Jackrabbits erupt in second half to down YSU

YOUNGSTOWN, O.H. (GoJacks.com) — Third-ranked South Dakota State scored 35 points in the second half, overcoming a sluggish start to defeat Youngstown State, 38-28, Saturday night at Stambaugh Stadium.

J’Bore Gibbs completed 14-of-26 passes for 210 yards and also finished as the Jackrabbits’ leading rusher with 75 yards on 12 attempts. Jaxon Janke caught four passes for 32 yards, with Cade Johnson adding three catches for 93 yards.

For YSU, Nathan Mays completed 14-of-24 passes for 176 yards and carried 13 times for 58 yards. Joe Alessi was the Penguins’ leading ground-gainer with 72 yards on 17 carries.

Overall, the Jackrabbits held a narrow 423-412 advantage in total offense.

Christian Rozeboom, who recovered a fumble in the second quarter, paced the Jackrabbit defense with a game-high 13 tackles, followed by eight stops from fellow linebacker Logan Backhaus.

Cash Mitchell led Youngstown State defensively with 10 tackles.

The Jackrabbits improved to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. YSU, ranked 17th by the Football Championship Subdivision coaches and 19th in the STATS FCS media poll, lost its second game in a row to fall to 4-2 overall and 0-2 in league play.

The Jackrabbits wrap up their two-game road swing at Indiana State on Oct. 19. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. Eastern Time (noon Central) at Memorial Stadium in Terre Haute, Indiana