South Dakota Coyotes Scouting Report

[BWahlberg]

I figured you guys didn’t need a scouting report on Idaho last week, and by now I know most of you are pretty up to speed on USD. However, I had been asked by a few if I’d give you a quick breakdown in my typical style of a scouting report for this weekend’s game. That said, here we go (btw – I had chatgpt help me on this bc these reports are damn long by this point):

With the semi finals upon us – most expected the 1-4 seeds to be playing, and here we are. South Dakota is coming to Bozeman in a game that should be a fascinating matchup. Last week USD beat a mostly Larison-absent UCD but it wasn’t the most convincing win in my opinion.

USD returned 7 starters on offense this season, and 6 on defense, and after a very successful regular season their team got some major recognition. USD was voted to finish 3rd, but as we all know, they finished in a tie with SDSU and NDSU atop the Missouri Valley. Looking at their post season awards, they have the defensive player of the year, coach of the year, and a handful of guys across each all conference team. Their running back lead the MVFC in rushing yards this season.

Some noteworthy FCS stats for South Dakota:

- 7th best rush offense nationally (Cats are 8th best rush defense)
- 44th pass offense nationally (Cats are the 22nd best rush defense)
- 15th total offense nationally (Cats are 10th best total defense)
- 7th scoring offense (Cats have the 7th best scoring defense)
- 15th best rush defense (Cats the #1 rush offense)
- 22nd best pass defense (Cats the 45th best pass offense)
- 18th best total defense (Cats the 2nd best total offense)
- 12th best scoring defense (Cats the best scoring offense)


South Dakota Coyotes 11-2

• August 29 vs. Northern State (W 45-3):
South Dakota opened the season with a dominant 45-3 victory, powered by a ground game that racked up 266 rushing yards, including strong performances from Charles Pierre Jr. and Travis Theis. The Coyotes' defense held Northern State to just 207 total yards, forcing 2 turnovers and controlling the pace throughout the game. A punt return touchdown added to the highlight reel as South Dakota cruised to an easy win.

• September 7 at Wisconsin (L 27-13):
Facing FBS powerhouse Wisconsin, South Dakota put up a respectable fight but fell 27-13. The offense struggled to find rhythm, producing 123 rushing yards and 114 passing yards for a total of 237. The Coyotes' defense held Wisconsin to 385 yards but couldn't overcome the physical play in the trenches. Despite zero turnovers on either side, South Dakota’s limited explosive plays kept them from closing the gap.

• September 21 vs. Drake (W 42-3):
The Coyotes bounced back with a 42-3 rout of Drake, compiling 411 total yards of offense. QB Aidan Bouman led the charge with 219 passing yards, and the ground game added 192 rushing yards. On defense, South Dakota stifled Drake, holding them to just 211 total yards and forcing 1 turnover. There was even a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown by Keyondray Jones-Logan

• September 28 vs. Southern Illinois (W 42-13):
South Dakota exploded offensively in a 42-13 victory over Southern Illinois, amassing a season-high 549 total yards. The Coyotes' rushing attack piled up 302 yards, complemented by 247 passing yards and a pair of deep touchdowns. Defensively, they limited Southern Illinois to 366 yards and controlled the game with efficient drives and zero turnovers.

• October 5 at Murray State (W 59-0):
The Coyotes delivered a complete performance, shutting out Murray State 59-0 while racking up 582 total yards. The rushing attack was unstoppable, contributing 361 yards, including a 74-yard TD run. The defense was equally dominant, allowing only 213 total yards and forcing 2 turnovers, including a fumble returned for a score.

• October 12 vs. Northern Iowa (W 42-17):
In a 42-17 win over Northern Iowa, South Dakota balanced the attack with 192 rushing yards and 321 passing yards, totaling 513 yards of offense. QB Aidan Bouman was surgical, throwing for 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. The defense held Northern Iowa to 311 yards while adding an interception to secure the victory on Dakota Days.

• October 19 at Youngstown State (W 27-17):
South Dakota earned a tough road win, beating Youngstown State 27-17. The Coyotes produced 415 total yards (192 rushing, 223 passing) and relied on key runs from Travis Theis. The defense stood firm, holding Youngstown State to 346 total yards and recording 4 QB hurries, limiting explosive plays.

• October 26 at South Dakota State (L 20-17 OT):
In a hard-fought rivalry game, South Dakota fell 20-17 in overtime. Offensively, the Coyotes managed only 275 total yards (81 rushing, 194 passing), while the defense held South Dakota State to 329 yards. A late interception hurt South Dakota's chances as they finished with a -1 turnover margin. Despite all of that USD had a chance to win the game, but missed a long field goal as time expired, they’d go on to lose in OT.

• November 9 vs. Indiana State (W 49-0):
The Coyotes posted their second shutout of the season, routing Indiana State 49-0 while accumulating 622 total yards. Charles Pierre Jr. ran for 83 yards, including a highlight-reel touchdown. The defense allowed just 129 total yards, adding 6 sacks and keeping Indiana State off the scoreboard.

• November 16 at North Dakota (W 42-36):
South Dakota escaped with a 42-36 win in a shootout at North Dakota, piling up 512 total yards (322 rushing, 190 passing). Charles Pierre Jr. ran for 173 yards, including a 76-yard TD, while Aidan Bouman threw for 3 touchdowns. The defense struggled, allowing 323 yards, but the offense proved too much in the end.

