South Dakota State Jackrabbits Suffer Tough Home Defeat Against Illinois State

South Dakota State Jackrabbits Suffer Tough Home Defeat Against Illinois State

BROOKINGS, S.D. – The South Dakota State Jackrabbits faced a challenging day on the field as they hosted the Illinois State Redbirds at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium on November 15, 2025. Despite a spirited effort to close the gap, the Jackrabbits fell 35-21 to Illinois State, a crucial game as both teams jostled for position in the competitive Missouri Valley Football Conference.

Illinois State raced to an early commanding 28-0 lead within the first quarter, a setback that proved too large for South Dakota State to overcome, despite a valiant attempt. The Redbirds’ aggressive start was powered by incredible performances from their key players, including Tommy Rittenhouse and Daniel Sobkowicz.

South Dakota State’s performance illuminated their resilient spirit, a hallmark of the people and culture within this state. The Jackrabbits, ranked No. 15 prior to this matchup and now standing at 7-4 overall, tried to leverage their home advantage and local support. Despite the electric atmosphere and fervent encouragement from the stands, the game tilted unfavorably early on.

The Jackrabbits’ day on the gridiron was marred by early miscues that allowed Illinois State to capitalize and build a lead that proved insurmountable. Illinois State’s Tommy Rittenhouse threw for three touchdowns and ran for another, gaining momentum that was difficult for South Dakota State to halt.

The first quarter began with a significant play when Rittenhouse connected with Daniel Sobkowicz on a pivotal fourth-down conversion, eventually leading to a touchdown pass that set the pace for Illinois State. South Dakota State’s initial drive faltered due to a key defensive play by Illinois State’s Patrick Bauer, who made a critical tackle-for-loss, followed by an interception returned for a touchdown, putting the Redbirds at a significant advantage.

As the Redbirds marched ahead, Daniel Sobkowicz’s performance was noteworthy.

Sobkowicz became Illinois State’s all-time leader in receiving touchdowns during the match, marking an impressive milestone in his sporting journey. This accolade underlines the quality and competitive spirit prevalent throughout the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

In the second quarter, South Dakota State found their footing and began clawing back. Jack Henry, a pivotal figure on the team, spearheaded the fightback with a 14-yard touchdown run that put the Jackrabbits on the scoreboard. The Jackrabbits’ determined effort before half-time saw another touchdown as Henry connected with Brayden Delahoyde in the end zone, highlighting the team’s resolve.

Into the second half, despite tightening defense and strategic adjustments, the Jackrabbits struggled to diminish the significant lead held by Illinois State. Even as Josiah Johnson forcefully cruised into the end zone for another South Dakota State score in the fourth quarter, the Redbird defense held firm to seal a victory as crucial defensive stops thwarted the Jackrabbits’ late charge.

South Dakota is known for its expansive plains and rich sporting culture, with college football holding a special place in the hearts of many. Events such as this underscore the importance of determination and community spirit that define South Dakota’s persona, fostering environments where players are cheered on and supported by families and passionate college football enthusiasts who congregate for these quintessentially American experiences.

Although the game did not unfold as South Dakota State had hoped, the state’s robust football tradition endures, poised to inspire future generations. The versatile and resilient nature of the Jackrabbits is representative of South Dakota’s intrinsic sporting charm. Looking ahead, South Dakota State remains optimistic about capitalizing on this learning experience in preparing for future matchups within the hyper-competitive landscape of college football.

Game Highlights & Notable Performances:

• Illinois State’s Offensive Strategy: The Redbirds leveraged an early aggressive offensive strategy, orchestrated by Rittenhouse who accounted for four touchdowns in the game.
• Daniel Sobkowicz: Sobkowicz’s record-breaking three-touchdown performance solidified his place in Illinois State history.
• Patrick Bauer: With an interception conversion for a touchdown, Bauer propelled Illinois State into an early lead, setting the tone for the match.
• South Dakota State’s Resiliency: Bolstered by Jack Henry’s leadership, the Jackrabbits achieved two consecutive touchdowns before half-time, exhibiting tenacity and fighting spirit.
• Community Impact: The electrifying atmosphere at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium highlighted the strong support network backing South Dakota State and the broader community’s dedication to college athletics.

The outcome of this match sets a critical context for the future engagements of the Jackrabbits, aligning with the broader cultural and athletic narrative of South Dakota, where sportsmanship and resilience continuously shape the competitive fabric of the state. As South Dakota State regroups, they retain a focus on nurturing local talent and fostering athletic excellence within the community.

South Dakota State will look forward to building on this experience in their next matches, ever motivated by the spirit of their state and the indomitable will of the Jackrabbits.