Best FCS Fans Nation Podcasts (2025)

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Semifinal Reaction "Mini Episode" | S9E20 FCS Fans Nation Podcast 29:12

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3d ago29:12

29:12

A mini episode for the guys to react to the 2025 FCS Playoff Semifinal results. What made the Bobcats and Redbirds find the success that got them to Nashville? Listen/Watch to find out!Sponsored by Renegade Regeneration | Rehydrates Fast – Replenishes essential electrolytes lost through sweat, exertion, or daily activity. Link to Purchase: https://…

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Sweet 16 of '25 - John Stiegelmeier 57:28

3h ago57:28

57:28

The patriarch of SDSU football — two years removed from retiring after the 2022 national championship and giving way to his heir apparent Jimmy Rogers — joined Happy Hour on Jan. 2 to give his insight and reaction into Rogers' decision to take the Washington State head coaching job, followed by SDSU hiring another former Stig assistant Dan Jackson …

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Sweet 16 of '25 - John Stiegelmeier (Jan. 2) and Bob Nielson (Nov. 6) 2:02:44

15h ago2:02:44

2:02:44

They started building the FCS powerhouses their programs would become almost 20 years apart and finished two years apart. They both retired and turned their thrones over to their young, upstart defensive coordinators. In each case, they said there was a part of them that wanted to keep coaching, but another part that was ready to finally smell some…

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FULL Year in Review Spectacular! — From Jacks & Yotes coaching changes to all the wild & wonderful local sports events that marked 2025 in Sioux Falls and South Dakota 2:24:29

1d ago2:24:29

2:24:29

An instant, earth-shattering, mind-blowing, full-throttle sea change in a national powerhouse football program involving the controversial departure — and in some fans' minds, a betrayal — of a popular head coach and dozens of the disciples who had made the program so powerful. The swift, triumphant, widely-approved arrival of a new head coach (but…

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Year in Review Spectaular, Part 2: Jacks & Yotes roller coaster football seasons, epic Augie-USF comeback, Sioux Falls LLWS run, Canaries electric championship chase, spring portal, House Settlement for ... 1:17:48

17h ago1:17:48

1:17:48

Jacks & Yotes roller coaster football seasons, epic Augie-USF comeback, Sioux Falls LLWS run, Canaries electric championship chase, spring portal, House Settlement for NIL, state football rematchesBy John Gaskins

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Year in Review Spectacular, Part 1: Jacks & Yotes new football coaches, SDSU women's run to UConn, state hoops rematches and controversy 1:06:42

1d ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Jimmy Rogers leaves for WSU and brings exodus with him. Dan Jackson hired. Bob Nielson retires. Travis Johansen promoted. A head-spinning month to start 2025. January was all so encompassing and compelling, it took up about 45 minutes of reminiscing to kick off the Happy Hour Year in Review Spectacular, with host John Gaskins and Sioux Falls Live's…

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NLA: Zim on NDSU's latest FBS "footsie" with MWC, CFB Playoff future's effect on SDSU's FCS-or-FBS future, early portal news, DeBoer & Alabama move on despite Michigan murmurs 1:13:33

2d ago1:13:33

1:13:33

Merry Christmas Eve Eve! Go ahead an unwrap our Happy Hour with John Gaskins early Christmas present to you — nothing much different than any other Tuesday with Sioux Falls Live's Matt Zimmer on the show. No "Top 5 Christmas Movies" or "Most Overrated Christmas Songs" lists, or "Egg Nog — Yea or Nay?" No "Year in Review" chronological stroll down m…

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FULL SHOW: Dan Jackson, Kurtiss Riggs, and early big SDSU & USD portal comings, goings and stayings 1:49:43

3d ago1:49:43

1:49:43

It is safe to say the holidays will be a little more chill this year compared to last for South Dakota State football coach Dan Jackson. As Christmas and New Year's Day approaches, Jackson seemed relaxed in his nearly-40 minute Monday conversation with Happy Hour — and why wouldn't he, considering his NFL Draft prospect quarterback and first team A…