• November 23 vs. North Dakota State (W 29-28):
In one of the season's biggest upsets, South Dakota edged North Dakota State 29-28. The Coyotes totaled 391 yards (119 rushing, 272 passing), including key second-half touchdowns. The defense held strong late, limiting NDSU to under 30 points despite allowing 404 total yards.

• December 7 vs. Tarleton State (W 42-31):
South Dakota advanced in the FCS playoffs with a 42-31 win, racking up 509 total yards behind a balanced attack (296 rushing, 213 passing). The defense forced 2 turnovers, including a key interception, and sealed the game late with a long touchdown drive.

• December 14 vs. UC Davis (W 35-21):
The Coyotes moved on to the quarterfinals with a solid 35-21 win over UC Davis. Aidan Bouman threw for 253 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 71-yard bomb to Quaron Adams. South Dakota’s defense recorded 5 pass breakups and held UC Davis to 21 points despite 379 passing yards allowed.

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General Stats

Passing yards per game USD (195 for USD vs 171 for MSU)

Rushing yards per game MSU (246 for USD vs 311 for MSU)

Total offense MSU (441 for USD vs 486 for MSU)

Passing yards allowed per game MSU (196 for USD vs 192 for MSU)

Rushing yards allowed per game MSU (121 for USD vs 107 for MSU)

Total defense MSU (317 for USD vs 299 for MSU)

Close margins on many, but MSU pulls 5 to USD’s 1.

Offense points scored MSU (36.5 for USD vs 39.8 for MSU)

Defense points allowed MSU (19.8 for USD vs 17.5 for MSU)

Turnover margin MSU (+7 for USD / +12 for MSU)

Field goal % PUSH (75% for USD vs 75% for MSU)

Punt Returns MSU (12.3 yards for USD vs 11.5 yards for MSU)

Kick Returns MSU (21.7 yards for USD vs 123.5 yards for MSU)

T.O.P. MSU (29:50 for USD vs 32:40 for MSU)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns) MSU (57% USD / 34.7% MSU)

Red Zone offense (touchdowns) MSU (71% USD / 82% MSU)

3rd down offense MSU – (46.5% for USD / 48.2% for MSU)

3rd down defense MSU – (49% allowed for USD vs 44% allowed for MSU)

Holy crap, this is a big sweep for a top 4 matchup. MSU gets 10, USD gets 0, and 1 push. That’s a final of MSU 15 – USD 1 – Push 1

Offensive Players to Watch

1. Charles Pierre Jr. (#20, Running Back)
Senior running back Charles Pierre Jr. is the centerpiece of South Dakota’s offense, hailing from Pompano Beach, Florida. He leads the team with 1,153 rushing yards on 151 carries, averaging a staggering 7.6 yards per attempt and 96.1 yards per game, along with 15 rushing touchdowns. Known for his explosive speed and ability to break tackles, Pierre’s season includes a long run of 83 yards, making him a game-changer in the backfield.

2. Aidan Bouman (#11, Quarterback)
A 6'6" junior from Buffalo, Minnesota, Aidan Bouman has been a steady and efficient leader for the Coyotes under center. He has thrown for 2,345 yards and 21 touchdowns while completing 65.4% of his passes, with only 8 interceptions on the season. Bouman’s poise in the pocket and ability to protect the ball make him a crucial part of South Dakota’s balanced offensive attack.

3. Carter Bell (#8, Wide Receiver/Return Specialist)
Senior wide receiver Carter Bell, from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the Coyotes’ most dynamic playmaker, excelling both as a pass catcher and return specialist. He has 58 receptions for 765 yards (13.2 yards per catch) and 8 touchdowns this season, and he averages 13.5 yards per punt return, including one touchdown. Bell’s versatility and knack for creating big plays give South Dakota a dangerous edge on offense and special teams.

4. Mason Scheidegger (#75, Offensive Lineman)
Senior lineman Mason Scheidegger anchors the Coyotes’ offensive line, providing veteran leadership and stability. With over 40 career starts, Scheidegger has been instrumental in creating running lanes for Pierre and protecting Bouman in the pocket. His consistency and physicality set the tone for South Dakota’s strong offensive performance throughout the season.
________________________________________
Defensive Players to Watch

1. Mi'Quise Grace (#91, Defensive Lineman)
Sophomore defensive lineman Mi'Quise Grace, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been a breakout star for the Coyotes. Leading the team with 17.0 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, Grace also forced two fumbles, consistently disrupting opposing offenses. His ability to penetrate the backfield and pressure quarterbacks makes him a key player to watch in critical moments.

2. Brock Mogensen (#44, Linebacker)
Senior linebacker Brock Mogensen, a captain from Farmington, Minnesota, is the heart of South Dakota’s defense. Mogensen leads the team with 103 total tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss, and has contributed with 1 interception and 4 pass breakups. His leadership and sideline-to-sideline range make him a consistent presence, shutting down both the run and pass.

3. Myles Harden (#2, Defensive Back)
Junior defensive back Myles Harden, from Miami, Florida, is the Coyotes’ top playmaker in the secondary. Harden has recorded 4 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles this season, making him a significant threat to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His combination of ball skills and physicality makes him an essential part of South Dakota’s defensive strategy.

