ISU shocks #2 SDSU, ends FCS record win streak

**Miracle in Terre Haute: Winless Sycamores Stun No. 2 South Dakota State, Ending Record Winning Streak**

**TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — October 28, 2023** — In one of the most improbable upsets in recent FCS history, the Indiana State Sycamores, previously winless this season, delivered a stunning 24-12 defeat to the No. 2-ranked South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The victory not only marked Indiana State’s first win of the season but also emphatically snapped South Dakota State’s remarkable 23-game winning streak, an FCS record.

The historic turnaround was spearheaded by an electrifying performance from sophomore wide receiver and return specialist Rashad Rochelle. Rochelle single-handedly powered the Sycamores’ offense and special teams, accounting for all three of Indiana State’s touchdowns and making him the first Sycamore player since 2008 to achieve that feat.

“This is what we’ve been working for, week in and week out,” said Indiana State head coach Curt Mallory after the game. “Our guys have shown incredible resilience through a tough season. To come out and play with that kind of heart against the defending national champions, it says everything about the character of this team. Rashad was unbelievable today, but it was a total team effort.”

Rochelle’s day began with a pair of critical receiving touchdowns. He caught four passes for a total of 84 yards, showcasing his agility and playmaking ability that confounded the nation’s top defense. His first receiving score helped keep the Sycamores in contention, but it was his third-quarter heroics that truly blew the game open. With Indiana State clinging to a narrow lead, Rochelle took a kick return 95 yards to the house, a dazzling dash that shifted the momentum decisively and sent the roughly 4,000 fans in attendance into a frenzy.

“I just wanted to make plays for my team,” Rochelle stated, visibly elated after the game. “We knew we were capable of this. We just had to believe in each other and execute. That kick return, I just saw a lane and took it. It feels incredible to get this win for our program, for our coaches, and for the fans who stuck with us.”

The context of this upset cannot be overstated. South Dakota State (8-1, 5-1 MVFC), the reigning FCS national champions, entered the contest undefeated this season and hadn’t suffered a loss since the 2021 FCS semifinals. Their 23-game streak, which began in the 2022 season, represented the longest active streak in college football across all divisions. Coming off a dominant 40-0 victory over North Dakota State, the Jackrabbits were widely considered untouchable.

Conversely, Indiana State (1-8, 1-5 MVFC) had endured a brutal 2023 campaign, struggling to find any traction and carrying an 0-8 record into the game. Their last victory dated back to November 2022. This win provides a monumental boost to a program that has faced significant challenges this season.

Indiana State’s quarterback, Cade Chambers, played a solid supporting role in the upset, demonstrating composure against a formidable defense. He completed 15 of 24 passes for 187 yards, including both of the touchdown throws to Rochelle.

For South Dakota State, their high-powered offense, led by veteran quarterback Mark Gronowski, struggled to find its rhythm. Gronowski, typically efficient, threw two critical interceptions that hampered the Jackrabbits’ ability to sustain drives and convert in the red zone. All of South Dakota State’s points came from kicker Hunter Dustman, who connected on field goals from 28 and 42 yards.

“Credit to Indiana State, they played a fantastic game and deserved to win today,” said South Dakota State head coach John Stiegelmeier. “We didn’t execute to our standards, and they capitalized on our mistakes. This is a tough pill to swallow, but we’ll learn from it and move forward.”

The victory marks a turning point for Indiana State, offering a glimmer of hope and a massive confidence boost as they navigate the remainder of their Missouri Valley Football Conference schedule. For South Dakota State, while the streak is broken, they remain a top contender for another national championship, with lessons to be learned from their unexpected stumble in Terre Haute.

For more information on FCS football and the Missouri Valley Football Conference, visit [NCAA.com/FCS] and [MVFC.org].