Outside Army vs. Navy, there wasn’t much Football Bowl Subdivision college football action Saturday. But there still was no shortage of highlights thanks to an incredibly bizarre trick play at the Football Championship Subdivision level.
South Dakota State entered its matchup with North Dakota State as a big underdog, as the Bison have won five straight FCS championships. In short, the Jackrabbits had nothing to lose, which perhaps explains why they did this in the first quarter:
Something straight out of "Little Giants"! This is how South Dakota St. just scored on NDSU…😂😂😂 #Jackrabbits #Bison pic.twitter.com/Bl9bJPU5GP
— Hobie (@HeyItsMeHobie) December 10, 2016
OK, let’s break this one down.
South Dakota State’s offensive line causes the initial mass confusion by shuffling around over the ball. The line also serves as a shield for running back Brady Mengarelli, who stealthily crouches behind the big guys, undetected by the defense.
As SDSU’s quarterback sprints off in the other direction, Mengarelli makes his move, scampering past the confused Bison defense for the 5-yard touchdown.
Tricks aren’t just for kids…
Jacks score on trickery to take an early lead. #FCSPlayoffs
SDSU – 7
NDSU – 0 pic.twitter.com/RTr9B0reyR— NCAA FCS Football (@NCAA_FCS) December 10, 2016
The creative score was one of the coolest trick plays we’ve seen in recent years. Alas, it was the only time the Jackrabbits reached the end zone, as North Dakota State rolled to a 36-10 win.
SDSU gets major style points, though.