DAKOTA MARKER No. 22: NDSU and SDSU Meet for 1 vs. 2 FCS Showdown

NDSU HOLDS AN 11 TO 10 EDGE IN DAKOTA MARKER GAMES.

FARGO (KVRR) –It is Rivalry week in the Dakotas: North Dakota State and South Dakota State. Two I-29 FCS heavyweights renew their rivalry for the Dakota marker. It’s power versus power. Pride on the line and playoff stakes are in the air. Last year, NDSU defeated the Jackrabbits twice in the FargoDome. This year they meet in Brookings, South Dakota.

“Dakota marker is here,” said head coach Tim Polasek when talking to the media Tuesday. “21 matchups, NDSU, 11, South Dakota state 10. This will be an absolute dog fight. It’s one of those deals where you take all these numbers and these stats *rips papers* we can do this. We can get rid of that because it won’t be about execution and big moments, you either make the player you don’t.”

It is one thing when 1 vs. 2 meet for a game in the FCS-Saturday will be just the 10th time overall and fourth time ever in the regular season. But when it’s NDSU and SDSU, it adds another layer. The two programs have combined to win each of the last four national championships and both come into this matchup unbeaten at 7-0. The Bison know this will be their biggest test so far this season.

“There is six plays that are going to make the difference in this game,” said Polasek. “We do not know which six they are. The level of competitiveness in this game, the physicality in this game, the level of coaching and execution in this game will be by far our best matchup.”

The jacks look different than in years past. Starting at quarterback is no longer Mark Gronowski, Chase Mason is the starter, but left last week’s game first Murray State with an ankle injury. Jacks head coach Dan Jackson says he is day-to-day, but regardless of who starts, Bison quarterback, Cole Payton is looking forward to the matchup.

“one versus two matchup. They’re a really good team, and have been for a while now. And you know, last year we we got them a couple times, but before that, they’ve had our number. They’ve got a win streak at home, and I am just excited for another opportunity to compete against them.”

That win streak sits at 33 games. To end that streak, NDSU will look for their defense to continue their dominance. Code green leads the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 10 per game.

“Much different team than what we saw last year,” said senior linebacker Logan Kopp. “Still the same SDSU team that we’ve seen. As far as they play a physical brand of football. They have big O-lineman up front. They have very physical wide receivers and obviously a really good quarterback who’s had a really good season so far. We’re ready. We’re excited for the challenge. We know that we’re going to have our hands full, but it’s what playing college football is all about. These are type of games that you look forward to, and so we’re super excited for the opportunity.”

It seems like every time these two teams meet, it’s a prime time showdown of this weekend is no different. 7 P.M. kickoff under the lights in Brookings on ESPNU Saturday.