South Dakota and South Dakota State went head to head in a tight rivalry game that came down to the wire. With two minutes left and South Dakota trailing by three, the Coyotes faced fourth and inches. This was the moment, but the Jackrabbits got the stop. South Dakota State’s defense swarmed the play and shut it down, celebrating like the win was already in hand. Fans in the crowd started the party early, throwing up thumbs-ups and salutes, convinced the game was theirs.
But with one second left, South Dakota had one last shot. Down by three, they lined up for a Hail Mary. The quarterback escaped pressure and launched it. The ball bounced around as defenders tried for interceptions instead of knocking it down, and it cost them. A tipped ball stayed alive long enough for a South Dakota receiver to grab it in the end zone for the win. Bedlam. Cheerleaders lost it. Fans stormed. A kid on crutches sprinted onto the field. The Coyotes stole the game.
The loss stung for South Dakota State. Players had it in their hands and let it go. That final play became a lesson in what not to do when defending a last-second heave. South Dakota ended up with the improbable win in the most dramatic fashion, proving once again how unpredictable rivalry games can be.