What a time to be a football fan. Not only is the 2021 NFL Draft going on this weekend, but on top of that, the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs are all set to take place on Sunday.
South Dakota State will host MVFC rival Southern Illinois on Sunday night. The Jackrabbits almost shut out Holy Cross last weekend, winning 31-3. As for the Salukis, they took down previously unbeaten Weber State. The winner of South Dakota State vs Southern Illinois will face the winner of Delaware vs Jacksonville State. The Hens and Gamecocks easily took care of their first round opponents. Delaware held on to beat Sacred Heart,19-10, last weekend. As for the Gamecocks, they crushed Davidson, 49-14. On the other half of the FCS Playoffs bracket, James Madison will host a good North Dakota team. The Dukes were faced a tough VMI team last weekend, 31-24. The Fighting Hawks dominated MVFC rival Missouri State, 44-10, to advance to the quarterfinals. Finally, in the biggest matchup of the weekend, Sam Houston State will host North Dakota State for the right to go to the semi-finals.
It should be a great day of FCS Playoff Football on Sunday. Let’s take a look at the last game of the weekend!
Southern Illinois vs South Dakota State | FCS Football Playoffs
Date: Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 | Time: 9 PM ET
Coverage: ESPN2
Location: Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium — Brookings, SD
Southern Illinois vs South Dakota State Betting Odds
Spread: SIU +15.5 (-110) | SDSU -15.5 (-110)
Moneyline: SIU (+450) | SDSU (-700)
Total: 54.5 — Over (-110) | Under (-110)
Southern Illinois put a wrench in a lot of people’s brackets last weekend. The Salukis traveled to Utah to take on Weber State. They held on to win, 34-31, over the Wildcats. Many thought Weber State was robbed by not getting a top-four seed. However, those people were all proven wrong on Saturday. The Salukis pulled off one of the biggest wins of the season, beating North Dakota State, 38-14. Southern Illinois controlled time of possession that day, having the ball for over 41 minutes of game time. They will need a similar effort to upset the Jackrabbits.
The Jackrabbits are riding high heading into their matchup on Sunday. Since losing to North Dakota two months ago, they have won five straight, including a huge win over rival North Dakota State two weeks ago. Quarterback Mark Gronowski, a Jerry Rice Award finalist, has been great. He tossed three touchdown passes last weekend. At this point in the FCS Playoffs, it’s safe to say the Jackrabbits are the favorite. However, if they overlook the Salukis, their season could end with the snap of a finger.
