Dakota Marker, Round 2

[Mvemjsunpx]

This is the only second-round game that could even be called a mismatch. You have to be able to stop the run to beat NoDak State, but South Dakota State's D-Line sucks. Giving up 40 points to a depleted Montana State team doesn't inspire confidence in SDSU's defense, either. The Jackrabbits have to do some damage in the passing game to have any hope. Against the Bison, that's easier said than done…

Here's my assessment of the matchups & my pick for the game:

• • • Quarterbacks -- South Dakota St.
      
      Running Backs - (push)
      
      Receivers/TEs - South Dakota St.
      
      Offensive Line - North Dakota St.
      
      
      Defensive Line - North Dakota St.
      
      Linebackers --- North Dakota St.
      
      Secondary ---- North Dakota St.
      
      
      Kicking ------ South Dakota St.
      
      Punting ------ North Dakota St.
      
      Return Teams - South Dakota St.
      
      Kickoffs ------ North Dakota St.
      
      
      
      
      
      • South Dakota St. 17-34 North Dakota St.

[Ibanez]

I'd love it if NDSU lost.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

SDSU's defense is weak against the run and NDSU ran for 290 yards in the first game. I don't see them stopping the Bison running game. Wentz (QB) also ran for over 100. IMO, the Jack's defense is not good enough to consistently stop the Bison. On the flip side, the Bison defense is good enough to consistently stop the Jack's defense.

The last 6 games played between these teams the Jacks have averaged 12.5 points/game. That will not get it done tomorrow.

Bison roll in the 2nd half.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

I'd love it if NDSU lost.

Either SDSU/NDSU is a tough match up for CC if they get by Richmond.

[SuperHornet]

This is the only second-round game that could even be called a mismatch.

I'm pretty sure there's more than one person around here who would beg to disagree with that, Venus. There are those who would like to call LU-'Nova a mismatch of epic proportions....

[vutomcat]

This is the only second-round game that could even be called a mismatch.

I'm pretty sure there's more than one person around here who would beg to disagree with that, Venus. There are those who would like to call LU-'Nova a mismatch of epic proportions....

For the record, I am not one of those.

[Gil Dobie]

Game could go either way. I'm not going to pick against the Bison.

[JohnStOnge]

THAT was on heck of a football game. I was watching several games at a time via the ESPN3 feature where you can do that. But I was paying a lot of attention to that one because South Dakota State was really putting up one heck of a fight and had a REAL chance to win that game.

But North Dakota State did what it had to do. And in the process I think they may have identified a new star receiver. That freshman guy who caught the winning TD pass. Man, that guy played a great game.

[JohnStOnge]

And BTW, may we all stop for a moment and contemplate the end of FCS competition seeing an all time great in that South Dakota State running back Zenner. That guy provided a lot of great moments both against other FCS teams and against FBS teams the Jackrabbits played. Damned fine running back.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

And BTW, may we all stop for a moment and contemplate the end of FCS competition seeing an all time great in that South Dakota State running back Zenner. That guy provided a lot of great moments both against other FCS teams and against FBS teams the Jackrabbits played. Damned fine running back.

ZZ is a great RB for sure. Plus he is pre-med and wants to be a surgeon....

[Gil Dobie]

Congrats to a great season Jacks and a great career for ZZ.