Football Schedule Preview
South Dakota State Running Back, Isaiah Davis
South Dakota State (Home) September 3 When the FBS and FCS collide, the former typically breezes through a cakewalk of a non-conference victory. But don’t let South Dakota State’s classification fool you. Contrary to popular subdivision belief, the Jackrabbits have regularly proven formidable against top-tier competition amid a current streak of nine consecutive winning campaigns. Most recently, SDSU defeated Delaware during its third FCS semifinal appearance in four years en route to competing in the program’s first-ever national title—where Sam Houston State edged the Jackrabbits out in May. Set to continue rising the ranks, coach John Stiegelmeier expects to retain the vast majority of a 2020-21 defense that led the FCS across the board (15 points per game). Offensively, since combining forces to construct the Missouri Valley
18 | Green & Gold Report
Conference’s top rushing attack, Pierre Strong and Isaiah Davis return to guide a dangerous backfield. Meanwhile, the Jackrabbits’ utmost concern resides at quarterback, where an injury will force Mark Gronowski to miss the season. Without the MVC’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year, SDSU turns to sophomore Keaton Heide— who completed 11-of-22 passes off the bench during the FCS finals. Given the FCS’ brief preseason, CSU may catch the Jackrabbits at the perfect time as Heide finds his footing under center. Still, Colorado State’s 2021-opener certainly doesn’t constitute any sort of gimme for the hosts.
And though Mason twice led the Commodores to the postseason invitations, perhaps it was time for a change in Nashville following a 1-16 combined record over the last two seasons. As recent history suggests, placing Vandy on the path toward prosperity will be easier said than done for Lea in 2021. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting how the SEC program appears in line to enjoy noticeable improvements on offense, where former CSU coordinator Joey Lynch will handle the team’s quarterbacks and passing game. Upon arriving in Vandy, Lynch meets the task of grooming sophomore gunslinger Ken Seals, who returns his top three wideouts since accumulating 1,928 passing yards in nine 2020 contests.
Toledo (Away) September 18 In light of the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility, plenty of programs across the country will return the bulk of its key contributors in 2021. However, Toledo’s circumstance isn’t as simple as merely welcoming back a boatload of familiar faces for another crack at excelling. Instead, the Rockets boast the luxury of retaining countless athletes who established their ability to promisingly steer the ship via guiding coach Jason Candle’s troupe to its 11thstraight campaign of .500 or better (4-2). When CSU and Toledo clashed heads in 2019, heartbreak transpired for the Rams as E.J. Scott’s buzzer-beating grab fell two yards short from paydirt while the Rockets
Vanderbilt (Home) September 11 Out with the old and in with the new at Vanderbilt as Clark Lea snatches command of the helm from seven-year head coach Derek Mason.
Vanderbilt Quarterback, Ken Seals
Photo Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics
Photo By Dave Eggen, Inertia Sports Media
By EDDIE HERZ
