BROOKINGS – Mikey Daniel ran for three touchdowns, but C.J. Roths scored the game-winning touchdown on a 3-yard run in the closing minutes as the South Dakota State football team closed out the spring season by hosting the annual Spring Game on Saturday at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
Roth's decisive score gave the Rabbits squad a 24-20 victory over the Jacks in the intrasquad game and capped a 12-play, 75-yard drive engineered by transfer quarterback Justin Roberts. Roths gained 30 of 78 yards in the game during the final drive, while Roberts completed 3-of-5 passes for 30 yards, including a 15-yarder to Cade Johnson that moved the ball to the Jacks' 22-yard line.
Daniel split time between both offensive units, scoring the first touchdown of the game for the Rabbits on a 4-yard run following an interception and ensuing 18-yard return by Anthony Washington to the 20-yard line. Daniel later scored on runs of 3 and 16 yards for the Jacks. His 16-yard touchdown run came on the first play after an interception by Donald Gardner.
Jake Wieneke, who caught seven passes for 144 yards for the Jacks, scored on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Taryn Christion for the Jacks' first touchdown. The Rabbits answered moments later as Kanin Nelson hooked up with Skyler Monaghan for a 65-yard touchdown catch and run.
Working against the first-team defense, Christion completed 11-of-17 passes for 135 yards. Dalton Douglas was 5-of-7 for 99 yards.
Redshirt freshman Alec Cromer completed all five of his pass attempts for 35 yards for the Rabbits, while Monaghan recorded a team-high three catches for 80 yards.
Eric Kleinschmit led all players with eight tackles. Brandon Thomas registered six stops, with Chase Kern credited with 1 1/2 sacks.
SDSU will report to fall camp in late July and will open the 2017 season Aug. 31 by hosting Duquesne.