4. Blake Holden (#97, Defensive Lineman)
Senior defensive lineman Blake Holden, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, complements Grace on the defensive front with his size and power. Holden has recorded 6.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss, excelling at clogging running lanes and pressuring the quarterback. His experience and ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage make him a force to be reckoned with.

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Keys to victory:
1. Run the damn ball. Lean on the strong suit that MSU has with the ground game and wear the Coyotes down.

2. TDs instead of field goals. The numbers lean to the Bobcats way – put USD away early with that dangerous red zone offense and they’ll be too far behind to make it a game late.

3. QB pressure will be big. MSU seems to excel at that, keep Bouman uncomfortable all day.

4. Keep #8 under wraps. This dude is dangerous, don’t let him burn you too much. Watch him on kicks / punts / and in the passing game.

5. A positive turnover margin. How will USD act to playing in an actual sellout stadium? Outdoors? On the road? Could lead to a lot of mistakes

6. Limit USD’s possessions. MSU holds a nice TOP advantage and that’ll go a long ways to keeping the Coyotes cold. Control the ball, and the line of scrimmage, control the game.

-----------
I’d be shocked if this one is that close for long. I didn’t think MSU was going to have such an advantage statistically – even if by smaller margins in some places. I think the home field advantage for the Bobcats is going to be way too big here. Yes USD almost beat SDSU at home – but they didn’t – and that was in front of a smaller, less energized crowd.

USD does seem to get up and play their best against better teams, that’ll be the big test. As long as the Cats can handle it, they’ll get rolling like they have and have a fairly easy later portion of the game. I’ll say Cats take the day 42-21.

[damnyoutuesday]

Another fantastic write up Brint

[cats2506]

I figured you guys didn’t need a scouting report on Idaho last week, and by now I know most of you are pretty up to speed on USD. However, I had been asked by a few if I’d give you a quick breakdown in my typical style of a scouting report for this weekend’s game. That said, here we go (btw – I had chatgpt help me on this bc these reports are damn long by this point):

With the semi finals upon us – most expected the 1-4 seeds to be playing, and here we are. South Dakota is coming to Bozeman in a game that should be a fascinating matchup. Last week USD beat a mostly Larison-absent UCD but it wasn’t the most convincing win in my opinion.

USD returned 7 starters on offense this season, and 6 on defense, and after a very successful regular season their team got some major recognition. USD was voted to finish 3rd, but as we all know, they finished in a tie with SDSU and NDSU atop the Missouri Valley. Looking at their post season awards, they have the defensive player of the year, coach of the year, and a handful of guys across each all conference team. Their running back lead the MVFC in rushing yards this season.

Some noteworthy FCS stats for South Dakota:

- 7th best rush offense nationally (Cats are 8th best rush defense)
- 44th pass offense nationally (Cats are the 22nd best rush defense)
- 15th total offense nationally (Cats are 10th best total defense)
- 7th scoring offense (Cats have the 7th best scoring defense)
- 15th best rush defense (Cats the #1 rush offense)
- 22nd best pass defense (Cats the 45th best pass offense)
- 18th best total defense (Cats the 2nd best total offense)
- 12th best scoring defense (Cats the best scoring offense)


South Dakota Coyotes 11-2

• August 29 vs. Northern State (W 45-3):
South Dakota opened the season with a dominant 45-3 victory, powered by a ground game that racked up 266 rushing yards, including strong performances from Charles Pierre Jr. and Travis Theis. The Coyotes' defense held Northern State to just 207 total yards, forcing 2 turnovers and controlling the pace throughout the game. A punt return touchdown added to the highlight reel as South Dakota cruised to an easy win.

• September 7 at Wisconsin (L 27-13):
Facing FBS powerhouse Wisconsin, South Dakota put up a respectable fight but fell 27-13. The offense struggled to find rhythm, producing 123 rushing yards and 114 passing yards for a total of 237. The Coyotes' defense held Wisconsin to 385 yards but couldn't overcome the physical play in the trenches. Despite zero turnovers on either side, South Dakota’s limited explosive plays kept them from closing the gap.

• September 21 vs. Drake (W 42-3):
The Coyotes bounced back with a 42-3 rout of Drake, compiling 411 total yards of offense. QB Aidan Bouman led the charge with 219 passing yards, and the ground game added 192 rushing yards. On defense, South Dakota stifled Drake, holding them to just 211 total yards and forcing 1 turnover. There was even a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown by Keyondray Jones-Logan

• September 28 vs. Southern Illinois (W 42-13):
South Dakota exploded offensively in a 42-13 victory over Southern Illinois, amassing a season-high 549 total yards. The Coyotes' rushing attack piled up 302 yards, complemented by 247 passing yards and a pair of deep touchdowns. Defensively, they limited Southern Illinois to 366 yards and controlled the game with efficient drives and zero turnovers.

• October 5 at Murray State (W 59-0):
The Coyotes delivered a complete performance, shutting out Murray State 59-0 while racking up 582 total yards. The rushing attack was unstoppable, contributing 361 yards, including a 74-yard TD run. The defense was equally dominant, allowing only 213 total yards and forcing 2 turnovers, including a fumble returned for a score.

• October 12 vs. Northern Iowa (W 42-17):
In a 42-17 win over Northern Iowa, South Dakota balanced the attack with 192 rushing yards and 321 passing yards, totaling 513 yards of offense. QB Aidan Bouman was surgical, throwing for 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. The defense held Northern Iowa to 311 yards while adding an interception to secure the victory on Dakota Days.

