SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — It may not feel like a longtime rivalry, since the two teams haven’t played in 20 years. But on Saturday, SDSU and Augustana will meet on the gridiron for the 63rd time.
SDSU and Augie used to be quite familiar with each other, but the Jackrabbits’ jump to FCS has put the matchup on hold since 2004.
However, a schedule change offered the possibility of a rematch and both teams are eager for the chance to play an in-state opponent.
“They’re a really great program. Coach Rogers and his staff do a great job putting their kids in a position to be successful,” Augustana head coach Jerry Olszewski said. “They are who they are and they’ve imposed their will on a lot of people.”
“We know they’re going to come into this stadium and be excited and have a competitive spirit to them,” SDSU head coach Jimmy Rogers said. “It’s going to take our best to get ready to compete.”
SDSU boasts one of the top quarterbacks in the country in standout senior, Mark Gronowski. On the other side of the field, Augustana is splitting time between Thomas Scholten and Gunnar Hensley.
“They push each other to be better. When that decision needs to be made, that decision will be made, but right now the decision is made, they’re both playing,” Olszewski said.
“When they’re both pretty even and you don’t change systematically, it doesn’t change a ton,” Rogers said. “It’s just saying what are their strengths, more than anything else.”
Around 19,000 fans are expected to fill the stands at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium on Saturday, bringing an electric atmosphere to another chapter of State vs. Augie.
“Anytime you can play in front of that large of a crowd, it creates a natural rush that’s really hard to explain, unless you’ve lived it,” Rogers said.
“What a great experience for these kids to go in and play in a premier facility against a premier football team,” Olszewski said. “But with that said, there’s 100 yards and two goal posts everywhere we play, so it isn’t about that, it’s about how well we execute.”
SDSU and Augustana kick-off Saturday at 6 p.m. in Brookings.
