FCS powerhouses North Dakota State and South Dakota State hit an extra competitive gear for every Dakota Marker game, and Saturday that extended to the play-calling. Late in the second quarter the Jackrabbits pulled off a trick play so unexpected it garnered a "do you believe it" from the play-by-play announcer.
On a fourth-and-1 from the 11-yard line, the Jackrabbits aligned in a heavy formation with quarterback Chris Oladokun under center. But the snap went through Oladukun's legs and into the hands of running back Pierre Strong Jr., who tossed a jump-pass touchdown to a wide-open Tucker Kraft.
The trick play gave SDSU a 21-7 lead with 2:17 left in the half, and the Jackrabbits went on to win 27-19, handing NDSU its first loss in nine games. It also gave Strong his fifth career passing touchdown on only eight attempts.
Just like we drew it up 😏
— SDSU Football (@GoJacksFB) November 6, 2021
Pierre Strong, Jr. finds Tucker Kraft, TOUCHDOWN JACKS!
2Q 2:17 | SDSU 21, NDSU 7 | #GoJacks 🐰🏈 pic.twitter.com/hd7sQqsZ3a
That highlight encapsulated a magnificent performance from Strong. The Arkansas native burst down the right sideline for an untouched 75-yard touchdown on the second play from scrimmage and scampered for another direct-snap score later in the first quarter.
Pierre Strong, Jr. 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 on the second play of the game!
— SDSU Football (@GoJacksFB) November 6, 2021
1Q 14:44 | SDSU 7, NDSU 0 pic.twitter.com/5Qu1vpptWE
TOUCHDOWN JACKRABBITS 🐰
— SDSU Football (@GoJacksFB) November 6, 2021
For the second time today, Pierre Strong, Jr. is in the end zone for SDSU 🔥
1Q :18 | SDSU 14, NDSU 7 pic.twitter.com/TBNj94kMZ1
Believe it or not, Strong's passing touchdown isn't the most shocking occurrence Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium has seen over the past couple days. On Friday a moose galloped onto the field with the speed Strong flashed on his 75-yard score.
MOOSE IS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD😂😂😂 @HobosBarstool pic.twitter.com/85u8efg6hB
— Dalton Heintz (@DHeintzMN) November 5, 2021
SDSU (7-2) won its won its second straight Dakota Marker game.