The No.10-ranked South Dakota State Jackrabbit football team, fresh off a 56-28 victory over Drake University, will take on Cal Poly State University in the 50th Annual Beef Bowl on Saturday.

It’s the first meeting between the two schools since a 2014 meeting that resulted in a 44-14 Jacks victory. Historically speaking, SDSU is 3-5 against Cal Poly since Head Coach John Stiegelmeier has been at SDSU, so he knows what he’s up against.

“They’re really well coached,” Stiegelmeier said. “They run the triple option. Anytime a team has that perfected, it stresses out your defense. Every play is a potential home run because you don’t have everybody tackling the power side. You’ve got to be wary of the dive play and what the quarterback is doing.”

Cal Poly enters the game with a 1-1 record, with a season-opening 30-27 overtime loss coming to FBS opponent University of Nevada. The Mustangs bounced back last week after a 38-16 victory over the University of San Diego. 

Last year, they were 4-7, including a victory over the University of Montana, who ended the Jacks’ season last fall. Currently, Cal Poly is ranked in the Top 25 in the FCS in rushing, red zone offense, time of possession, total offense and total defense. 

“Defensively, they’re really athletic,” Stiegelmeier said. “They show you a lot of different looks. It’s gonna be a hard game for us.”

Saturday’s game will be the first Beef Bowl ever played at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The Beef Bowl is an annual game that sees a steer auction at halftime. There is also barbecue at tailgating. It is usually the second highest attended football game of the season for the Jacks, who have won nine of the last ten Beef Bowls.

“I hope this team sees a full stand on Saturday,” Stiegelmeier said. “To have the bleachers full for the 50th Beef Bowl would be cool. The fans will see a team that works their tail off and understands that they have to play their best football to get a win. Our guys are pretty focused and they are ready for Saturday.”