PHOTOS: Jackrabbits handle Montana in FCS playoffs second round

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-12.jpg — South Dakota State linebacker Daeton Mcgaughy (0) celebrates making a stop against Montana during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

By Landon Dierks

December 07, 2024 at 5:48 PM

BROOKINGS — In a rematch of last season's FCS national championship game, South Dakota State had little trouble dispatching Montana once again in a second-round contest on Saturday.

No. 3 seed SDSU racked up 500 yards of total offense, at one point leading by 32 points early in the fourth quarter, as the Jackrabbits eliminated No. 14 seed Montana 35-18 at Dykhouse Stadium.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-5.jpg — South Dakota State receiver Griffin Wilde (18) begins to reach for the goal line as Montana defensive back Trevin Gradney (37) closes in during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-1.jpg — South Dakota State linebacker Caleb Francl (9) applies pressure as Montana quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat (8) releases a pass during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-2.jpg — South Dakota State running back Amar Johnson (3) stiff arms Montana defensive back Kyon Loud (14) during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

The Griz scored first on a field goal midway through the first quarter, but from there, SDSU put up 35 consecutive points to take control and pull away. Quarterback Mark Gronowski scored two 1-yard rushing touchdowns and tossed two more touchdowns to Giffin Wilde. Linebacker Adam Bock returned an interception for a touchdown for SDSU's final touchdown.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-11.jpg — South Dakota State safety Tucker Large wraps up Montana receiver Junior Bergen (5) during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-3.jpg — South Dakota State running back Amar Johnson (3) prepares to stiff arm Montana safety Ryder Meyer (13) during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-4.jpg — South Dakota State receiver Griffin Wilde (18) carries the football after making a reception against Montana during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

With the game out of reach, Keali'i Ah Yat threw two touchdown passes for the Griz in the fourth quarter. He finished with 231 passing yards, while Montana was limited to 75 rushing yards on 29 carries.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-6.jpg — South Dakota State defensive tackle Jarod DePriest (52) attempts to wrap up Montana running back Stevie Rocker Jr. (21) during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-9.jpg — South Dakota State running back Maxwell Woods (34) carries the football on a kick return against Montana during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-8.jpg — South Dakota State special teams attempt to block a Montana field goal attempt during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

South Dakota State (11-2) advances to the FCS national quarterfinals to play No. 6 Incarnate Word (11-2) next week, with the time to be announced.

SDSU and UIW met earlier this season on Sept. 7 in Brookings, with the Jackrabbits pulling away for a 45-24 victory. The Cardinals earned a 13-6 win over No. 11 Villanova in Saturday's second-round action.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-7.jpg — South Dakota State linebacker Adam Bock (32) and safety Tucker Large (1) close in on Montana running back Eli Gillman (10) as he carries the football during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-10.jpg — South Dakota State safety Tucker Large wraps up Montana receiver Junior Bergen (5) during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-14.jpg — South Dakota State linebacker Adam Bock (32) breaks into the open field on an interception return as the SDSU sideline and fans celebrate in the background during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-15.jpg — Montana quarterback Keali'i Ah Yat (8) braces for a sack by South Dakota State defensive end Reis Kirschenman (97) during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

120724.SDSUfootball_vsMontana-13.jpg — South Dakota State linebacker Adam Bock (32) carries the football on an interception return against Montana during an FCS playoff second-round game on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

PHOTOS: Jackrabbits handle Montana in FCS playoffs second round

South Dakota State defeated Montana 35-18 in a rematch of last season's national championship game