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Portal Update! SDSU's best players staying, while USD's All-Americans leaving... what can we make of it? 24:37

3d ago24:37

24:37

Host John Gaskins breaks down SDSU first team All-American Quinten Christensen staying at SDSU instead of taking potential life-changing FBS offers, while USD All-Americans L.J. Phillips and Larenzo Fenner decided to jump in the portal. Is this something SDSU can pump its chest about, or is more nuance required to tackle this topic?…

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Kurtiss Riggs on Kalen DeBoer-to-Michigan buzzkill, Alabama vs Indiana, G6 in CFB Playoff, FBS future for NDSU/SDSU? 45:43

3d ago45:43

45:43

Kurtiss Riggs on Kalen DeBoer-to-Michigan buzzkill, Alabama vs Indiana, G6 in CFB Playoff, FBS future for NDSU/SDSU?By John Gaskins

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Dan Jackson on Mason & others staying, friendship with Jimmy Rogers (and last year's WSU-SDSU portal pillage), why NFL scouts advise Jacks to stay, FCS or FBS future 38:52

3d ago38:52

38:52

Dan Jackson on Mason & others staying, friendship with Jimmy Rogers (and last year's WSU-SDSU portal pillage), why NFL scouts advise Jacks to stay, FCS or FBS futureBy John Gaskins

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L.J. Phillips Re-Release! All-American running back describes journey to USD after his 301-yard breakout game in September 34:26

7d ago34:26

34:26

Where did that come from? L.J. Phillips burst seemingly out of nowhere to rumble for 301 yards in South Dakota's absolutely-had-to-have-this overtime win over Northern Colorado in September. The backup running back to All-American Charles Pierre, Jr., to start the 2025 campaign came within seven yards of breaking Amos Allen's 18-year-old school rec…

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FULL SHOW: Travis Johansen, FCS analyst Samuel Akem, Thirsty Thursday Football Forecast with John Gaskins and Trent Singer 2:20:12

7d ago2:20:12

2:20:12

To say agents and FBS coaches are like vultures circling upon top-end players from top-end FCS schools like North Dakota State is a "massive understatement," Bison coach Tim Polasek said last week in a Fargo sports talk interview. Polasek called the days after a season ends "gut-wrenching" because of the re-recruiting he feels he needs to do with s…

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Travis Johansen on transfer portal, USD's big comeback year, Bouman's last hurrah, closing gap toward national title 36:39

7d ago36:39

36:39

To say agents and FBS coaches are like vultures circling upon top-end players from top-end FCS schools like North Dakota State is a "massive understatement," Bison coach Tim Polasek said last week in a Fargo sports talk interview. Polasek called the days after a season ends "gut-wrenching" because of the re-recruiting he feels he needs to do with s…

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Thirsty Thursday Football Forecast with John Gaskins and Trent Singer 1:12:45

7d ago1:12:45

1:12:45

Sioux Falls Live sports reporter Trent Singer gives his own slant and predition on the game, plus observations from his first-ever trip to Missoula to experience the "Mecca of the FCS." Singer also joins the host in breaking down the other FCS semifinal between Villanova and Illinois State. The two also sink their teeth into the ongoing drama surro…

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FCS Analyst Samuel Akem picks apart Montana-Montana State "Brawl of the Wild Part II" 30:50

7d ago30:50

30:50

FCS Analyst and University of Montana top five all-time wideout Samuel Akem of Skyline Sports picks apart Montana-Montana State "Brawl of the Wild Part II"By John Gaskins

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FULL SHOW: Aidan Bouman, Alabama reporter Nick Kelly on DeBoer drama, and tamping down on transfer portal paranoia 1:46:10

