North Dakota State-South Dakota State football: Preview, how to watch, score, live updates for the Dakota Marker

A historic FCS rivalry returns as No. 1 State North Dakota hosts No. 3 State South Dakota in the Dakota Marker. Both teams go into the game unbeaten against FCS opponents with a loss against an FBS opponent. The bison and jackrabbits are battling for a share of the Missouri Valley Football Conference leadership, bragging rights and likely first place in next week’s polls.

North Dakota State comes into play after needing a rally against Indiana State to secure victory. The Bison overcame a 13-10 halftime deficit thanks to running back TaMerik Williams, who rushed for a career-high 145 yards and three touchdowns. Team leader wide receiver Zach Mathis also scored on the comeback by catching all five of his catches for 86 yards in the second half. Williams and Mathis are two of North Dakota State’s best offensive guns.

However, the leader of North Dakota State’s offensive clubhouse is fullback Hunter Luepke. Luepke is an early-season nominee for the Walter Payton Award, having scored eight rushing touchdowns (the seventh most in FCS) and 10 total touchdowns (the fourth most in FCS). Luepke also leads in blocks alongside one of FCS’ best offensive lines, clearing holes for the nation’s third-leading rushing offense.

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Defensively, the bisons have talent across the board. Up front, defensive tackles Will and Eli Mostaert clog the inside while defensive tackle Spencer Waege sets the edge. At the second layer of defense is team-leading tackler James Kaczor, a preseason All-Conference pick. On the secondary side, safety Michael Tutsie and cornerback Destin Talbert are veterans capable of making takeaways when the ball is in the air. Overall, the North Dakota State defensive talent continues to live up to the standard set in Fargo.

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South Dakota State’s offense seems to have found its groove in the past few weeks. Running back Isaiah Davis rushed for two touchdowns and a season-high 199 yards a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, wide receiver Jaxon Janke has caught a touchdown pass in each of the previous four games. With quarterback Mark Gronowski leading the show, the Jackrabbits enter the Dakota marker on the right foot. The offense could also get a boost from the return of All-American tight end Tucker Kraft, who teased his return on Twitter this week. Even if Kraft doesn’t return, tight end Zach Heins has proved more than serviceable in his absence.

Marker week! Know your heritage! See you soon Jackrabbit Nation! pic.twitter.com/ANUTleubzd

— Tucker Kraft (@TuckerKraft) October 10, 2022

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On defense, the Jackrabbits remain one of the best units in FCS, ranking second in yards allowed and third in rushing yards per game. South Dakota State also has one of its best performances this season against the pass, highlighted by its season-high seven sacks. The Jackrabbits have strong defenders in Caleb Sanders and Reece Winkelman on the defensive line, with linebacker Adam Bock stealing the show behind them. Bock made 13 tackles, forced a fumble and recovered from a fumble in Week 1 against FBS opponent Iowa and has only gotten better since then. Bock will have a significant role to play in the Dakota Marker as South Dakota State attempts to extend its winning streak.

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When South Dakota State heads to the Fargodome, the Jackrabbits will face a North Dakota State team looking to claim their first win in their last two competitions. Expect a high-energy, intense battle as these two rivals clash on the gridiron.