VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) — The #25 USD football team claimed their second straight ranked win Saturday, with a 24-17 win over #9 SDSU in the Interstate Series rivalry.
Saturday’s win was the Coyotes’ first win over the Jackrabbits since 2021. It was SDSU’s third straight loss, the first time that has happened since 2009.
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The win now moves the series to 58-54-1 in favor of the Jackrabbits.
Saturday’s game started with a bang as SDSU’s Jack Smith went 75 yards on the opening play of the game to give SDSU a 7-0 lead.
USD responded with a 75 yard drive that lasted more than six minutes and was capped by an LJ Phillips touchdown.
The second quarter was a busy frame as the two exchanged field goals.
USD took their first lead with a touchdown pass by Aidan Bouman, but again, that score was answered.
SDSU starting quarterback, Jack Henry, threw a touchdown pass to Alex Bullock right before halftime.
Saturday was Henry’s first career start. His last start was in 2023 in a state championship game, starting for Dell Rapids High School. That game was also in the DakotaDome.
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The Coyotes got the ball to start the second half and marched it in to the end zone. Phillips capped a seven play, 75 yard drive with a 32 yard touchdown run.
Neither team put together a scoring chance until the fourth quarter. The Jackrabbits saw a promising drive end with a USD interception midway through the quarter.
USD was forced to punt on the ensuing drive. However, SDSU would go four and out, giving USD the ball late in the game.
The Yotes were able to run out the clock and claim the seven point win.
The overall stats were quite even as both defenses played strong. USD outgained SDSU by just three yards, 333-330.
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Both teams ran the ball well and struggled to move the rock via the pass.
USD won the time of possession by five minutes and won the turnover battle 1-0.
USD will close the season on the road when they play at Southern Illinois next Saturday. SDSU has two games yet, with a home game against Illinois State on November 15.
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