Air attack unlocks Jacks in 57-14 rout of New Haven

Brookings, South Dakota — South Dakota State football bounced back from a previous defeat against Northwestern with a decisive 57-14 victory over New Haven. Early in the game, the Jackrabbits secured a narrow 3-0 lead after each team managed to execute a solitary drive. However, the Chargers struggled to impede the SDSU's running game initially.

Offensive lineman Quinten Christensen reflected that "we needed to take a breath and discuss them, but once we found our rhythm, things started moving." New Haven had crafted an impressive game plan but aimed to thwart the Jacks' running approach. Head coach Dan Jackson acknowledged the necessity of running effectively and altering their strategy halfway through the game, opting for more passing plays.

This decision proved to be game-changing, with the Jacks leading 36-0 at halftime. Chase Mason had a stellar performance, completing 12 of 18 passes for 255 yards and securing three touchdowns. Jackson expressed his satisfaction with Mason's accuracy and precision. The defense also contributed significantly in the second quarter, with a safety and a fumble recovery setting the stage for additional points.

Jackson emphasized the need for creating more takeaways and momentum plays on defense, as they are crucial for maintaining an edge in modern football. The Jacks are eager to kick off their conference play this weekend, facing off against No. 9 Youngstown State in their next match.