• October 19 at Youngstown State (W 27-17):
South Dakota earned a tough road win, beating Youngstown State 27-17. The Coyotes produced 415 total yards (192 rushing, 223 passing) and relied on key runs from Travis Theis. The defense stood firm, holding Youngstown State to 346 total yards and recording 4 QB hurries, limiting explosive plays.

• October 26 at South Dakota State (L 20-17 OT):
In a hard-fought rivalry game, South Dakota fell 20-17 in overtime. Offensively, the Coyotes managed only 275 total yards (81 rushing, 194 passing), while the defense held South Dakota State to 329 yards. A late interception hurt South Dakota's chances as they finished with a -1 turnover margin. Despite all of that USD had a chance to win the game, but missed a long field goal as time expired, they’d go on to lose in OT.

• November 9 vs. Indiana State (W 49-0):
The Coyotes posted their second shutout of the season, routing Indiana State 49-0 while accumulating 622 total yards. Charles Pierre Jr. ran for 83 yards, including a highlight-reel touchdown. The defense allowed just 129 total yards, adding 6 sacks and keeping Indiana State off the scoreboard.

• November 16 at North Dakota (W 42-36):
South Dakota escaped with a 42-36 win in a shootout at North Dakota, piling up 512 total yards (322 rushing, 190 passing). Charles Pierre Jr. ran for 173 yards, including a 76-yard TD, while Aidan Bouman threw for 3 touchdowns. The defense struggled, allowing 323 yards, but the offense proved too much in the end.

• November 23 vs. North Dakota State (W 29-28):
In one of the season's biggest upsets, South Dakota edged North Dakota State 29-28. The Coyotes totaled 391 yards (119 rushing, 272 passing), including key second-half touchdowns. The defense held strong late, limiting NDSU to under 30 points despite allowing 404 total yards.

• December 7 vs. Tarleton State (W 42-31):
South Dakota advanced in the FCS playoffs with a 42-31 win, racking up 509 total yards behind a balanced attack (296 rushing, 213 passing). The defense forced 2 turnovers, including a key interception, and sealed the game late with a long touchdown drive.

• December 14 vs. UC Davis (W 35-21):
The Coyotes moved on to the quarterfinals with a solid 35-21 win over UC Davis. Aidan Bouman threw for 253 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 71-yard bomb to Quaron Adams. South Dakota’s defense recorded 5 pass breakups and held UC Davis to 21 points despite 379 passing yards allowed.

------------------
General Stats

Passing yards per game USD (195 for USD vs 171 for MSU)

Rushing yards per game MSU (246 for USD vs 311 for MSU)

Total offense MSU (441 for USD vs 486 for MSU)

Passing yards allowed per game MSU (196 for USD vs 192 for MSU)

Rushing yards allowed per game MSU (121 for USD vs 107 for MSU)

Total defense MSU (317 for USD vs 299 for MSU)

Close margins on many, but MSU pulls 5 to USD’s 1.

Offense points scored MSU (36.5 for USD vs 39.8 for MSU)

Defense points allowed MSU (19.8 for USD vs 17.5 for MSU)

Turnover margin MSU (+7 for USD / +12 for MSU)

Field goal % PUSH (75% for USD vs 75% for MSU)

Punt Returns MSU (12.3 yards for USD vs 11.5 yards for MSU)

Kick Returns MSU (21.7 yards for USD vs 123.5 yards for MSU)

T.O.P. MSU (29:50 for USD vs 32:40 for MSU)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns) MSU (57% USD / 34.7% MSU)

Red Zone offense (touchdowns) MSU (71% USD / 82% MSU)

3rd down offense MSU – (46.5% for USD / 48.2% for MSU)

3rd down defense MSU – (49% allowed for USD vs 44% allowed for MSU)

Holy crap, this is a big sweep for a top 4 matchup. MSU gets 10, USD gets 0, and 1 push. That’s a final of MSU 15 – USD 1 – Push 1

Offensive Players to Watch

1. Charles Pierre Jr. (#20, Running Back)
Senior running back Charles Pierre Jr. is the centerpiece of South Dakota’s offense, hailing from Pompano Beach, Florida. He leads the team with 1,153 rushing yards on 151 carries, averaging a staggering 7.6 yards per attempt and 96.1 yards per game, along with 15 rushing touchdowns. Known for his explosive speed and ability to break tackles, Pierre’s season includes a long run of 83 yards, making him a game-changer in the backfield.

2. Aidan Bouman (#11, Quarterback)
A 6'6" junior from Buffalo, Minnesota, Aidan Bouman has been a steady and efficient leader for the Coyotes under center. He has thrown for 2,345 yards and 21 touchdowns while completing 65.4% of his passes, with only 8 interceptions on the season. Bouman’s poise in the pocket and ability to protect the ball make him a crucial part of South Dakota’s balanced offensive attack.

3. Carter Bell (#8, Wide Receiver/Return Specialist)
Senior wide receiver Carter Bell, from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the Coyotes’ most dynamic playmaker, excelling both as a pass catcher and return specialist. He has 58 receptions for 765 yards (13.2 yards per catch) and 8 touchdowns this season, and he averages 13.5 yards per punt return, including one touchdown. Bell’s versatility and knack for creating big plays give South Dakota a dangerous edge on offense and special teams.

