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South Dakota State football faces critical challenges after loss to North Dakota

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 21, 2026, 2:44 PM

Last updated Oct 21, 2026

College Sports

Summary

South Dakota State football's hopes for a top playoff seed diminish following a 21-10 loss to North Dakota on October 21. The Jackrabbits, now ranked fifth, must win their remaining games to maintain a shot at the top eight in FCS playoff rankings. Coach Dan Jackson emphasized the pressure of high expectations, especially with the program's past successes and the ramifications of every game against FCS opponents. As pressure mounts, the team must adapt to expectations and ensure consistency to regain momentum in the season.

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By the Numbers

•South Dakota State lost 21-10 to North Dakota on October 21.
•The Jackrabbits fall to fifth in FCS playoff rankings.
•They're now forced to win out to keep playoff hopes alive.
•Coach Dan Jackson addressed the pressures of maintaining high expectations.
•Every game against FCS opponents is now viewed as a must-win.

Latest Updates

2:44 PMYahoo Sports — Matt Zimmer: Pressure is a privilege for South Dakota State football

What they're saying

"
Oct. 21—BROOKINGS — On its face, South Dakota State's loss to North Dakota shouldn't be that big of a deal. The Fighting Hawks are a good team, a longtime rival going back to the North Central Conference days (and UND was way better than SDSU in that era), and a team that had a lot at stake coming off an upset loss at Northern Iowa. It was on the road in a tough place to play. UND doesn't lose ...
— Yahoo Sports

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