South Dakota State stands alone at the top of the FCS ranks for a second straight season. The No. 1 Jackrabbits capped an undefeated 2023 season with a 23-3 win against No. 2 Montana in Sunday’s FCS national championship game from Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. South Dakota State is the first program to win consecutive FCS titles since North Dakota State’s impressive run from 2017-19.
The final result was rarely in doubt at any point. South Dakota State stormed to an early lead on the game’s opening drive, embarking on an 11-play, 75-yard march that ended in a 3-yard touchdown sprint from running back Isaiah Davis. The offense went quiet from there, but a staunch Jackrabbits defense clamped down and preserved the lead.
Montana got the ball on South Dakota State’s 33-yard line early in the second quarter thanks to an interception. The Grizzlies moved the ball all the way to the 13, where they had to settle for a field goal. Montana had two red zone possessions end inside the 15-yard line and came away with just three points in the first half.