FRISCO, Texas — South Dakota State University never bought into all the hype surrounding its program as the reigning national champion in the Football Championship Subdivision.
With standout quarterback Mark Gronowski and a stifling defense, the Jackrabbits just went out and won another title.
“That first one was … really, really sweet, just because it was that first one,” said Gronowski, who started in the title game for NCAA Division I’s lower tier for the third time in his career. “We got to see the other team do it three years ago and be up on that stage where we weren’t, so I think that’s part of the thing that makes this whole thing so much sweeter.”
Gronowski ran for a touchdown and threw for another after halftime as No. 1 SDSU repeated as champion with a 23-3 win over No. 2 Montana on Sunday at Toyota Stadium. The Jackrabbits have won 29 games in a row, including over rival North Dakota State University last year for their first national title.
The Jackrabbits became the first team since to repeat as champions since NDSU won three in a row from the 2017 season to the 2019 season. The Bison hold the FCS record with nine titles overall, five more than any other program.