4. Mason Scheidegger (#75, Offensive Lineman)
Senior lineman Mason Scheidegger anchors the Coyotes’ offensive line, providing veteran leadership and stability. With over 40 career starts, Scheidegger has been instrumental in creating running lanes for Pierre and protecting Bouman in the pocket. His consistency and physicality set the tone for South Dakota’s strong offensive performance throughout the season.
________________________________________
Defensive Players to Watch

1. Mi'Quise Grace (#91, Defensive Lineman)
Sophomore defensive lineman Mi'Quise Grace, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been a breakout star for the Coyotes. Leading the team with 17.0 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, Grace also forced two fumbles, consistently disrupting opposing offenses. His ability to penetrate the backfield and pressure quarterbacks makes him a key player to watch in critical moments.

2. Brock Mogensen (#44, Linebacker)
Senior linebacker Brock Mogensen, a captain from Farmington, Minnesota, is the heart of South Dakota’s defense. Mogensen leads the team with 103 total tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss, and has contributed with 1 interception and 4 pass breakups. His leadership and sideline-to-sideline range make him a consistent presence, shutting down both the run and pass.

3. Myles Harden (#2, Defensive Back)
Junior defensive back Myles Harden, from Miami, Florida, is the Coyotes’ top playmaker in the secondary. Harden has recorded 4 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles this season, making him a significant threat to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His combination of ball skills and physicality makes him an essential part of South Dakota’s defensive strategy.

4. Blake Holden (#97, Defensive Lineman)
Senior defensive lineman Blake Holden, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, complements Grace on the defensive front with his size and power. Holden has recorded 6.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss, excelling at clogging running lanes and pressuring the quarterback. His experience and ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage make him a force to be reckoned with.

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Keys to victory:
1. Run the damn ball. Lean on the strong suit that MSU has with the ground game and wear the Coyotes down.

2. TDs instead of field goals. The numbers lean to the Bobcats way – put USD away early with that dangerous red zone offense and they’ll be too far behind to make it a game late.

3. QB pressure will be big. MSU seems to excel at that, keep Bouman uncomfortable all day.

4. Keep #8 under wraps. This dude is dangerous, don’t let him burn you too much. Watch him on kicks / punts / and in the passing game.

5. A positive turnover margin. How will USD act to playing in an actual sellout stadium? Outdoors? On the road? Could lead to a lot of mistakes

6. Limit USD’s possessions. MSU holds a nice TOP advantage and that’ll go a long ways to keeping the Coyotes cold. Control the ball, and the line of scrimmage, control the game.

-----------
I’d be shocked if this one is that close for long. I didn’t think MSU was going to have such an advantage statistically – even if by smaller margins in some places. I think the home field advantage for the Bobcats is going to be way too big here. Yes USD almost beat SDSU at home – but they didn’t – and that was in front of a smaller, less energized crowd.

USD does seem to get up and play their best against better teams, that’ll be the big test. As long as the Cats can handle it, they’ll get rolling like they have and have a fairly easy later portion of the game. I’ll say Cats take the day 42-21.

Thanks, I always like your scouting reports and usually read them on that other site.

2 more players to watch IMO

#5 Travis Theis RB is a hard physical runner and they throw to him out of the backfield too.

#82 JJ Galbreath Big good looking TE with good hands, has been out much of the season with injury but looks to be healthy now

[catzz]

Well done and as always, appreciated! I have a lot of respect for many griz fans as a 6th generation Missoulian… You are up there Brint!

Don’t ask about distaste for the others….

[tdub]

Thanks @BWahlberg! You always do a great job on these.
(BTW - I’m the dude that introduced himself to you after you were on the panel at City Club a couple months ago).

[Catprint]

Great write up!

My observation of USD home vs. road: At home they score a lot of points mostly against weaker competition. On the road, they are only 3-2 and other than the blow out against Murray State (who should never be in the MVFC (1-11)), they are averaging 25 points a game both scored and allowed. They don’t play their finest football on the road and the games have been tight. However, USD definitely is a fourth quarter team averaging14 points in their last four games and pulling away or putting away games in the fourth quarter. Being up only 35-21 going into the fourth quarter would give me cause to be concerned against USD.

[RICO CAT]

Great comprehensive write up BWahlberg ! We absolutely need the D-line to disrupt their passing game. Their QB is dropping dimes on long distance calls. They have the speed to potentially torch our DB’s. They’ve got some speedy running backs too. It’s going to be an intense game for sure.

[Camo_Cat]

Thanks for the write-up, Brint. Excellent work as always!

I think the key, as many have said, is pressure on the QB. He doesn't appear very mobile. Get him outside the pocket, force him to make throws on the run. We cannot let him stand there like he did against Davis and throw with ease. Hit him hard and hit him early.

[GoldstoneCat]

Thanks for the write-up, Brint. Excellent work as always!

I think the key, as many have said, is pressure on the QB. He doesn't appear very mobile. Get him outside the pocket, force him to make throws on the run. We cannot let him stand there like he did against Davis and throw with ease. Hit him hard and hit him early.

And to do that, to me, the keys are twofold. Stop the run. And play with a lead. Their pass game is lots of long-developing crossing routes, levels/layers concepts, deep posts etc. If they are one dimensional and we can come after him the game isn't close.

