Jackrabbits look for conference supremacy

Five years ago, the Jackrabbits just wanted to make a successful jump to the Football Championship Subdivision.
Now they look to establish themselves as an elite program in the FCS.
No. 9 South Dakota State University (7-1, 6-0 Missouri Valley Football Conference) will look to claim at least a share of the Missouri Valley Football Conference regular-season title Saturday as it faces No. 3 SIU at 1 p.m. in Brookings, S.D.
Saturday’s winner will guarantee itself at least a share of the conference title, and an automatic birth in the FCS playoffs. It would be the first playoff appearance by South Dakota State, which moved up to the FCS from Division II football in 2004.
Head coach John Stiegelmeier said the key to a Jackrabbits’ victory would be to shut down at least one element of the Salukis’ balanced offense.
“We know they can throw the throw the ball, and we’ve got to stop the run. Ideally we can do that,” Stiegelmeier said. “Hopefully, we can turn it into a one-dimensional game and, hopefully, we will come out of the game with a win.”
Stiegelmeier should be optimistic if the Jackrabbits’ defense plays the way it has all season.
With a 17-3 win Saturday against Youngstown State, South Dakota State retook the FCS-lead in scoring defense, allowing only 11.3 points per game. The Jackrabbits have held opponents without a touchdown in three of their eight games.
South Dakota State also leads the conference in rushing defense (89.88 yards per game), total defense (272.75 yards per game), and pass efficiency defense (92.54).
Junior linebacker Derek Domino said the key to his unit has been the focus of every player.
“We’re working hard; everybody’s doing their job,” Domino said. “The coaches preach that we’re each 1/11th of the defense and that’s why we are succeeding this year.”
The Jackrabbits still have some lingering questions on the offensive side of the ball.
Senior quarterback Ryan Crawford returned to action against the Penguins last week after missing three straight weeks with a knee injury. The senior finished 19-of-28 passing for 178 yards. The Jackrabbits did not put too much pressure on Crawford, electing to run the ball in key situations.
When it’s time to score, the ball is in the hands of running back Kyle Minett.
The junior is ranked second in the league with 886 yards on the ground. He leads the conference with 13 touchdowns — 12 rushing and one receiving. His 110 rushing yards per game is sixth in the FCS.
Stiegelmeier said Minett has always been a special player
“He has a great desire to do better on the next play than the one he did before. He’s not an arrogant kid, but he wants to be part of a program that wants to be its best,” Stiegelmeier said. “I love his leadership, and I love the way he plays football.”
Stiegelmeier said the team has to look at SIU (7-1,6-0 MVFC) as just another team on its schedule. SIU head coach Dale Lennon shared the same sentiments.
“In reality, every game you play is a playoff game. For us, its just week No. 9.”

Ryan Voyles can be reached
at 536-3311 ext. 256.