BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) — Mark Gronowski threw for one touchdown and passed for another as defending FCS champion South Dakota State defeated Western Oregon 45-7 in a season opener that gave Jimmy Rogers his first head coaching victory.
The victory was the 15th in a row — a school record — for the top-ranked Jackrabbits, who return 18 starters.
It was 42-0 at halftime with Gronowski compiling all his offense in the first half, hitting Griffin Wilde with a 31-yard pass and rushing for a 6-yard score.
Colby Herter and Tucker Large returned interceptions 54 and 64 yards, respectively, for scores. The Jackrabbits made three interceptions.
In other area action:
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Brady Cook threw for 172 yards and a touchdown while running for another score in only one half of work, leading Missouri to a 35-10 victory over South Dakota in the season opener for both teams.
Cody Schrader and Nathaniel Peat also had touchdown runs for the Tigers. Their offense fizzled in the second half, when backup quarterback Sam Horn got his shot on the field. Nevertheless, the Tigers opened the season with a win as they try to take a step forward after reaching three consecutive bowl games but failing to finish over .500 in any of coach Eli Drinkwitz’s first three seasons.
The Coyotes’ Aidan Bouman had 156 yards passing with a fourth-quarter touchdown throw to Mike Mansaray.
