and the Bison placed 3rd STATISTICS Conduct a survey to end the regular season.

MORE: Memorable Moments, All-Time History of the Dakota Marker

Here’s a look at how the programs are performing based on this season’s results.