HERO Sports welcomes you to "Three-a-Days", where we will preview every single one of the 126 FCS programs from June 17 to August 6. Then, we'll preview all 13 conferences from August 12-15. Today, we present … South Dakota.
We'll leave no stone left unturned when it comes to giving the FCS diehards all they could ask for this offseason. Learn about every program in the country with HERO Sports.
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South Dakota (4-7 IN 2018)
MVFC (USD finished T6th in 2018)
COACH: Bob Nielson – At School: 4th Year (16-19) Overall: 26th Year (202-99-1)
LAST FCS POSTSEASON: 2017 (Second Round)
2018 OFFENSE: 26.7 ppg (68th in FCS)
2018 DEFENSE: 34.2 ppg (95th in FCS)
KEY GAME: Aug. 31 vs. Montana: The importance of the season-opener can't be underestimated. Both USD and Montana appear to be playoff bubble teams and this nonconference matchup could be a determining factor on at-large bids.
SUM IT UP: A year after making the program's first FCS playoff appearance and getting a win in the first round, the Coyotes had a disappointing 2018 campaign that saw a 4-7 overall record and a 3-5 mark in the Valley. Expectations remain high for this season, though, with about eight starters returning on offense and seven more on defense.
Offensive balance and an improved defense are key if the Coyotes want to return to the postseason. They'll have a terrific passing attack led by Austin Simmons, one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the FCS who threw for 3,124 yards, 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions last year along with 332 yards rushing and five TDs. He'll have nine of his top 10 pass catchers coming back, led by Dakarai Allen.
USD's 285.8 passing yards a game last year ranked 13th in the FCS. But its 125.4 rushing yards a game ranked 90th, a number that needs to go up if you want to be successful in the MVFC. Kai Henry is back after being the No. 1 running back last year. He rushed for 509 yards and seven touchdowns. The offensive line has three holes to fill from its 2018 starting lineup with Mason Scheidegger leading the unit.
New defensive coordinator Travis Johansen has an important task to improve the defense from its 34.2 points allowed a game last year, which was 95th in the subdivision. HERO Sports Preseason All-American defensive end Darin Greenfield is a top defensive player in the MVFC and a solid piece to build around. The Coyotes have to get better against the run and improve its young secondary. Defensive backs Cameron Tisdale and Elijah Reed were two youngsters last year that showed a lot of promise.
Overall, six of the top 11 tacklers are back along with safety Phillip Powell, who was a 2017 HERO Sports Freshman All-American before getting hurt three games into last season.
OUR TAKE: The South Dakota football program has everything it needs to be a consistent playoff team. Bob Nielson has built the program up and is bringing in solid recruiting classes. The Coyotes provide cost of attendance stipends and the DakotaDome is currently undergoing $26.3 million in renovations. The pieces are there. USD has a chance to go 3-0 against its nonconference FCS opponents with that Montana season-opener being a huge one. If the Coyotes can go 3-1 heading into MVFC play (beating Oklahoma is a tough task), going 4-4 in the conference puts them on the playoff bubble. A 5-3 mark gets them into the postseason. With North Dakota State and South Dakota State looking like the top dogs again in the Valley, there is room for USD to slip into that 3-5 spot and make a case for the playoffs once again.
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COUNTDOWN: The Best Player in FCS Who Wears Each Number, 1-99
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TOP RETURNEE: Sr./DE Darin Greenfield (HERO Sports Preseason All-American, 14.5 TFLs and 6 sacks)
THE FOUNDATION: Sr./WR Dakarai Allen (All-Conference 2nd Team, 48 rec. for 703 yards and 5 TDs); Jr./OL Mason Scheidegger (AC HM); Sr./QB Austin Simmons (AC HM, 3,124 yards passing with 18 TDs and 8 INT); So./DB Cameron Tisdale (AC Newcomer Team, 29 tackles and 3 PD); Jr./RB Kai Henry (Top rusher with 509 yards and 7 TDs); Jr./WR Levi Falck (45 rec. for 492 yards and 2 TDs); Jr./LB Jack Cochrane (Top returning tackler with 79); Jr./DB Elijah Reed (62 tackles)
TOP NEWCOMER: So./LB Sam Gerst (Ellsworth CC transfer)
THE QUOTE: "I'm excited to be a part of the future of Coyote football. The University of South Dakota is a great place. It is making a strong commitment to Division I football, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to lead our team to the next level." — Head Coach Bob Nielson said about his new contract extension
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WERE WE RIGHT?: Last Year's USD Preview
FCS 2020 NFL PROSPECTS: The List
BEST FCS TRADITIONS: The List
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PREVIEWS: The Rest Of The MVFC
Illinois St | Indiana St | Mo St
NDSU | UNI | USD
SDSU | SIU | WIU | YSU
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