Oh, how life can take unexpected turns! Just ask Jimmy Rogers, the unlikely hero of South Dakota State University's football program. From being a standout linebacker to now the head coach of the top-seeded Jackrabbits, Rogers' journey is nothing short of a fairy tale.
The Jackrabbits are riding high on a 28-game winning streak as they enter Sunday's matchup against the second-seeded Montana. With their eyes set on a repeat in the Football Championship Subdivision, Rogers is determined to lead his team to yet another victory. It's a dream come true for him, especially since he never envisioned himself in this position just 18 years ago.
But Rogers has always had big dreams for South Dakota State. As a player, he was a vital part of the team that made it to the playoffs in 2009. Fast forward to last season, and he played a significant role as the defensive coordinator in leading the Jackrabbits to their first-ever national title. Now, as the head coach, he is ready to take his team to even greater heights.
The transition from assistant to head coach was swift for Rogers. Less than two weeks after the Jackrabbits' championship victory, John Stiegelmeier, the longtime head coach, retired, and Rogers stepped up to fill his shoes. The players hardly noticed the change, feeling that they were simply continuing the pursuit of excellence.
Rogers' coaching career started at South Dakota State in 2010 as a graduate assistant, and he has been dedicated to the program ever since. His commitment is fueled by a haunting memory from his playing days—their heartbreaking loss to Montana in the playoffs, where they squandered a significant lead. That memory has stuck with him, motivating him to achieve redemption for himself and the team.
But Montana is not to be underestimated. Led by coach Bobby Hauck, the Grizzlies have a rich history in the FCS, with multiple national title appearances under their belt. Although they fell short in recent years, missing out on championship glory, Hauck believes that this year's team has what it takes to go all the way. Their quarterback, Clifton McDowell, has been exceptional, breaking records and leading the team with a perfect 11-0 record as a starter.
The quarterfinals and semifinals of the playoffs were no cakewalk for either team. South Dakota State showcased their dominance with resounding shutout victories over Mercer and Albany. In between, they battled harsh wind gusts to secure a hard-fought win against Villanova. Meanwhile, Montana found themselves in overtime battles against Furman and North Dakota State, proving their resilience and determination.
The upcoming championship game will be broadcasted on ABC, a testament to the growing popularity and recognition of FCS football. The NCAA's recent agreement with ESPN to exclusively air 40 championships, including the FCS title game, highlights their efforts to expand the reach of the sport. It's an opportunity for both Montana and South Dakota State to capture the attention of viewers who may not be familiar with FCS football.
As both teams prepare for the game of their lives, it's worth pausing to remember Coach Don Read, the legendary former coach of Montana who passed away at the age of 90. He played a vital role in leading the Grizzlies to their first national title in 1995, leaving a lasting legacy in the program and the sport he loved.
The stage is set for an epic showdown between two exceptional teams. Will South Dakota State's Jimmy Rogers continue his dream-come-true journey and lead the Jackrabbits to back-to-back championships? Or will Montana's Clifton McDowell and Coach Hauck write their own underdog story? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—the FCS championship is up for grabs, and the atmosphere in Frisco, Texas, is electric with anticipation.
