FCS Championship First Round: South Dakota State Hosts New Hampshire in High-Stakes Playoff Clash

The 2025 FCS Championship playoffs begin today. The South Dakota State Jackrabbits host the New Hampshire Wildcats in a first-round matchup. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota.

This game features two 8-4 teams on contrasting paths. New Hampshire enters with a five-game winning streak. South Dakota State snapped a four-game skid last week to secure their 14th straight playoff berth.

Key Matchup: Passing Offense vs. Stingy Defense

New Hampshire’s success hinges on quarterback Matt Vezza. He threw for 2,625 yards and 19 touchdowns this season. His top receivers, Caleb Burke and Chase Wilson, are consistent downfield threats.

South Dakota State’s defense is built to stop this exact attack. According to Sports Illustrated, the Jackrabbits allow just 3.7 yards per carry. This forces teams to become one-dimensional and predictable.

The Wildcats’ weak rushing attack plays right into this strength. They average only 3.9 yards per carry. This imbalance puts immense pressure on Vezza to make perfect throws under duress.

Experience and Home Field Tip the Scales

Playoff experience heavily favors the home team. South Dakota State is in its 14th consecutive postseason. New Hampshire has not made the FCS playoffs since the 2018 season.

The Jackrabbits also boast a potent ground game. Running back Julius Loughridge rushed for 916 yards. He faces a Wildcat defense that allows over 161 rushing yards per game.

This stylistic clash is the game’s core narrative. Can New Hampshire’s air attack score quickly? Or will South Dakota State’s physical control of the line decide the outcome?

Analysts point to the Jackrabbits’ recent performance as a key indicator. Their offensive line regrouped last week. They rushed for over 200 yards against a tough North Dakota defense.

The first-round FCS Championship game may ultimately be decided in the trenches. South Dakota State’s formula of defense and ball control is a proven playoff winner. New Hampshire’s explosive pass game must deliver its best performance of the year to advance.

Info at your fingertips

Who is favored to win this FCS playoff game?

Sports Illustrated predicts a South Dakota State victory. Their projection is a 27-10 win for the Jackrabbits, citing defensive matchups as the deciding factor.

What channel is the New Hampshire vs. South Dakota State game on?

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM Eastern Time, which is noon local time in South Dakota.

How many times has South Dakota State made the FCS playoffs?

This is the program’s 14th consecutive playoff appearance. That sustained success provides a significant experience advantage in a single-elimination tournament setting.

What is New Hampshire’s key offensive strength?

Their strength is a proficient passing offense led by quarterback Matt Vezza. He finished the regular season with 19 touchdown passes and only six interceptions.

Why is South Dakota State’s run defense so important?

Stopping the run forces opponents into obvious passing situations. This allows their pass rushers and defensive backs to be more aggressive and create turnovers.