FRISCO, Texas — When the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and Montana Grizzlies clash in the FCS championship game Sunday, both teams will carry the weight of history and the desire to cement their place in FCS lore. For South Dakota State, a repeat of their 2022 title — the first FCS national championship in the history of the program — wouldn’t just validate their dominance; it would solidify their recent ascent to the top of the subdivision. Montana, meanwhile, seeks a long-awaited return to the pinnacle, a return that would echo their past dynasties and rewrite the present narrative.
Jackrabbits aim for dynasty
The Jacks’ offensive line, anchored by All-American left tackle Garrett Greenfield, embodies their relentless pursuit of excellence. Greenfield, a six-year veteran, remembers the call to action when he signed in 2018 and has embodied the “605 Hogs” identity ever since. His dedication serves as a blueprint for the next generation of linemen.
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Running back Isaiah Davis, another key architect of the Jacks’ success, has amassed over 2,900 yards and 32 touchdowns in the past two seasons. He embraces the pressure of playing for a team everyone expects to win, attributing it to their relentless improvement. His work ethic and faith in his teammates have fostered a potent backfield, with fellow veteran junior Amar Johnson and the youngster sophomore Angel Johnson ready to carry the torch.
Davis’ focus on the present mirrors the team’s overall mentality, even as NFL aspirations loom. His mantra — “The goal is still the goal. The goal is to win. The goal is to dominate.” — speaks volumes about their unyielding pursuit of FCS supremacy.
The magnitude of the game isn’t lost on the players. South Dakota State has 34 seniors on this squad who have been an extremely important factor in the rise of this program. 18 total seniors will touch the field for the final time. Beyond the immediate chase for victory, Greenfield, Davis and the entire contingent understand the legacy he’ll leave behind if the Jacks can finish the job.
Grizzlies crave rejuvenation
For Montana, the road to Frisco wasn’t smooth. After a rocky start punctuated by a loss to Northern Arizona, senior defensive tackle Alex Gubner and his teammates had to hit the reset button. Coach’s words resonated: “It’s one week at a time now. We can’t look at anything in the future. It’s all about right now.”
Gubner, the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year, led the charge, focusing on the present and inspiring his teammates to do the same. His coach’s advice – “Guys who think about things after their career… it can hinder them. You got to live in the present and focus on right now” – became their guiding principle.
Now, as the curtain falls on Gubner’s six-year career, the NFL may beckon, but the immediate goal remains a championship. His ability to stay present has been contagious, turning a shaky season into an improbable march to the title game.
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The Junior effect
Both defenses stand near the top of the FCS and they have been brilliant in the moments that matter In the regular season as well as their playoff runs. While most give the offensive edge to South Dakota State, Montana has a dynamic offensive and special teams weapon in Junior Bergen. The Montana native is a human Swiss army knife who is a home run hitter for the Griz.
🤯 @bergen_junior DOES IT AGAIN!!#GoGriz pic.twitter.com/xoLDUyIzwi
— Montana Griz Football (@MontanaGrizFB) December 16, 2023
His abilities as a runner and a receiver make him difficult for defenses to game plan against. However, it is his exploits as a returner that have already made him a legend in Missoula. If the Jackrabbits try to get cute while trying to avoid kicking the ball to Bergen, mistakes could lead to a massive field position advantage for the Griz. If hubris takes over, and they decide to kick it to him, the Montana band will be waiting with bated breath to strike up the fight song.
Legacy on the line
Both the Jackrabbits and Grizzlies carry the weight of legacy in this clash of titans. South Dakota State seeks to continue its dynasty, while Montana yearns for a glorious return to the top. One team will etch its name deeper in FCS history, while the other will face the bittersweet reality of falling short. But regardless of the outcome, this battle promises to be a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and the pursuit of gridiron glory. The legacy both teams leave behind will be cemented in Frisco. For the Jackrabbits, it’s about solidifying their ascendancy. For the Grizzlies, it’s about reclaiming their throne. Only one story will be told Sunday.
(Top photo: C. Morgan Engel / NCAA Photos via Getty Images)