Montana vs. SDSU: A High-Stakes FCS Playoff Showdown

Here we go again. It will be the Montana Grizzlies against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits for a third consecutive postseason meeting. The Jacks decimated New Hampshire 41-3 in the first round of the FCS Playoffs to advance to Washington-Grizzly Stadium this Saturday at noon.

To get ready for the big matchup, we looked at the history of Montana and South Dakota State.

Montana leads South Dakota State 8-2 all-time

Montana has won 8 of the 10 matchups against South Dakota State dating back to 1969, when the teams met for the first time in Missoula (58-0 Montana). The first two matchups occurred when both schools were Division II schools. The next two occurred when Montana jumped to the FCS ranks, and SDSU remained Division II. Montana leads 5-2 with both teams in the FCS ranks (South Dakota State became a Division I program in 2004).

However, SDSU has won the last two matchups in the FCS playoffs in 2024 and 2023. The Jacks won the 2023 National Championship battle in Frisco 23-3, and got the best of the Griz in the 2nd round last year in Brookings 35-18.

SDSU raced out to a 35-3 lead in 2024. Credit: University of Montana Athletics

SDSU, with arguably the best defense in FCS history, took down the Griz in Frisco. Credit: University of Montana Athletics

Montana vs. South Dakota State in the playoffs

This year will be the 5th all-time meeting in the playoffs. Montana won the first two games in 2009 (61-48 in the first round) and again in 2015 (24-17 in the first round).

The '09 game will forever be remembered as the Marc Mariani game. Mariani racked up 171 yards on 12 receptions with 2 touchdowns and a 98-yard kick return score.

What will happen this Saturday at Wa-Griz? We'll find out at high noon, with the pregame show beginning at 10 am.

Montana vs. SDSU History (every game)

SDSU 35-18 (2024 in Brookings - FCS Playoffs 2nd Round)
SDSU 23-3 (2023 in Frisco - FCS National Championship)
UM 24-17 (2015 in Missoula - FCS Playoffs 1st Round)
UM 61-48 (2009 in Missoula - FCS Playoffs 1st Round)
UM 36-7 (2006 in Missoula)
UM 7-0 (2005 in Misosula)
UM 52-48 (1993 in Missoula)
UM 41-16 (1988 in Missoula)
UM 24-0 (1970 in Brookings)
UM 58-0 (1969 in Missoula)

The Last 7 Montana Grizzly Football Playoff Appearances

We look back at the last 7 times Montana has made the FCS Playoffs.

Source: Montana vs SDSU: A Look Back At The History Between The Griz and Jacks

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