FCS powerhouses North Dakota State and South Dakota State hit an extra competitive gear for every Dakota Marker game, and Saturday that extended to the play-calling. Late in the second quarter the Jackrabbits pulled off a trick play so unexpected it garnered a “do you believe it” from the play-by-play announcer.
On a fourth-and-1 from the 11-yard line, the Jackrabbits aligned in a heavy formation with quarterback Chris Oladokun under center. But the snap went through Oladukun’s legs and into the hands of running back Pierre Strong Jr., who tossed a jump-pass touchdown to a wide-open Tucker Kraft.
The trick play gave SDSU a 21-7 lead with 2:17 left in the half, and the Jackrabbits went on to win 27-19, handing NDSU its first loss in nine games. It also gave Strong his fifth career passing touchdown on only eight attempts.
That highlight encapsulated a magnificent performance from Strong. The Arkansas native burst down the right sideline for an untouched 75-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage and scampered for another direct-snap score later in the first quarter.
Believe it or not, Strong’s passing touchdown isn’t the most shocking occurrence Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium has seen over the past couple days. On Friday a moose galloped onto the field with the speed Strong flashed on his 75-yard score.
SDSU (7-2) won its won its second straight Dakota Marker game.
