The No. 2 South Dakota State football team defeated No. 3 Montana State 30-24 Saturday in a double-overtime thriller that could only be described as another instant classic.

The Jackrabbits (2-0) remain undefeated and will return to Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium next week to host Drake.

Player of the Game

Receiver Lofton O’Groske had a career day, catching 12 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. He eclipsed his previous career high of five catches for 76 yards, set last week against Sacramento State. O’Groske accounted for nearly 75% of quarterback Chase Mason’s 190 passing yards.

Play of the Game

After a scoreless third quarter highlighted the defensive struggle, the game was ultimately decided by a defensive stop. On the final play, Montana State faced a 4th & 1. The Bobcats gave the ball to running back Julius Davis, but linebacker Kytan Fyfe was part of a defensive surge that held the line, sealing the win for South Dakota State.

Honorable Mention: On the first play of the second overtime, Mason threw a 25-yard pass down the left seam, connecting with redshirt freshman Brayden Delahoyde for the game-winning touchdown. It was the first career touchdown for the Spearfish native.

Stat of the Game

The box score illustrated the defensive nature of the game. Montana State outgained SDSU on the ground 210-107 despite a similar number of attempts (42-40). The Bobcats also finished with 52 more total yards than the Jackrabbits. With Montana State keying on the run, running back Julius Loughridge was held to 93 yards after rushing for 163 last week. The shift forced the SDSU offense to rely more on its passing game. MSU’s defense also held the Jacks to just one 3rd-down conversion the entire game.

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

SDSU: Eli Stader 25 field goal, 9:02. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:58.

Second Quarter

MSU: Justin Lamson 7 run (Myles Sansted kick), 10:47. Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 4:07.
SDSU: Chase Mason 8 run (Stader kick), 1:06. Drive: 2 plays, 21 yards, 0:46.
MSU: Sansted 33 field goal, 0:00. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 1:00.

Fourth Quarter

SDSU: Lofton O’Groske 8 pass from Mason (Stader kick), 9:08. Drive: 7 plays, 3:40.
MSU: Seth Brock 2 blocked punt return (Sansted kick), 6:37.

Overtime

MSU: Adam Jones 2 run (Sansted kick).
SDSU: O’Groske 2 pass from Mason (Stader kick).

Second Overtime

SDSU: Brayden Delahoyde 25 pass from Mason.