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SDSU Ranked No. 2, Eyes Final Non-Conference Win
25 Sep
Summary
- The Jackrabbits, ranked second in the FCS, will face the Panthers.
- SDSU's starting quarterback Chase Mason is out with a knee injury.
- Panthers' coach Chris Wilkerson aims for improvement after previous losing seasons.
The second-ranked South Dakota State Jackrabbits will conclude their non-conference schedule by hosting the Eastern Illinois Panthers on Saturday. SDSU, holding a 3-1 record, faces a Panthers team that has struggled to a 1-3 start. This game marks the final home contest for the Jackrabbits as they wrap up a three-game homestand at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
A key storyline for Saturday's game is the absence of SDSU's starting quarterback, Chase Mason, who is out with a knee injury. Mason was injured during last week's victory over Youngstown State. Consequently, Josh Holst is slated to make his first start for the Jackrabbits, having previously logged seven career starts at Northern Illinois. Running back Ramon McKinney is also sidelined due to injury for SDSU.
The Panthers, under fifth-year coach Chris Wilkerson, have endured a challenging season, allowing an average of 41 points per game while scoring 21. Wilkerson's tenure has seen three seasons with nine losses, contrasted with an 8-3 record in 2023. EIU's quarterback Cole LaCrue, a former Wisconsin Badger, has shown flashes of potential, including a Panthers record for quarterback rushing yards in a single game last year.
Historically, SDSU leads the series 1-0, with their last meeting in 2012 resulting in a decisive 58-10 victory for the Jackrabbits. The Panthers have had limited playoff success since their consecutive appearances in 2012 and 2013. SDSU enters this game on a high after defeating Youngstown State 27-20 last week, while EIU is looking to rebound from a 49-13 loss to Illinois State.
