In a decisive playoff clash, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits suffered a 50-29 defeat against the Montana Grizzlies in the second round of the FCS playoffs on November 25, 2025. This marked the third consecutive year the two teams faced off in the playoffs, with Montana emerging victorious each time, solidifying their status in this rivalry.
Season Highlights and Playoff Context
Entering the playoffs, Montana held a remarkable record of 11-1, earning the No. 3 seed. Their only loss came in a narrow game against the second-ranked team in the nation. South Dakota State, however, faced a more tumultuous path, ending their regular season with a 8-4 record. All four losses occurred while quarterback Chase Mason was sidelined due to injury, raising questions about their playoff readiness.
The Jackrabbits bounced back in their first playoff game, defeating New Hampshire 41-3 with Mason returning to lead the team. Despite their 14-seed status, the Jackrabbits entered the matchup against Montana with renewed confidence.
Montana coach Bobby Hauck recognized the quality of both teams, stating, “That was two quality teams going after each other.” The game, held at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in front of 18,197 fans, showcased a fierce battle, ultimately favoring the Grizzlies.
Game Dynamics and Key Performances
The first half saw South Dakota State take an early lead, capitalizing on a 95-yard catch-and-run from Mason to Grahm Goering to go up 7-0. A subsequent touchdown run by Mason extended their advantage to 14-6. The Jackrabbits appeared poised to pull off an upset, showcasing physical play and confidence.
However, Montana quickly shifted momentum. Quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat and Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year Eli Gillman dominated the field. Ah Yat completed 29 of 37 passes for 360 yards and four touchdowns, while Gillman rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns. The Grizzlies’ offensive performance was nothing short of extraordinary, tallying 552 yards and 32 first downs throughout the game.
Despite a valiant effort from the Jackrabbits, which included a career-high 356 yards passing from Mason, their defense struggled to contain Montana’s offensive prowess. Coach Dan Jackson acknowledged that the defense failed to execute key plays, stating, “Just from leveraging the football and fitting your gaps faster… we needed to be better.” The game served as a harsh reminder that even a strong start can unravel against a formidable opponent.
Montana’s impressive second-half performance included a 30-0 scoring run, effectively sealing the game and leaving South Dakota State to reflect on missed opportunities. Jackson expressed disappointment, noting, “I think we had an opportunity to really pull away if we could have gotten a stop.” Despite scoring twice in the fourth quarter, the Jackrabbits could not overcome the deficit.
Reflections on a Challenging Season
The conclusion of the season was emotional for the Jackrabbits, particularly for Jackson, who faced significant challenges in assembling a cohesive team amid a backdrop of adversity, including the tragic loss of running back Nate White. The team’s journey was filled with highs and lows, ultimately culminating in a playoff exit. Defensive tackle Logan Green reflected on the season’s rollercoaster, stating, “Only one team’s going to end up and say this was a true successful season. Obviously, we have to get better at everything.”
While the immediate aftermath of the loss was filled with tears and heartache, the Jackrabbits demonstrated resilience throughout the season. The combination of early victories and late-season wins against strong opponents like North Dakota and New Hampshire highlighted their potential, even if the final game left a bitter taste. As they look toward the next season, the Jackrabbits remain hopeful to build on their experiences and improve as a team.
