A slightly different format than in year's past. Not going to go insanely deep into team capsules and regurgitate information that’s already been shared. If you want to look at each team’s capsules, and you should, you can find them here. I’m going to hit on the higher points for all the games here, rather than draw them out individually. Let’s just be thankful we have playoffs.
After a 6-2 mark in the First Round, I followed up with a 3-1 in the Quarterfinals and 2-0 in the Semifinals. One game left to go and again, perfection is the only way to finish above .500 for the week. Let’s take a look at the championship game and give it a shot.
#2 Sam Houston State vs. #1 South Dakota State
Sam Houston State gets their fourth playoff game in four weeks within the borders of the state of Texas. After closer than desired games with Monmouth and North Dakota State, the Bearkats found themselves staring in the face of a 24-3 halftime deficit to one of their ghosts of playoffs’ past in James Madison. Then what almost nobody except the most devout SHSU fans could have dreamed - one of the most epic third quarters in FCS Playoff history - scoring three touchdowns in the final 2:22. Another touchdown within the first three minutes of the fourth quarter was just enough of the Bearkats’ shock and awe quick strike assault to outdistance the Dukes.
South Dakota State dismantled Holy Cross in the First Round, then went to the wire, defeating Southern Illinois. So it was a bit of a surprise to see the Jackrabbits storm out on Delaware, en route to a 27-3 halftime and eventual 33-3 final victory. Offensively, South Dakota’s numbers weren’t overly impressive, except that they were very efficient. However, the defense was all up in the Blue Hens’ business, sacking them seven times and accounting for eleven tackles for loss. Delaware was bombarded from the beginning and never seemed to get on track.
This championship is very interesting, but one thing looks to be the biggest factor above everything else; if the Jackrabbit defense plays anywhere close to what they did against Delaware, they should win fairly comfortably. That being said, Sam Houston State has a crazy explosive offense. By that same token, if they fall behind like they did to James Madison, you’d be foolish to believe another comeback will happen against South Dakota State. It’s been a strange season and this is the last game before things start again in a little less than four months for the 2021 season. Ironically, this game has been notoriously North Dakota State’s showcase, but these are the last two teams who beat the Bison. Who gets that first taste of a national championship?
Prediction: South Dakota State 31, Sam Houston State 21
