South Dakota State is making things look awfully easy in college football's second subdivision. After weathering one of the sport's most dynastic recent runs from a bitter rival — North Dakota State's nine FCS titles from 2011 to 2021 — the Jackrabbits finally had their moment, rolling to the 2022 national title.
They've won 25 games in a row with only three one-score finishes. In their first season under Jimmy Rogers after John Stiegelmeier's retirement, they've barely been challenged.
The Jacks are an overwhelming favorite to win a second title in a row. At the start of the FCS playoffs, SP+ gives the Jacks a 57% chance of winning the title.
That leaves just 43% for the other 23 teams. Can anyone stop a runaway Jackrabbit? Twenty-three teams will try, and with the top eight seeds receiving a bye, 16 begin their playoff journeys Saturday.