Despite some big hits to their roster from graduation, the South Dakota State football team is in the Top 20 in the pre-season FCS Coaches Poll.

The Jackrabbits are 15th in the poll, after three straight post-season appearances. SDSU finished 13th last season after going 9-5 and falling to eventual national champ North Dakota State in round two of FCS Playoffs. South Dakota State is looking to replace running back Zach Zenner, quarterback Austin Sumner, wide receiver Jason Schneider, a trio of offensive lineman, and some key defensive players from last year's team.

In an interview with Brookings Radio, SDSU head coach John Stieglemeier talked about where he wants his team to set their sights ranking-wise for the 2015 season:

The top eight teams in FCS get first round byes in the playoffs.

Five other Missouri Valley Football Conference teams are ranked in the Top 25, including NDSU (1), Illinois State (2), Northern Iowa (10), Youngstown State (16), and Indiana State (20).

The Jackrabbits open the 2015 season, Saturday, September 5, at Kansas.

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