South Dakota State scored touchdowns in all three phases of the game to go on to defeat Drake, 56-28, in the inaugural game at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium Saturday night.
Playing before a crowd of 15,171, the Jackrabbits, ranked ninth in the STATS FCS media poll and 12th by the FCS coaches, evened its record at 1-1. Drake, a member of the Pioneer Football League, dropped to 0-2.
SDSU took the opening kickoff and marched 63 yards on five plays. All-America wide receiver Jake Wieneke scored the first points in the new stadium on a 3-yard pass from Taryn Christion 2 minutes and 10 seconds into the contest.
Late in the third quarter, the Jackrabbit defense got into the scoring act as defensive end Jared Blum picked off a screen pass and scored from 3 yards out. Jesse Bobbit and reserve defensive end Austin Smenda also intercepted passes in the second half.
SDSU further salted away the game on a blocked punt for touchdown. Cody Hazelett blocked the Drake punt attempt and Jake Harms scooped up the loose ball at the 2-yard line before finding paydirt.
The Jackrabbits resume home action Sept. 17 by hosting Cal Poly in the 50th Annual Beef Bowl. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.