BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) — SDSU is coming off its first loss in more than 700 days with a season-opening defeat at 17th-ranked Oklahoma State. Now this week, the Jackrabbits look to rebound in their home opener.
The Jacks’ 44-20 loss to the Cowboys was their most lopsided defeat since the 2018 FCS playoffs.
“We’ll be fine,” SDSU head coach Jimmy Rogers said. “We got a lot of maturity on this team. As much as we’ve won here with a lot of similar guys like you’re talking about, they’re still winners. And honestly, that was a tough game. I felt like we competed in so many ways.”
After playing in front of more than 52,000 fans in Stillwater, the Jacks welcome the opportunity to play in front of a sold out Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
“I’m confident that we’ll come out with energy,” Rogers said. “I’m confident that the 19,000 fans that will be here will aid to that, and I’m excited for a full stadium to play at home.”
SDSU takes on an Incarnate Word program that reached the FCS semifinals two years ago and just missed the postseason last year.
“This is one of the most successful programs in the country from really 2021 on,” Rogers said. “They’re up there with the most wins with several of the top programs that people talk about. So, our guys will not overlook this. They’ll come in with a chip on their shoulder. They were left out of the playoffs last year, which they probably shouldn’t have been at 9-2. And looking at that film, they’re surely deserving to be in.”
The Jackrabbits and Cardinals kick off Saturday at 6 p.m. in Brookings.
