2023 FCS Playoff Semifinals Recap: South Dakota State, Montana To Meet In Frisco

South Dakota State and Montana secured spots in the 2024 FCS National Championship. We recap all the action from the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs

The stage is finally set for the 2024 FCS National Championship in Frisco, Texas at Toyota Stadium. No. 1 South Dakota State and No. 2 Montana will meet on Jan. 7 for the national championship. 

The Road to the Frisco was different for these teams as South Dakota State dominated UAlbany in a 59-0 rout, while the Grizzlies escaped in a two-overtime thriller against North Dakota State. 

The Jackrabbits will be looking to win their second consecutive FCS national championship. Montana is searching for the first national championship since 2001 when the Grizzlies defeated Furman. 

We recap all the action from the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs below.

No. 1 South Dakota State 59, No. 5 UAlbany 0

It was one of the most dominating performances in FCS Playoff history as the Jackrabbits recorded the biggest shutout win in the history of the FCS Playoffs.

The offense was explosive and efficient, finishing the game with 556 yards of total offense and averaging 10.5 yards per play. Quarterback Mark Gronowski completed 15-of-19 passes for 265 passing yards and three touchdowns. Running back Isaiah Davis finished with 107 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, which is his 12th postseason game with 100 or more rushing yards. Wide receiver Jadon Janke led the Jacks with six receptions for 151 receiving yards, while tight end Zach Heins finished the game with two receiving touchdowns. 

UAlbany's defense entered the game as the No. 1 rushing defense and led the nation in sacks this season. The South Dakota State offensive line was dominant, allowing only one negative play and zero sacks on Friday night. The unit also paved the way for 220 rushing yards and the Jacks averaged over 6.5 yards per carry.

Defensively, South Dakota State suffocated UAlbany throughout the game and forced four critical turnovers. The Great Danes finished the game with only 298 yards of total offense, including 66 rushing yards on 23 attempts. Safety Tucker Large had a massive game with an interception and a 79-yard punt return in the first half. Linebacker Jason Freeman led the team with nine total tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and a defensive touchdown on a fumble recovery. 

Up Next: No. 1 South Dakota State will face No. 2 Montana in the 2024 FCS National Championship at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for Jan. 7 at 1 p.m. CT on ABC. 

PHOTOS: South Dakota State Defeats UAlbany For Spot In FCS National Championship

No. 2 Montana 31, North Dakota State 29 (2OT)

Montana cornerback Corbin Walker intercepted Raja Nelson's pass on the two-point attempt to seal the win for the Grizzlies in one of the most exciting games of the season. With the win, Montana clinched a spot in the FCS National Championship and will look to win the first national title since 2001.

Wide receiver Junior Bergen continues to be the most electric player in the country. Bergen led the Grizzlies with six receptions for 59 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown, while also recording another punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. He also completed a miraculous pass to Keelan White for the game-winning two-point conversion. 

JUNIOR BERGEN ➡️ KEELAN WHITE 🤯 #FCSPlayoffs
🎥: @BigSkyConf pic.twitter.com/vZCs2nZQ2L

— FCS Football Central (@The__Bluebloods) December 17, 2023

The biggest difference in the game was the lack of execution in the red zone for the Bison. Montana held North Dakota State to three field goals inside the Montana 20-yard line and did not allow a touchdown until the final 51 seconds of the game. The Grizzlies made Cam Miller uncomfortable in the pocket and ended the game with three sacks. Miller finished the game 9-of-22 for 157 passing yards and one passing touchdown but missed on multiple deep shot opportunities. 

Linebacker Braxton Hill had an impressive game with 10 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks. The Grizzlies held the Bison to only 3-of-13 on third-down attempts. There was one bright spot for the Bison as North Dakota State defensive linemen Jake Kava and Javier Derritt had massive games, combining for 13 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. 

Running backs Eli Gillman and Nick Ostmo combined for 92 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Clifton McDowell did not have his best statistical performance but used his athleticism to extend plays in clutch moments. McDowell completed 16-of-30 passes for 160 passing yards and one passing touchdown. 


Up Next: No. 2 Montana will face No. 1 South Dakota State in the 2024 FCS National Championship at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for Jan. 7 at 1 p.m. CT on ABC.

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