8d ago1:46:10

1:46:10

Aidan Bouman's prolific, program-elevating career at South Dakota is over. The Kalen DeBoer candidacy at Michigan appeared to be over on Monday, but reputable Alabama beat writer Nick Kelly told "Happy Hour with John Gaskins" on Wednesday that the Wolverines might not be pulling their plug on the matter. Bouman joined the show for an hour to look b…

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Why Jacks & Yotes fans shouldn't be as "portal petrified" as last year 23:38

8d ago23:38

23:38

Wednesday's show starts with host John Gaskins giving a breakdown of why both Jackrabbit and Coyote fans shouldn't be nearly as worried about losing prominent players in the transfer portal as they both did last year.By John Gaskins

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Aidan Bouman reflects on wild final season & entire career at USD 57:47

8d ago57:47

57:47

Aidan Bouman reflects on wild final season & entire career at USDBy John Gaskins

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Alabama beat reporter Nick Kelly (AL.com) on DeBoer-to-Michigan speculation, DeBoer's performance so far, matchup at Oklahoma 24:46

8d ago24:46

24:46

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NLA: Zim on Mason staying at SDSU, his pro prospects vs Gronowski, DeBoer staying at Alabama, SDSU '26 outlook, McCarthy deserves Vikings' patience 1:12:54

9d ago1:12:54

1:12:54

They just can't believe it. To some — especially college football fans outside of South Dakota and the FCS — it just doesn't make any sense. Why would 6'4, 230 lb., bodybuilder-framed, rocket-armed, runaway freight train fast Chase Mason stay at South Dakota State for his final season of college eligibility when he has already been offered over $1 …

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FULL SHOW: Chase Mason on why he is staying at SDSU instead of taking big FBS money, and reaction to DeBoer staying at Alabama and USD's season-ending loss at Montana 1:55:39

10d ago1:55:39

1:55:39

Chase Mason will not be bought by another college football team. Not for over $1 million, which his coach Dan Jackson told Sioux Falls Live is what he believes at least one Power Four conference school offered him "long ago." Not even after Mason's predecessor at SDSU, Div. I football's all-time wins leader Mark Gronowski, took that kind of reporte…

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Mason staying at SDSU, DeBoer staying at Alabama, a salute to USD & Aidan Bouman, and McCarthy's big night in Dallas means what? 46:48

10d ago46:48

46:48

In Monday's "John-o-logue," host John Gaskins reacts to the news Chase Mason broke on today's show — that he is staying at SDSU and will not enter the transfer portal despite agents telling those close to him he could make $1 million or more in NIL offers at FBS schools. Also, reaction to Kalen DeBoer confirming he is staying at Alabama, squashing …

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Chase Mason on foot injury, SDSU's roller coaster season, and why he is staying at SDSU 1:08:22

10d ago1:08:22

1:08:22

Chase Mason on foot injury, SDSU's roller coaster season, and why he is staying at SDSUBy John Gaskins

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The Brawl 4 Nashville w/ Special Guest Samuel Akem | S9E19 FCS Fans Nation Podcast 1:25:51

11d ago1:25:51

1:25:51

We're down to the Final 4! Special Guest Samuel Akem helps us break down The Brawl of the Wild 2.0 and an unexpected matchup of Illinois State @ Villanova. Who will advance to Nashville? Listen/Watch now to find out!Sponsored by Renegade Regeneration | Rehydrates Fast – Replenishes essential electrolytes lost through sweat, exertion, or daily activ…

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FULL SHOW: Chris Streveler (USD legend), Thirsty Thursday Yotes-Griz forecast, Nate Kaeding previews metro HS Hoops season 2:23:22

14d ago2:23:22

2:23:22

The swashbuckling, clutch playmaking. The larger-than-life personality. The fur coat with bare skin underneath in the sub-zero temperatures in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' CFL title parade. There is only one Chris Streveler, and the South Dakota Coyotes enjoyed the spoils of Strevy in the program's first winning season in Div. I, first FCS Playoffs a…

