BROOKINGS – South Dakota State’s scheduled football game with Nebraska in Lincoln on September 19 has been cancelled due to the decision Thursday by the Big Ten to call off all non-conference games in all fall sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jackrabbits’ head coach John Stigelmeier told the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, “It’s disappointing. That’s a huge football game for our program in many, many ways. I’m disappointed for our seniors because they love that competition, I’m disappointed for our fans because it’s a close enough game to get to, and obviously financially it’s a real plus for our department, also.”
The Lincoln Journal-Star reported that the game would have meant a $515,000 payout for SDSU. It was the first of three scheduled games between South Dakota State and Nebraska, who are set to play again in 2028 and 2030.
The cancellation leaves back-to-back open dates on the Jackrabbits’ schedule on September 12 and 19 after their opener with Drake in Brookings on September 5. Stigelmeier said that SDSU will try to fill the date opened by the Nebraska cancellation with another opponent.
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