The South Dakota football team etched their name in history on Saturday. This remarkable achievement came as they triumphed over UC Davis with a decisive 35 - 21 score in the FCS playoff quarterfinals. This victory propelled them to the semifinals for the very first time in the program's history. On December 21 at 2:30 p.m. CT, USD will face off against the top-ranked Montana State on the road in a battle for a spot in the national title game.

South Dakota's Football Journey to Semifinals

Fast Start and Dominance

South Dakota got off to an astonishingly quick start in the game. By the end of the first quarter, they held a commanding 14 - 7 lead and never wavered. Quarterback Aidan Bouman showcased his skills by completing 14 out of 22 passes for an impressive 253 yards and three touchdowns. However, he also had two interceptions to contend with. Running back Travis Theis was a force to be reckoned with, scoring two touchdowns and amassing 86 yards on the ground. This early momentum set the tone for the rest of the game.The USD defense put on an extraordinary display against the Aggies. They managed to secure five interceptions, completely disrupting UC Davis' offensive rhythm. The longest pass of the day for UC Davis was a measly 24 yards, highlighting the dominance of the USD defense. Additionally, they allowed just 88 yards on the ground, demonstrating their ability to shut down the opposition's running game.

Advancing to the Semifinals

With this historic victory, South Dakota moves on to the semifinals with an outstanding 11 - 2 record. Montana State, on the other hand, enters the stage undefeated on the season. They recently had a resounding 52 - 19 win over Idaho in the quarterfinals. The upcoming matchup between South Dakota and Montana State is set to be a thrilling battle. Both teams have their own strengths and strategies, and it will be a true test of their mettle. South Dakota will be looking to build on their recent success and make a deep run in the playoffs. Montana State will be aiming to maintain their undefeated streak and claim the national title. The stage is set for an epic showdown between these two formidable teams.