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Chris Streveler looks back on wild, pioneering USD career & has thoughts on Bouman and the 2025 Coyotes 44:31

14d ago44:31

44:31

The swashbuckling, clutch playmaking. The larger-than-life personality. The fur coat with bare skin underneath in the sub-zero temperatures in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' CFL title parade. There is only one Chris Streveler, and the South Dakota Coyotes enjoyed the spoils of Strevy in the program's first winning season in Div. I, first FCS Playoffs a…

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USD-Montana Thirsty Thursday Football Forecast with John Gaskins and Trent Singer 1:03:04

14d ago1:03:04

1:03:04

From the Orion Pub in downtown Sioux Falls, an hour-long deep dive into what to expect when the Coyotes and Grizzlies lock horns in Missoula on Saturday: Will USD play Griz closer than SDSU did? Montana offense vs USD defense Griz defense vs Yotes offense Trends from both teams in recent weeks Which team is more battle-tested? Does it matter? Proli…

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Metro HS Hoops season preview from Nate Kaeding (Midwest Sports Plus analyst) 35:48

14d ago35:48

35:48

If you're a local high school basketball fan, stick around for a season preview — teams and players to watch — from Midwest Sports Plus analyst, former D1 and D2 assistant coach, and Sanford Sports Academy basketball coordinator Nate Kaeding. Who are the state championship contenders in boys and girls Class AA hoops, and who are the most exciting p…

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FULL SHOW: Travis Johansen & Montana FCS analyst Samuel Akem preview USD's game while portal game is (maybe) on 1:47:12

15d ago1:47:12

1:47:12

The real games go on for South Dakota, Montana, and the other six other teams standing in the FCS Playoffs. Happy Hour spends over an hour today with a guests from USD (head coach Travis Johansen) and Montana (former Grizzlies wideout and Skyline Sports FCS analyst Samuel Akem) to bring all kinds of insight into the teams, their impressive wins las…

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SDSU & NDSU primed for pillaging from Rogers & new Iowa State coach Roehl? 29:30

15d ago29:30

29:30

The Hunger Games of recruiting — the transfer portal — are already (maybe) in full effect for teams like South Dakota State and North Dakota State, as all FCS squads whose seasons are over hunker down to fend off the FBS vultures and their NIL money. Vultures like Iowa State, now led by Jimmy Rogers, who was still at SDSU less than a year ago. Roge…

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USD-Montana preview from Griz great and FCS analyst Samuel Akem 43:35

15d ago43:35

43:35

It was so nice, we've had him on twice in a week. One of Montana's top five wide receivers of all time, Samuel Akem, is now an FCS analyst for Skyline Sports in Montana, where he broadcasts several shows a week breaking down FCS games and upcoming matchups. In other words, a perfect guest to preview the Coyotes' quarterfinal game in Missoula just a…

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Travis Johansen on 47-0 Mercer win, Griz showdown, air travel hell, OC Tim Morrison, Bouman's confidence 33:40

16d ago33:40

33:40

Travis Johansen on 47-0 Mercer win, Griz showdown, air travel hell, OC Tim Morrison, Bouman's confidenceBy John Gaskins

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NLA: Zim on Griz-SDSU-USD, Bison losing, Rogers-to-Iowa State, Chase Mason future 1:21:45

16d ago1:21:45

1:21:45

Sioux Falls Live sports editor Matt Zimmer weighs in on how much better USD might fare at Montana than SDSU, NDSU losing, the appeal — or lack thereof — and future of the CFB Playoffs for teams (like James Madison) that move from FCS to FBS, Jimmy Rogers going to Iowa State and if it is another indictment on his character or "loyalty."…

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Kurtiss Riggs, Part 1 — Yotes 47-0 win, Jacks loss in Montana, Chase Mason NIL $$$ temptations, NDSU upset & Polasek staying in Fargo (for now) 47:10