[BWahlberg]

Thanks for the write-up, Brint. Excellent work as always!

I think the key, as many have said, is pressure on the QB. He doesn't appear very mobile. Get him outside the pocket, force him to make throws on the run. We cannot let him stand there like he did against Davis and throw with ease. Hit him hard and hit him early.

Add in, their QB's a lefty and those guys hit the golf ball from the wrong side. Can't trust 'em

[BWahlberg]

Thanks @BWahlberg! You always do a great job on these.
(BTW - I’m the dude that introduced himself to you after you were on the panel at City Club a couple months ago).

You bet! And yeah I recall us chatting!

[Camo_Cat]

Thanks for the write-up, Brint. Excellent work as always!

I think the key, as many have said, is pressure on the QB. He doesn't appear very mobile. Get him outside the pocket, force him to make throws on the run. We cannot let him stand there like he did against Davis and throw with ease. Hit him hard and hit him early.

Add in, their QB's a lefty and those guys hit the golf ball from the wrong side. Can't trust 'em

Love it! We have a lefty in our normal foursome and we always let him have it about hitting from the wrong side of the tee box!

[RootinfortheCats]

I figured you guys didn’t need a scouting report on Idaho last week, and by now I know most of you are pretty up to speed on USD. However, I had been asked by a few if I’d give you a quick breakdown in my typical style of a scouting report for this weekend’s game. That said, here we go (btw – I had chatgpt help me on this bc these reports are damn long by this point):

With the semi finals upon us – most expected the 1-4 seeds to be playing, and here we are. South Dakota is coming to Bozeman in a game that should be a fascinating matchup. Last week USD beat a mostly Larison-absent UCD but it wasn’t the most convincing win in my opinion.

USD returned 7 starters on offense this season, and 6 on defense, and after a very successful regular season their team got some major recognition. USD was voted to finish 3rd, but as we all know, they finished in a tie with SDSU and NDSU atop the Missouri Valley. Looking at their post season awards, they have the defensive player of the year, coach of the year, and a handful of guys across each all conference team. Their running back lead the MVFC in rushing yards this season.

Some noteworthy FCS stats for South Dakota:

- 7th best rush offense nationally (Cats are 8th best rush defense)
- 44th pass offense nationally (Cats are the 22nd best rush defense)
- 15th total offense nationally (Cats are 10th best total defense)
- 7th scoring offense (Cats have the 7th best scoring defense)
- 15th best rush defense (Cats the #1 rush offense)
- 22nd best pass defense (Cats the 45th best pass offense)
- 18th best total defense (Cats the 2nd best total offense)
- 12th best scoring defense (Cats the best scoring offense)


South Dakota Coyotes 11-2

• August 29 vs. Northern State (W 45-3):
South Dakota opened the season with a dominant 45-3 victory, powered by a ground game that racked up 266 rushing yards, including strong performances from Charles Pierre Jr. and Travis Theis. The Coyotes' defense held Northern State to just 207 total yards, forcing 2 turnovers and controlling the pace throughout the game. A punt return touchdown added to the highlight reel as South Dakota cruised to an easy win.

• September 7 at Wisconsin (L 27-13):
Facing FBS powerhouse Wisconsin, South Dakota put up a respectable fight but fell 27-13. The offense struggled to find rhythm, producing 123 rushing yards and 114 passing yards for a total of 237. The Coyotes' defense held Wisconsin to 385 yards but couldn't overcome the physical play in the trenches. Despite zero turnovers on either side, South Dakota’s limited explosive plays kept them from closing the gap.

• September 21 vs. Drake (W 42-3):
The Coyotes bounced back with a 42-3 rout of Drake, compiling 411 total yards of offense. QB Aidan Bouman led the charge with 219 passing yards, and the ground game added 192 rushing yards. On defense, South Dakota stifled Drake, holding them to just 211 total yards and forcing 1 turnover. There was even a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown by Keyondray Jones-Logan

• September 28 vs. Southern Illinois (W 42-13):
South Dakota exploded offensively in a 42-13 victory over Southern Illinois, amassing a season-high 549 total yards. The Coyotes' rushing attack piled up 302 yards, complemented by 247 passing yards and a pair of deep touchdowns. Defensively, they limited Southern Illinois to 366 yards and controlled the game with efficient drives and zero turnovers.

• October 5 at Murray State (W 59-0):
The Coyotes delivered a complete performance, shutting out Murray State 59-0 while racking up 582 total yards. The rushing attack was unstoppable, contributing 361 yards, including a 74-yard TD run. The defense was equally dominant, allowing only 213 total yards and forcing 2 turnovers, including a fumble returned for a score.

• October 12 vs. Northern Iowa (W 42-17):
In a 42-17 win over Northern Iowa, South Dakota balanced the attack with 192 rushing yards and 321 passing yards, totaling 513 yards of offense. QB Aidan Bouman was surgical, throwing for 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. The defense held Northern Iowa to 311 yards while adding an interception to secure the victory on Dakota Days.

• October 19 at Youngstown State (W 27-17):
South Dakota earned a tough road win, beating Youngstown State 27-17. The Coyotes produced 415 total yards (192 rushing, 223 passing) and relied on key runs from Travis Theis. The defense stood firm, holding Youngstown State to 346 total yards and recording 4 QB hurries, limiting explosive plays.

