The Prairie War: South Dakota's Fiercest Football Rivalry Comes to a Head

Ah, the "Showdown Series." Honestly, you could say it’s more than just a football game; it's a deep-seated, state-defining grudge match, a yearly tradition where the Mount Rushmore State truly gets to decide bragging rights on the gridiron. And this year, well, it feels like the stakes couldn't possibly be higher, could they? The undefeated, top-ranked South Dakota State Jackrabbits are set to host their fierce in-state rivals, the South Dakota Coyotes, in a clash that promises fireworks.

For fans, this isn't just another Saturday afternoon. It's 1 p.m. CT on November 18th, a date circled in red on calendars across both fanbases. Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings will be absolutely buzzing, a cauldron of noise and anticipation. Picture it: two sets of loyal fans, decked out in their respective colors, screaming themselves hoarse, each hoping to witness their team claim victory in what is, truly, one of college football’s most compelling FCS rivalries. You know, the kind of game where families are divided at the dinner table, where friendships are put on hold for a few glorious hours.

Now, if you can’t make it to Brookings – and let's face it, not everyone can – fear not. ESPN+ is your best friend here, broadcasting all the action live. It’s a convenient little setup, isn’t it? Just fire up the app or head to the website. And for those who prefer a more robust streaming package, Fubo also carries ESPN+, offering a gateway to a whole world of sports beyond just this epic showdown. Honestly, it makes catching every tackle, every touchdown, every pivotal play wonderfully accessible.

So, what's really at stake beyond, you know, just bragging rights? Well, the Jackrabbits are, to put it mildly, on a tear. They’re sitting pretty at No. 1 in the FCS rankings, with a perfect season on the line. And for the Coyotes? They’re battling for their own postseason dreams, looking to spoil SDSU’s immaculate record and solidify their spot in the playoffs. Talk about a narrative! It's the classic story: the underdog — or at least, the team hungry for an upset — against the reigning titans. It makes for fantastic viewing, doesn't it?

History, as it often does, looms large over this matchup. South Dakota State has, truth be told, dominated the recent iterations of the Showdown Series, taking the last four contests. Their overall series lead is quite substantial, too, a testament to their sustained excellence. But hey, in a rivalry game, you can almost throw the record books out the window, can't you? Passion, local pride, and a dash of pure grit often decide these things. Every play matters, every decision amplified. It’s the sort of football that reminds you why we love the sport in the first place.

Odds, you ask? Well, the oddsmakers, bless their hearts, have placed SDSU as a fairly heavy favorite – we’re talking 16.5 points here, and the over/under sitting around 49.5 points. But anyone who’s watched enough rivalry football knows that numbers, while informative, don't always tell the whole story. Emotions run high, unexpected heroes emerge, and sometimes, just sometimes, the script gets completely rewritten. Will the Jackrabbits continue their flawless march? Or will the Coyotes — perhaps fueled by the sheer audacity of trying to upset the top dog — pull off a shocker? Tune in, truly, to find out.