MISSOULA, Mont. — In a gripping encounter that showcased both teams’ abilities, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits suffered a significant defeat against the Montana Grizzlies, losing 50-29 in the second round of the FCS playoffs on October 28, 2025. This match marked the third consecutive postseason meeting between the two teams, with Montana securing victory in all three encounters.
Entering the playoffs as the third seed, Montana had high hopes after winning their first 11 games of the season. Their only loss came in a narrow defeat to the second-ranked team in the nation. Conversely, South Dakota State, seeded 14th, had a mixed regular season record of 8-4, primarily due to injuries affecting key players, including quarterback Chase Mason. Despite this, Mason returned to lead the Jackrabbits to a commanding 41-3 victory in the first round of the playoffs.
Early Momentum Shifts to Montana
The game began with South Dakota State demonstrating resilience. After a shaky start, they managed a crucial goal-line stand against Montana’s offensive drive. Following this, Mason connected with Grahm Goering for a 95-yard touchdown, putting the Jackrabbits ahead 7-0. A subsequent rushing touchdown by Mason extended their lead to 14-6, momentarily shifting momentum in their favor.
However, Montana’s offense swiftly regained control. Quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat and tailback Eli Gillman proved instrumental in turning the tide. Ah Yat, having struggled in past matchups against South Dakota State, delivered an exceptional performance, completing 29 of 37 passes for 360 yards and four touchdowns. Gillman added to the Grizzlies’ ground game with 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns, contributing to a staggering total of 552 yards of offense for Montana.
Coach Bobby Hauck praised his team’s performance, stating, “When you’re playing a team like we just played… if you can outrush them like we did, they’re going to have a hard time beating us.”
Defensive Struggles for South Dakota State
Despite a strong start, South Dakota State’s defense struggled throughout the game. Coach Dan Jackson attempted to take responsibility for the defensive lapses, emphasizing the need for improved tackling and positioning. “Just from leveraging the football and fitting your gaps faster… those gains that turn into 20-25 yards really need to be seven,” Jackson noted. The Jackrabbits’ defense appeared to falter under pressure, allowing Montana to exploit their weaknesses.
Mason, despite throwing for a career-high 356 yards, faced immense pressure from Montana’s defense. He completed 19 of 36 passes but threw two interceptions, which proved detrimental as the game progressed. The Jackrabbits’ inability to establish a running game forced Mason into a role that required him to carry the offense single-handedly, a daunting challenge against a top-ranked team.
After South Dakota State took a brief lead, Montana responded with a 30-point scoring run, solidifying their dominance. Although the Jackrabbits managed to score twice in the fourth quarter, it was too late to change the outcome. Jackson expressed regret over missed opportunities, stating, “We just weren’t able to execute enough… I was proud of the start, but we just weren’t able to regain momentum.”
The end of the season brought an emotional conclusion to a challenging year for South Dakota State. The team faced numerous hurdles, including the tragic loss of running back Nate White before the start of training camp.
Defensive tackle Logan Green reflected on the season’s journey, acknowledging the ups and downs while expressing a commitment to improvement. “Only one team’s going to end up and say this was a true successful season… we have to get better at everything,” he stated.
As the Jackrabbits conclude their season, the focus will shift to rebuilding and preparing for future challenges, drawing motivation from this year’s experiences and the belief that they have the potential to succeed.