• October 26 at South Dakota State (L 20-17 OT):
In a hard-fought rivalry game, South Dakota fell 20-17 in overtime. Offensively, the Coyotes managed only 275 total yards (81 rushing, 194 passing), while the defense held South Dakota State to 329 yards. A late interception hurt South Dakota's chances as they finished with a -1 turnover margin. Despite all of that USD had a chance to win the game, but missed a long field goal as time expired, they’d go on to lose in OT.

• November 9 vs. Indiana State (W 49-0):
The Coyotes posted their second shutout of the season, routing Indiana State 49-0 while accumulating 622 total yards. Charles Pierre Jr. ran for 83 yards, including a highlight-reel touchdown. The defense allowed just 129 total yards, adding 6 sacks and keeping Indiana State off the scoreboard.

• November 16 at North Dakota (W 42-36):
South Dakota escaped with a 42-36 win in a shootout at North Dakota, piling up 512 total yards (322 rushing, 190 passing). Charles Pierre Jr. ran for 173 yards, including a 76-yard TD, while Aidan Bouman threw for 3 touchdowns. The defense struggled, allowing 323 yards, but the offense proved too much in the end.

• November 23 vs. North Dakota State (W 29-28):
In one of the season's biggest upsets, South Dakota edged North Dakota State 29-28. The Coyotes totaled 391 yards (119 rushing, 272 passing), including key second-half touchdowns. The defense held strong late, limiting NDSU to under 30 points despite allowing 404 total yards.

• December 7 vs. Tarleton State (W 42-31):
South Dakota advanced in the FCS playoffs with a 42-31 win, racking up 509 total yards behind a balanced attack (296 rushing, 213 passing). The defense forced 2 turnovers, including a key interception, and sealed the game late with a long touchdown drive.

• December 14 vs. UC Davis (W 35-21):
The Coyotes moved on to the quarterfinals with a solid 35-21 win over UC Davis. Aidan Bouman threw for 253 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 71-yard bomb to Quaron Adams. South Dakota’s defense recorded 5 pass breakups and held UC Davis to 21 points despite 379 passing yards allowed.

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General Stats

Passing yards per game USD (195 for USD vs 171 for MSU)

Rushing yards per game MSU (246 for USD vs 311 for MSU)

Total offense MSU (441 for USD vs 486 for MSU)

Passing yards allowed per game MSU (196 for USD vs 192 for MSU)

Rushing yards allowed per game MSU (121 for USD vs 107 for MSU)

Total defense MSU (317 for USD vs 299 for MSU)

Close margins on many, but MSU pulls 5 to USD’s 1.

Offense points scored MSU (36.5 for USD vs 39.8 for MSU)

Defense points allowed MSU (19.8 for USD vs 17.5 for MSU)

Turnover margin MSU (+7 for USD / +12 for MSU)

Field goal % PUSH (75% for USD vs 75% for MSU)

Punt Returns MSU (12.3 yards for USD vs 11.5 yards for MSU)

Kick Returns MSU (21.7 yards for USD vs 123.5 yards for MSU)

T.O.P. MSU (29:50 for USD vs 32:40 for MSU)

Red Zone defense (touchdowns) MSU (57% USD / 34.7% MSU)

Red Zone offense (touchdowns) MSU (71% USD / 82% MSU)

3rd down offense MSU – (46.5% for USD / 48.2% for MSU)

3rd down defense MSU – (49% allowed for USD vs 44% allowed for MSU)

Holy crap, this is a big sweep for a top 4 matchup. MSU gets 10, USD gets 0, and 1 push. That’s a final of MSU 15 – USD 1 – Push 1

Offensive Players to Watch

1. Charles Pierre Jr. (#20, Running Back)
Senior running back Charles Pierre Jr. is the centerpiece of South Dakota’s offense, hailing from Pompano Beach, Florida. He leads the team with 1,153 rushing yards on 151 carries, averaging a staggering 7.6 yards per attempt and 96.1 yards per game, along with 15 rushing touchdowns. Known for his explosive speed and ability to break tackles, Pierre’s season includes a long run of 83 yards, making him a game-changer in the backfield.

2. Aidan Bouman (#11, Quarterback)
A 6'6" junior from Buffalo, Minnesota, Aidan Bouman has been a steady and efficient leader for the Coyotes under center. He has thrown for 2,345 yards and 21 touchdowns while completing 65.4% of his passes, with only 8 interceptions on the season. Bouman’s poise in the pocket and ability to protect the ball make him a crucial part of South Dakota’s balanced offensive attack.

3. Carter Bell (#8, Wide Receiver/Return Specialist)
Senior wide receiver Carter Bell, from Bettendorf, Iowa, is the Coyotes’ most dynamic playmaker, excelling both as a pass catcher and return specialist. He has 58 receptions for 765 yards (13.2 yards per catch) and 8 touchdowns this season, and he averages 13.5 yards per punt return, including one touchdown. Bell’s versatility and knack for creating big plays give South Dakota a dangerous edge on offense and special teams.

