Gather ’round, South Dakotans! It’s time for that glorious weekend we’ve been waiting for: college football season, where the stakes are higher than the corn stalks in late July. This Sunday, the SDSU Jackrabbits will clash with the Montana Grizzlies for the ultimate prize—otherwise known as a shiny trophy—at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Don’t worry, it’s not as fancy as it sounds; it’s still where dreams go to either flourish or flop, like our hopes for a warm winter.
Once again, numerous dedicated SDSU fans will brave the wilds of travel to cheer on their beloved Jackrabbits, in what has become an annual pilgrimage—because nothing says “I love my university” quite like a 1,200-mile round trip to watch a bunch of young adults throw a pigskin. For those staying back in South Dakota—perhaps out of a mix of poor planning and fiscal restraint—fear not! You can still bask in the camaraderie of fellow Jacks fans this Sunday at Shenanigans Pub, because nothing screams “team spirit” like overpriced nachos and the lingering smell of old beer.
Shenanigans is rolling out the crimson-and-blue carpet for a watch party starting at 12:30 PM on Sunday, January 7. Bring your friends—or at least those you tolerate—because it’s going to be quite the scene. Dakota News Now reports that three local businesses—Mega Strong Fitness, Sean Larsen of Exp Realty, and Matt Grimlie of Meadowland Financial—are joining forces to sponsor this monumental gathering for fans across the Sioux Empire. Who knew fitness enthusiasts and real estate agents had so much in common? Truly, they’re the Avengers of enthusiasm.
Aside from potentially witnessing the glory of a football triumph, expect Shenanigans to dish out a buffet of finger foods that could keep even the hungriest of Jackrabbits satisfied. After all, no celebration is complete without enough greasy appetizers to make any cardiologist sweat. As SDSU hunts for its second consecutive FCS title, it’ll feel like we’re all part of the team—eating our weight in fried food, that is.
The Jackrabbits are entering the game as nearly 14-point favorites. Yes, you heard that right! They might just coast their way to victory, like that time you “coasted” through finals week thanks to an oversupply of caffeine and negligence. But who knows? Sports are unpredictable, and the only thing juicier than a touchdown may be the gossip surrounding a last-minute fumble.
As anticipation builds, remember: Sunday’s showdown will air on ABC, with kickoff slated for 1:00 PM. Be sure to tune in and support the team while keeping your snack plate full. After all, fans must keep their strength up for all the shouting—let’s just hope the only thing messier than your nachos is not the scoreboard at the end of the game.
So, gear up, South Dakota! Whether you’re in Frisco or in Shenanigans, let’s unite in our shared love for team spirit, enduring friendships, and, of course, that feeling of superiority when we inevitably shout “Go Jacks!” louder than anyone else. May the best team win! And if it’s SDSU, remember to practice self-control when they inevitably win—don’t throw your nachos at the TV.
