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Lots of college football fans were busy wasting their breath trying to explain with ridiculous logic why a three-loss SEC team belonged in the College Football Playoff over Indiana or SMU. I get it, the first two games weren’t riveting matchups, but the pro-SEC arguments are so tired.

Instead, those fans (and everyone else who loves the sport) could have been watching an epic FCS semifinal clash between North Dakota State and South Dakota State.

For those of you who may not know (which included me until this afternoon), the Bison and the Jackrabbits have a fierce rivalry. Known as the “The Dakota Marker,” this game has had countless classic memories in both the regular season and playoffs. The most recent playoff matchup was a 45-21 win for the Jackrabbits in the 2022 FCS title game.

When these teams faced off in Fargo, ND earlier today, both had all the motivation they needed: a win over their rivals and a chance to play for a natty. That context proved to produce another classic matchup.

South Dakota was trailing by a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but tied it halfway through the final frame when Mark Gronowski found Grahm Goering for six.

On the next drive, Cam Miller looked in the direction of Bryce Lance (Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance’s younger brother) heading towards the back of the end zone. Lance reached out with one hand and somehow reeled it in, but just a smidge out of bounds.

Or was it?

After review, officials confirmed that Lance somehow found a way to haul in this electric go-ahead touchdown that would prove to be the game-winner.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!?! I’m hyped just re-watching that, and I had no emotional investment in this game other than for fun. So imagine how jacked Trey was when his brother made that catch (and after he accounted for  three touchdowns and 125 of Miller’s 179 passing yards).

Oh, this game also meant something to Miller, who voiced his hatred for his opponent after the game.

Lesson learned: even if you’re displeased with the FBS CFP (because there’s always a fan or two who is unhappy), just dip into the well of amazing rivalries at the FCS level. You’ll have plenty of options to quench your thirst for insane football there.