4. Mason Scheidegger (#75, Offensive Lineman)
Senior lineman Mason Scheidegger anchors the Coyotes’ offensive line, providing veteran leadership and stability. With over 40 career starts, Scheidegger has been instrumental in creating running lanes for Pierre and protecting Bouman in the pocket. His consistency and physicality set the tone for South Dakota’s strong offensive performance throughout the season.
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Defensive Players to Watch

1. Mi'Quise Grace (#91, Defensive Lineman)
Sophomore defensive lineman Mi'Quise Grace, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been a breakout star for the Coyotes. Leading the team with 17.0 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, Grace also forced two fumbles, consistently disrupting opposing offenses. His ability to penetrate the backfield and pressure quarterbacks makes him a key player to watch in critical moments.

2. Brock Mogensen (#44, Linebacker)
Senior linebacker Brock Mogensen, a captain from Farmington, Minnesota, is the heart of South Dakota’s defense. Mogensen leads the team with 103 total tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss, and has contributed with 1 interception and 4 pass breakups. His leadership and sideline-to-sideline range make him a consistent presence, shutting down both the run and pass.

3. Myles Harden (#2, Defensive Back)
Junior defensive back Myles Harden, from Miami, Florida, is the Coyotes’ top playmaker in the secondary. Harden has recorded 4 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles this season, making him a significant threat to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His combination of ball skills and physicality makes him an essential part of South Dakota’s defensive strategy.

4. Blake Holden (#97, Defensive Lineman)
Senior defensive lineman Blake Holden, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, complements Grace on the defensive front with his size and power. Holden has recorded 6.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles for loss, excelling at clogging running lanes and pressuring the quarterback. His experience and ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage make him a force to be reckoned with.

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Keys to victory:
1. Run the damn ball. Lean on the strong suit that MSU has with the ground game and wear the Coyotes down.

2. TDs instead of field goals. The numbers lean to the Bobcats way – put USD away early with that dangerous red zone offense and they’ll be too far behind to make it a game late.

3. QB pressure will be big. MSU seems to excel at that, keep Bouman uncomfortable all day.

4. Keep #8 under wraps. This dude is dangerous, don’t let him burn you too much. Watch him on kicks / punts / and in the passing game.

5. A positive turnover margin. How will USD act to playing in an actual sellout stadium? Outdoors? On the road? Could lead to a lot of mistakes

6. Limit USD’s possessions. MSU holds a nice TOP advantage and that’ll go a long ways to keeping the Coyotes cold. Control the ball, and the line of scrimmage, control the game.

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I’d be shocked if this one is that close for long. I didn’t think MSU was going to have such an advantage statistically – even if by smaller margins in some places. I think the home field advantage for the Bobcats is going to be way too big here. Yes USD almost beat SDSU at home – but they didn’t – and that was in front of a smaller, less energized crowd.

USD does seem to get up and play their best against better teams, that’ll be the big test. As long as the Cats can handle it, they’ll get rolling like they have and have a fairly easy later portion of the game. I’ll say Cats take the day 42-21.

I don’t think some of the players to watch are even on this year’s roster.

Scheidegger, Mogenson, Harden?

[MSU01]

I don’t think some of the players to watch are even on this year’s roster.

Scheidegger, Mogenson, Harden?

I'd say MSU is in pretty good shape on Saturday if they get to play a bunch of guys who aren't even on the team anymore!

Brint/ChatGPT also has the jersey numbers way wrong. Bouman is #2, Pierre is #3, Bell is #14, Grace is #90.

[RootinfortheCats]

I don’t think some of the players to watch are even on this year’s roster.

Scheidegger, Mogenson, Harden?

I'd say MSU is in pretty good shape on Saturday if they get to play a bunch of guys who aren't even on the team anymore!

Brint/ChatGPT also has the jersey numbers way wrong. Bouman is #2, Pierre is #3, Bell is #14, Grace is #90.

um is a journalism school, right?

Brint, I kid! I kid!

I would love to hear what happened on this though.

[GoCats18]

I wonder if USD will take the same approach as Idaho and try to run a fake punt/field goal or some sort of tricky kickoff? I always feel like we don’t cover these plays well.

[St George]

I did a little recon and got a picture of the Coyotes Players.

[RICO CAT]

I wonder if USD will take the same approach as Idaho and try to run a fake punt/field goal or some sort of tricky kickoff? I always feel like we don’t cover these plays well.

Did you see that awesome fake punt by UNLV against Cal in the LA Bowl last night ? Not sure I’ve ever seen one like that before. (It’s on YouTube) sorry I can’t post it.

[ilovethecats]

I wonder if USD will take the same approach as Idaho and try to run a fake punt/field goal or some sort of tricky kickoff? I always feel like we don’t cover these plays well.

Did you see that awesome fake punt by UNLV against Cal in the LA Bowl last night ? Not sure I’ve ever seen one like that before. (It’s on YouTube) sorry I can’t post it.

That was awesome. Punter threw the ball like a 2nd grader trying to make a basket on a ten foot hoop.

Ran to perfection.

[coloradocat]

I wonder if USD will take the same approach as Idaho and try to run a fake punt/field goal or some sort of tricky kickoff? I always feel like we don’t cover these plays well.

Did you see that awesome fake punt by UNLV against Cal in the LA Bowl last night ? Not sure I’ve ever seen one like that before. (It’s on YouTube) sorry I can’t post it.

That was awesome. Punter threw the ball like a 2nd grader trying to make a basket on a ten foot hoop.

Ran to perfection.

I saw a comment that he looked like he was in the Dr. Pepper halftime competition.