Congratulating the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits on Winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision Title

Floor Speech

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Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, winter in South Dakota can be tough going, but no matter how low the temperatures go or how high the snowbanks rise, you can count on South Dakota sports fans coming out to support local athletes. After all, there are games, tournaments, and trophies on the line this time of the year. For sports fans like me, there is no better place to be than on the sidelines cheering for South Dakota's athletes.

This year, we have not been disappointed. On Sunday, the South Dakota State University football team won its second consecutive national title. That is right--the Jackrabbits are back-to-back FCS champions.

This Jacks team has a lot of talent and an awful lot to be proud of. Sunday's win closed out SDSU's first undefeated season as a Division I program. They now boast a 29-game winning streak--the third longest in FCS history.

Their defense was impenetrable this season, allowing an average of just 9.27 points per game and allowing just 15 points to be scored against them in four postseason games. I want you to think about that. When you get into the postseason, these are the playoffs. These are the best teams. In the four postseason games that they played, including the national title game, they gave up a total--total--of just 15 points.

I think that record of accomplishment this year was perhaps best personified in the title game, when Montana was driving the ball in the first quarter down in SDSU territory, and they had a fourth and goal at the 1-yard line, and the SDSU defense made a stand. In an iconic play, linebacker Adam Bock stopped the Montana ball carrier at the 1-yard line, stood him up, and took him down before the ball could cross the end zone and give them a touchdown. The Jacks got the ball back, and from then, it was on to a 23-to-3 victory.

Jacks quarterback Mark Gronowski won the Walter Payton Award for outstanding offensive player--the first SDSU player to win this award-- and I don't believe there was a close second. He was richly deserving of it. Gus Miller, center, from Brookings, SD, won the Rimington Award for best FCS center--also incredibly well-deserved.

As one reporter put it, ``This team is just dynamite.'' I couldn't agree more. Their hard work and commitment to each other and to the team has brought them success this year, and Jacks nation is incredibly proud of them.

I want to congratulate the Jackrabbits players, coaches, and staff on this incredible championship season. There is much to celebrate now, but I am sure Coach Rogers will soon have the team working hard again to keep that winning streak going.

Mr. President, at this point, I want to recognize the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits football team by entering a resolution into the Congressional Record.

I would ask, as in legislative session, unanimous consent the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 519, which is at the desk.
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