On Friday September 3, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits visit Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado to play the Colorado State Rams in the opening game of the 2021 college football season for both teams. South Dakota State was 8-1 in the spring season and lost the FCS championship 23-21 to Sam Houston State. The Jackrabbits lost Mark Gronowski during the title game against SHS and the quarterback will not play in 2021. Chris Oladokun and Keaton Heide will share time under center this season.
Jaxon Janke, brother Jadon, and Canyon Bauer all return to give the starting quarterback several options at wide receiver. At running back, South Dakota State has Pierre Strong and Isaiah Davis and last season the two combined to rush for more than 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns. While the SDSU offense will be strong, the defense could be even better. Last season, the Jackrabbits allowed only 15 points per game and 10 of the 11 starters return with linebacker Logan Backhaus the heart and soul of the unit.
In 2020, Colorado State was 1-3 in it's abbreviated season with its only victory over Wyoming. Colorado State will start Todd Centeio at quarterback but Centeio will be pushed by transfer Matt Valecce from Boston College. At running back, the Rams will be led by A’Jon Vivens who finished last season with 210 yards and one touchdown. At wide receiver, tight end Trey McBride may be the best overall player on the field for the Rams. At wide receiver, Dante Wright returns and will be joined by Ty McCullouch and E J Scott. Jordan Kress transferred from New Mexico State and will stretch the field for the Rams.
Colorado State will be strong on the defensive line. Last season the Rams were fourth in the nation in quarterback sacks and have added transfer Scott Patchan from Miami. Toby McBride will play alongside Patchan and give Colorado State a pair of strong pass-rushers. At linebacker Cam’ron Carter and DeQuan Jackson are the top defensive players and hold down the middle for the Rams. The Colorado State secondary is the weak link as seven defensive backs have left via the transfer portal. However, transfers Logan Stewart, Marshaun Cameron and Rashad Ajayi have joined the Rams and will be the three mainstays in the secondary.
