The Northern Iowa Panthers (2-3) will challenge the South Dakota State Jackrabbits (5-0) in a pivotal college football game on October 7, 2023. The matchup, taking place at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota, is set to kick off at 14:00 local time.
This contest marks an important moment for both teams. While the Jackrabbits aim to maintain their perfect record, the Panthers are looking to turn around their recent struggles after a disappointing 35-7 defeat to the University of North Dakota last week. In contrast, the Jackrabbits secured a hard-fought victory against Youngstown State, winning 35-30.
Recent Performance and Historical Context
Last season, the Panthers finished with a 3-9 record, their worst since 1978. Under the guidance of first-year head coach Todd Stepsis, who previously led the Drake Bulldogs to multiple Pioneer League championships, the team is looking to improve its standing. Notably, Stepsis faced South Dakota State last year when the Bulldogs suffered a significant loss, falling 70-7 at Target Field.
The Jackrabbits, coached by Dan Jackson, are currently ranked 2nd in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and have won their last three meetings against Northern Iowa. Additionally, South Dakota State boasts an impressive streak of 32 consecutive home victories, a testament to their dominance at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
In their last encounter, South Dakota State triumphed over Northern Iowa with a decisive 41-3 score in Cedar Falls, showcasing the Jackrabbits’ strong performance against the Panthers.
Key Players and Matchup Insights
Both teams feature standout players whose performances could significantly impact the game. For the Panthers, Matthew Schecklman has thrown for 1,041 yards, completing 7 touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, the Jackrabbits’ Chase Mason leads with 1,099 yards and 9 touchdowns.
In the rushing department, Harrison Bey-Buie leads the Panthers with 234 yards and 2 touchdowns, while the Jackrabbits’ Julius Loughridge is a force with 550 yards and 6 touchdowns. The receiving corps also features key players; for UNI, Tysen Kershaw has 270 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Alex Bullock of SDSU has made significant contributions with 329 yards and 2 touchdowns.
On the defensive side, both teams have players to watch. Ryan Crandall leads the Panthers with 42 tackles, while Cullen McShane of the Jackrabbits has 43 tackles to his credit. With multiple players on both sides making significant contributions, the match is set to be a display of top-tier college football.
Saturday also marks Hobo Day, the annual homecoming celebration for South Dakota State, adding to the excitement of the game. Historically, SDSU has a strong record on Hobo Day, boasting a 65-40-5 all-time record, including a 7-2 mark at Dykhouse Stadium. This rich tradition will undoubtedly add to the atmosphere as the Jackrabbits look to defend their home turf.
As both teams prepare for this crucial matchup, fans can expect a competitive game that not only showcases individual talent but also highlights the storied rivalry between these two programs. With the stakes high and the season progressing, this game could be a turning point for the Panthers or a continuation of the Jackrabbits’ successful run.
