HAMMOND, Louisiana – In a thrilling display of athleticism and strategic dominance, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits triumphed over the Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) Lions in a commanding 41-0 victory at Strawberry Stadium on September 21, 2024. This resounding win marks another successful chapter in SDSU’s impressive season, as the Jackrabbits now stand tall with a 3-1 record.
The game, which kicked off at 6:03 PM under clear skies and an 88-degree temperature, quickly turned in favor of the Jackrabbits, who showcased their superior offense and impregnable defense from the first quarter to the final whistle. With a reported attendance of 4,387 spectators, SDSU made a statement that reverberated not just through the stadium but across the collegiate football landscape.
First Half: Early Dominance Sets the Tone
From the onset, the Jackrabbits demonstrated their prowess. In the first quarter, Dalys Beanum electrified the crowd with an 88-yard punt return for a touchdown, giving SDSU an early 7-0 lead. This play set the tone for the game, indicating that SDSU was not only ready but determined to dominate.
The second quarter saw the Jackrabbits continue their assault. Kirby Vorhees, one of the game’s standout players, scored two rushing touchdowns, first from 20 yards out and then from 22 yards. These back-to-back scoring drives solidified SDSU’s control over the game, as they extended their lead to 20-0 by halftime.
The Jackrabbits’ defense was equally impressive, holding SLU scoreless throughout the first half. Despite SLU’s attempts to mount an offense, they were repeatedly thwarted by SDSU’s relentless defensive line, which allowed only minimal yardage and forced several punts.
Second Half: Relentless Pressure and a Shutout Performance
The second half continued in much the same vein, with SDSU refusing to let up. Vorhees continued his extraordinary performance with an 80-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, a highlight that left fans in awe and extended SDSU’s lead to 27-0. Not to be outdone, Amar Johnson added another touchdown with a 14-yard run, further burying any hopes SLU had of a comeback.
In the fourth quarter, Chase Mason capped off the scoring with a 1-yard run into the end zone, bringing the final score to 41-0. Throughout the game, SDSU’s offense was a model of efficiency, with a total of 417 yards gained compared to SLU’s 186. The Jackrabbits averaged an impressive 9.5 yards per rushing attempt, accumulating 341 rushing yards alone, while the Lions struggled to maintain any momentum with only 94 rushing yards.
Defensive Masterclass: A Team Effort
SDSU’s defense was nothing short of spectacular, contributing significantly to the shutout. The Jackrabbits recorded four sacks, with Bryce Hawthorne, Kobe Clayborne, and others leading the charge. Colby Huerter’s interception in the second quarter, which he returned for 38 yards, was one of two interceptions that kept the Lions’ offense at bay. The relentless pressure applied by the Jackrabbits forced SLU into making crucial mistakes, including two missed field goals that could have at least put points on the board for the Lions.
Special teams also played a pivotal role, with Hunter Dustman handling kicking duties with precision, contributing seven kickoffs for a total of 426 yards, including three touchbacks. Beanum’s punt return for a touchdown was the cherry on top, showcasing the depth and versatility of SDSU’s squad.
Coach’s Perspective
SDSU Head Coach, who has been pivotal in the team’s successful run this season, praised his team’s performance, stating, “Our players executed the game plan to perfection. We knew we had to come out strong against a tough opponent like Southeastern Louisiana, and I’m proud of how our team stayed focused and disciplined throughout the game.”
The coach also highlighted the importance of the team’s defense, “Defense wins championships, and today our defense was outstanding. Keeping a team like SLU scoreless is no easy task, and our guys rose to the challenge.”
Looking Ahead: Momentum Building for SDSU
With this victory, SDSU improves to 3-1 on the season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season. The Jackrabbits’ next challenge will be on home turf, where they will look to continue their winning streak and further establish themselves as contenders.
For SLU, the loss marks a tough start to their season, dropping them to 1-3. However, the Lions will have the opportunity to regroup and address the areas that need improvement as they prepare for their next matchup.
Final Thoughts
The 41-0 victory is more than just a win on the scoreboard; it’s a testament to SDSU’s preparation, execution, and team cohesion. The Jackrabbits have sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they are a force to be reckoned with, both offensively and defensively. As the season progresses, SDSU fans can look forward to more high-octane performances from a team that is hitting its stride at the perfect time.
