Happy Hour with John Gaskins

Neither coach was satisfied after FCS No. 5 South Dakota State's 31-21 win over No. 6 South Dakota on Saturday. 
 
Dan Jackson regretted that his Jackrabbits didn't "bury" the Coyotes after storming to a 21-0 halftime lead and 28-0 advantage through three quarters.
 
Matt Vitzthum was incensed of how his Coyotes allowed an SDSU's early playmaking overwhelm them into an avalanche they couldn't completely escape, even with a gangbusters fourth quarter comeback.
 
Both coaches have since watched the film of their teams' performances and had plenty more to say in their weekly Monday conversations with the Happy Hour host.
 
In the words of Vitzthum, "So what, Now what?"

Before the chats, the host answers that question for both teams. With the regular season winding down, what kind of chances do both squads have to go deep in the FCS playoffs and contend for a national title, based on what we saw Saturday and their 2026 resumes to date?

Matt Vitzthum on "pissed off" USD following SDSU loss, Modrzewski maturity, bye week, and more

The Happy Hour host says Saturday's result makes sense, even though the way it go there was suprising to most. Why? And what did the performances say about either teams' chances of making a run at a national title?

Dan Jackson on beating USD, Chase Mason's moment (so far) and preparing for UNI in "unique" setting

The Friday Forecast with Trent Singer
 
The host and Trent take a final look at the storylines and matchups, discussing what to expect when the game kicks off, complete with statistics and predictions.

 
What are the most intriguing and significant things to anticipate and watch? Where are the matchup advantages for each team? What will be the single most important factor in determining the outcome? 
 
And who... will... win?
 
 
Sam Herder, FCS analyst
 
A 13-year veteran of FCS coverage and an FCS top 25 voter, Herder has in-depth and acute knowledge of both teams and exactly what is on the line.
 
How high can the winner of Saturday's game climb in the FCS playoff seeding? How far might the loser fall?
 
How do the SDSU and USD resumes stack up against teams currently above them: Montana State, Tarleton State, Youngstown State, and Stephen F. Austin?
 
And, of course, we ask Herder who will win and why.