16d ago47:10

47:10

Kurtiss Riggs, Part 1 — Yotes 47-0 win, Jacks loss in Montana, Chase Mason NIL $$$ temptations, NDSU upset & Polasek staying in Fargo (for now)

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Kurtiss Riggs, Part 2 — Jimmy Rogers to Iowa State & "loyalty," Alabama in playoffs, NFL (Chiefs, Vikings, Packers-Bears) 39:40

16d ago39:40

39:40

Kurtiss Riggs, Part 2 — Jimmy Rogers to Iowa State & "loyalty," Alabama in playoffs, NFL (Chiefs, Vikings, Packers-Bears)By John Gaskins

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FULL MONDAY SHOW: Kurtiss Riggs and John Gaskins — USD dominates, SDSU eliminated, NDSU upset, Chase Mason future, Jimmy Rogers to Iowa State, Alabama in playoffs, Chiefs dynasty is over, NFC North Sunday ... 2:11:43

17d ago2:11:43

2:11:43

A bonkers weekend of college football like this in South Dakota and beyond is why this show "Happy Hour with John Gaskins" was created almost exactly a year ago: Content about the Jackrabbits, Coyotes, and FCS-at-large as juicy and delicious as the best Grade A steak you've ever had. USD, good-for-dead and looking like a non-playoff team at 2-3 and…

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John-o-logue: USD will fare better than SDSU at Montana, Jimmy Rogers is perfect hire at Iowa State despite "loyalty" concerns 43:35

17d ago43:35

43:35

A bonkers weekend of college football like this in South Dakota and beyond is why this show "Happy Hour with John Gaskins" was created almost exactly a year ago: Content about the Jackrabbits, Coyotes, and FCS-at-large as juicy and delicious as the best Grade A steak you've ever had. USD, good-for-dead and looking like a non-playoff team at 2-3 and…

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Kurtiss Riggs FULL chat: USD dominates, SDSU eliminated, NDSU upset, Chase Mason future, Jimmy Rogers to Iowa State, Alabama in playoffs, Chiefs dynasty is over, NFC North Sunday results 1:28:09

17d ago1:28:09

1:28:09

Kurtiss Riggs: USD dominates, SDSU eliminated, NDSU upset, Chase Mason future, Jimmy Rogers to Iowa State, Alabama in playoffs, Chiefs dynasty is over, NFC North Sunday resultsBy John Gaskins

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A New Champion Will Rise w/ Special Guest Zach Mckinnell | S9E18 FCS Fans Nation Podcast 1:20:30

18d ago1:20:30

1:20:30

Historic upsets mean a new champion will rise! Who will it be and why? Special Guest Zach Mckinnell joins the guys to break it all down!Sponsored by Renegade Regeneration | Rehydrates Fast – Replenishes essential electrolytes lost through sweat, exertion, or daily activity. Link to Purchase: https://renegaderegeneration.com/We are an affiliate of t…

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FULL THURSDAY SHOW: John Stiegelmeier, Griz analyst Samuel Akem, Thirsty Thursday Football Forecast with John & Trent 2:41:23

21d ago2:41:23

2:41:23

Is this really a second round FCS Playoffs game? No. 14 seed South Dakota State at No. 3 Montana feels more like a semifinal showdown, thanks to the Jacks' surge the last couple games and the return of lethal weapon Chase Mason. Vegas thinks so, too. The Griz are mere 1.5-point favorites as of Thursday. Considering it is a Montana home game, that's…

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Thirsty Thursday Football Forecast: Jacks & Yotes roadies in the FCS Sweet 16 56:36

21d ago56:36

56:36

Is this really a second round FCS Playoffs game? No. 14 seed South Dakota State at No. 3 Montana feels more like a semifinal showdown, thanks to the Jacks' surge the last couple games and the return of lethal weapon Chase Mason. Vegas thinks so, too. The Griz are mere 1.5-point favorites as of Thursday. Considering it is a Montana home game, that's…

