Caleb Vander Esch makes an incredible catch for South Dakota on Saturday. Erin Bormett / Argus Leader, Sioux Falls Argus Leader via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Watch: South Dakota beats South Dakota State with Hail Mary

By Adam Stites | Last updated 11/13/21

South Dakota got a huge win over in-state rival South Dakota State in the most dramatic way possible Saturday. With no time left on the clock, South Dakota hauled in a 57-yard Hail Mary pass that was tipped by multiple players into the hands of receiver Caleb Vander Esch.

RED STATE #WeAreSouthDakota x #WEBEATSTATE pic.twitter.com/fqhB1PNUKl
— No. 17 South Dakota Football (@SDCoyotesFB) November 13, 2021

The play could have an impact on more than just bragging rights in the state of South Dakota.

The South Dakota State Jackrabbits entered the game No. 7 in the FCS rankings, 10 spots ahead of the No. 17 ranked South Dakota Coyotes. The wild finish will have a significant impact on those rankings and will likely shake up the FCS playoff bracket, too.

Neither team will be able to catch North Dakota State to win the Missouri Valley Conference, but both are in contention for at-large bids. The FCS Playoff Committee will choose 13 teams to receive those at-large bids and the full playoff bracket will be announced Nov. 21.

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