Jackrabbits cruise to win at Missouri State

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (GoJacks.com) — South Dakota State racked up more than 500 yards of total offense and carried a shutout into the fourth quarter, defeating Missouri State, 35-14, in Missouri Valley Football Conference action Saturday afternoon at Robert W. Plaster Stadium.

The Jackrabbits, ranked fourth in the STATS FCS media poll and fifth by the Football Championship Subdivision coaches, improved to 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the MVFC. Missouri State dropped to 1-7 overall and 1-4 in league play.

SDSU ended the game with a 526-249 advantage in total offense. Cade Johnson led all players with five catches for 164 yards. In his first career start, Keaton Heide completed 11-of-19 passes for 173 yards.

For Missouri State, Peyton Huslig was 15-of-32 passing for 159 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Jeremiah Wilson gained 87 yards on 12 carries, with Jordan Murray leading the MSU receivers with four catches for 52 yards.

The SDSU defense, which forced Missouri State to punt 10 times, was led by Seven Wilson’s career-high 12 tackles. Fellow linebacker Logan Backhaus added six stops.

The Jackrabbits return home to host Illinois State in a battle of nationally ranked teams. Kickoff for the Hall of Fame Game is slated for 2 p.m. at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The game also has been designated as Military Appreciation Day.