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FCS Analyst & Griz great Samuel Akem (Skyline Sports MT) previews SDSU-Montana 31:55

21d ago31:55

31:55

Is this really a second round FCS Playoffs game? No. 14 seed South Dakota State at No. 3 Montana feels more like a semifinal showdown, thanks to the Jacks' surge the last couple games and the return of lethal weapon Chase Mason. Vegas thinks so, too. The Griz are mere 1.5-point favorites as of Thursday. Considering it is a Montana home game, that's…

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John Stiegelmeier on SDSU's turnaround, Mason & Jackson's leadership, recruiting stories, and update on "Stig Tree" FBS head coaches 1:12:53

21d ago1:12:53

1:12:53

How about an hour of engaging conversation full of SDSU opinions and stories from the Godfather of the Jackrabbits kingdom, John Stiegelmeier? The former 25-year head coach who retired after the Jacks captured the 2022 national title has kept a close eye on Dan Jackson's first team and has compelling behind-the-scenes observations about how SDSU ha…

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FULL WEDNESDAY SHOW: Travis Johansen, Eddie Whiting (Michigan State signee), Jhace Woods (SDSU signee) and some kudos for Jacks and Yotes coaches 1:51:24

22d ago1:51:24

1:51:24

What is the silver bullet? This is a question outside observers may ask when teams like the Jackrabbits and the Coyotes produce a late-season turnaround. Both have gone from funks — the Jacks' four-game slide after a 7-0 start and more the Yotes' haven't-figured-it-out-yet malaise at 5-4 — to heaters that make them look like dangerous playoff teams…

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John-o-logue: Johansen worthy of MVFC Coach of the Year while 33:04

22d ago33:04

33:04

What is the silver bullet? This is a question outside observers may ask when teams like the Jackrabbits and the Coyotes produce a late-season turnaround. Both have gone from funks — the Jacks' four-game slide after a 7-0 start and more the Yotes' haven't-figured-it-out-yet malaise at 5-4 — to heaters that make them look like dangerous playoff teams…

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Jhace Woods, SDSU signee and SF Washington HS receiver 22:53

22d ago22:53

22:53

Wednesday marked (Early) National Letter of Intent Signing Day for high school athletes all across the country. It is always a day for college football teams to pump up their incoming recruiting class. Gaskins chatted with two Sioux Falls standouts about their paths to CFB — Sioux Falls Washington receiver Jhace Woods (South Dakota State) and Sioux…

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Eddie Whiting, Michigan State signee and SF Jefferson HS receiver 26:57

22d ago26:57

26:57

Wednesday marked (Early) National Letter of Intent Signing Day for high school athletes all across the country. It is always a day for college football teams to pump up their incoming recruiting class. Gaskins chatted with two Sioux Falls standouts about their paths to CFB — Sioux Falls Washington receiver Jhace Woods (South Dakota State) and Sioux…

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Travis Johansen on Drake win, key to late-season surge, the Fenner factor, Mercer 28:32

22d ago28:32

28:32

In his weekly Happy Hour chat, USD's first year coach gives a thoughtful answer about how the Coyotes went from 5-4 to 9-4 and if there was a turning point that thrust the season in this direction. After a close first half against Drake, the Yotes pulled away 38-17 in the first round of the playoffs as quarterback Aidan Bouman had his best game of …

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NLA: Zim on Mason's return, SDSU & USD nat'l title contention, possible quarterfinal meeting, Gronowski beating Iowa 53:57

23d ago53:57

53:57

A pair of 9-4 teams who at times looked lost and unworthy of playoff consideration now look like FCS national contenders. That is what Sioux Falls Live's Matt Zimmer thinks of both the resurgent Jackrabbits and the surging Coyotes after both South Dakota squads' dominating wins in Saturday's FCS playoffs first round. In the latest edition of Zim's …