Full Breakdown
South Dakota State Overcomes Youngstown State in Thrilling 35-30 Victory
10/5/2025, 5:29:04 PM
Game Overview: South Dakota State vs. Youngstown State
On October 4, 2025, the No. 2 South Dakota State Jackrabbits faced off against the No. 24 Youngstown State Penguins at Stambaugh Stadium in Youngstown, Ohio. The Jackrabbits emerged victorious with a score of 35-30, overcoming a 14-point deficit at halftime. This match marked the Missouri Valley Football Conference opener for both teams, with South Dakota State improving to 5-0 and Youngstown State falling to 3-2.
First Half Highlights
Youngstown State started strong, taking a 14-0 lead in the first half. Quarterback Beau Brungard connected with Max Tomczak for a 23-yard touchdown pass and later scored on a four-yard run. The Penguins maintained a 17-7 lead at halftime after a field goal by Andrew Lastovka. The defense also contributed, with Dathan Hickey intercepting a pass from SDSU quarterback Chase Mason.
South Dakota State's Comeback
The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. South Dakota State scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter, led by running back Julius Loughridge, who rushed for three touchdowns. Loughridge's performance was pivotal, as he finished the game with 176 rushing yards and four touchdowns. The Jackrabbits took their first lead of the game at 21-17 and extended it to 28-17 by the end of the third quarter.
Final Quarter and Conclusion
Despite trailing by 11 points, Youngstown State fought back in the fourth quarter. Brungard connected with Tomczak for a 29-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 28-24. However, Loughridge responded with a 24-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead back to 35-24. The Penguins managed to score again, with Brungard finding Tomczak for a two-yard touchdown, but their two-point conversion attempt failed, sealing the game at 35-30.
Key Players and Statistics
Beau Brungard had a standout performance for Youngstown State, completing 29 of 44 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 130 yards. Max Tomczak caught eight passes for 92 yards and three touchdowns, setting a school record for most touchdown receptions in a game. For South Dakota State, Chase Mason completed 14 of 29 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown, while Loughridge's four rushing touchdowns were crucial to the Jackrabbits' victory.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Doug Phillips of Youngstown State expressed disappointment, stating, "In reality this hurts because I feel like we beat ourselves. We beat ourselves, and we gotta get back to work to learn from it." He acknowledged the need for improvement and emphasized the importance of learning from missed opportunities.
What's Next
Following this match, Youngstown State will face No. 14/15 North Dakota on October 11, 2025. The Penguins will aim to regroup and build on their performance against a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, South Dakota State will host Northern Iowa in their next game, looking to maintain their undefeated streak.
