On Sunday, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits hoisted its first FCS Championship trophy, knocking off rival the North Dakota State Bison, 45-21 in Frisco, Texas.
While defeating a long-time rival has to make the championship win even sweeter, it could also signal a changing of the guard in the FCS.
A perennial powerhouse, North Dakota State entered Sunday as the defending champs, having won nine of the last 11 FCS titles.
However, momentum seems to be shifting south in the over 100-year rivalry.
Counting Sunday’s FCS title win, South Dakota State has won four straight over the Bisons, its longest winning streak over their rival since they won four in a row from 1947-50.
The Bison have lost only nine FCS games since 2016, with six coming against South Dakota State, per the Athletic’s Chris Vannini.
After a tight first quarter on Sunday, the Jackrabbits pulled away with a strong second quarter, eventually walking away with a 24-point victory and the program’s first FCS title.
