The nationally ranked South Dakota State University football team kicks off the 2017 season Thursday night by hosting Duquesne in non-conference action at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
Start time for the Fourth Annual Dairy Drive is 7 p.m. Coverage on 570 WNAX begins with the pre-game show at 6 p.m.
Both squads earned a share of their respective league titles last season. Duquesne, which is receiving votes in the STATS FCS media poll, shared the 2016 Northeast Conference title with a 5-1 mark in league play, with its lone loss coming to playoff automatic qualifier Saint Francis (Pa.). Overall, the Dukes completed the 2016 season with an 8-3 record.
SDSU, meanwhile, claimed a share of its first-ever Missouri Valley Football Conference title with 7-1 league record in 2016. The Jackrabbits compiled a 9-4 overall record in making their fifth straight appearance in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
Thursday’s game will mark the second meeting between SDSU and Duquesne on the gridiron, but the first in 85 years.
In the lone previous matchup, Duquesne scored a 34-12 victory over the Jackrabbits on Nov. 11, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
