South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Overall Rank: #3
#2 Missouri Valley
Under the leadership of Coach John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota State reached their eighth straight playoffs in 2019. However, it was a short trip, especially since the Jackrabbits had reached at least the quarterfinals in each of the previous three years. SDSU was upset at home by conference foe Northern Iowa in the second round. It was a disappointing way to end the season, but this program will continue to compete for a national title year in and year out for the foreseeable future.
2019 Record: 8-5, 5-3
2019 Postseason: FCS Playoffs
Coach: John Stiegelmeier (164-105 at South Dakota State, 164-105 overall)
Offensive Coordinator: John Eck
Defensive Coordinator: Jimmy Rogers, Brian Bergstrom
Returning Leaders:
Rushing: Pierre Strong, RB, 1,018 yards
Passing: Keaton Heide, QB, 1,072 yards
Receiving: Cade Johnson, WR, 1,222 yards
Tackles: Seven Wilson, LB, 83
Sacks: Reece Winkelman, DE, 6.5
Interceptions: Logan Backhaus, LB, 4; Michael Griffin, DB, 4
Other Key Returnees: QB J’Bore Gibbs, WR Jaxon Janke, S Joshua Manchigiah, CB Don Gardner, CB DyShawn Gales
Key Losses: RB Mikey Daniel, RB C.J. Wilson, WR Adam Anderson, OL Matt Clark, LB Christian Rozeboom, DL Ryan Earith
Projected Postseason: FCS Playoffs
2019 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 198.2 (23rd in nation, 3rd in conference)
Passing Offense: 195.7 (82, 4)
Total Offense: 393.8 (50, 4)
Scoring Offense: 29.7 (44, 4)
Rushing Defense: 128.9 (24, 3)
Pass Defense: 165.8 (4, 3)
Total Defense: 294.8 (7, 2)
Scoring Defense: 16.7 (6, 3)
Turnover Margin: 0.08 (56, 6)
Sacks: 2.85 (16, 4)
Sacks Allowed: 2.38 (74, 5)
Madness 2020 Recruit Rankings:
#84 Brandon Lane
#216 Kenyetta Williams
#206 Nate Sullivan
