The only that might rival it: Montana’s 52-48 thriller back in 1993 when UM scored an FCS-record 39 fourth-quarter points at home.
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Jacksonville State earned the No. 1 ranking in the coaches and media polls this season and the FCS Playoff selection committee rewarded the Gamecocks for their efforts Sunday morning.
For the second time in conference history and second straight year, Valley Football has five playoff participants. Their 30-24 double overtime loss to Western IL last night dealt a crippling blow to those chances, yet there was still hope of at least hosting a first round game at Howard Wood Field (Coughlin/Alumni is no longer available as it has been torn up to complete the new Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium).
South Dakota State, a Missouri Valley Football Conference member located in Brookings, South Dakota, with an enrollment of about 12,500 students, has grown into a regional power in the last half decade. “Me growing up in the Midwest, I’ve known a lot about the Jackrabbits”, said Stitt, a Nebraska native.
Earning the bye in the first week of the playoffs the Bison will host the victor of South Dakota State at Montana on December 5th. “The Griz are led by 6’7” quarterback Brady Gustafson. NDSU is 18-1 in the FCS playoffs including four straight national championships and a quarterfinal appearance in 2010.
The Griz shocked the college football world in the season opener, topping the Bison 38-35 at Washington-Grizzly.
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They also have a shot at as many as three home playoff games, including a potential semifinal clash with North Dakota State.
