The stakes couldn’t be much higher in the Coyotes’ final regular season game.
With just one regular season game left, the stakes are incredibly high for South Dakota football.
The Coyotes aim to secure a share of their first Missouri Valley Football Conference title as they go head-to-head with North Dakota State in the DakotaDome this Saturday. This matchup not only holds implications for the conference title and potential playoff seeding, but it also offers a chance for revenge following last year’s playoff defeat. There are numerous intriguing storylines to follow in this game.
Here are three key aspects I’ll be keeping an eye on…
Can Charles Pierre maintain his impressive performance?
Pierre has been a key player in the Coyote offense this season, forming a dynamic partnership with Travis Theis thanks to their complementary skill sets. After a season-low of just three rushing attempts against South Dakota State last month, the Coyotes have leaned heavily on him in the last two games, and he has certainly risen to the occasion.
Last week against UND, Pierre had a standout performance across the board. He recorded a career-high 173 rushing yards and also set a personal best with 75 receiving yards. He contributed a touchdown in both rushing and receiving. This marks the second consecutive game where Pierre has excelled; in the prior week against Indiana State, he tallied 165 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
In his last two games, he has racked up 338 rushing yards, 413 total yards from scrimmage, and four touchdowns. To say he’s on fire right now might be an understatement, and the Coyotes will need him to continue that level of performance against NDSU. However, that won’t be an easy challenge.
The Bison boast the third-best rushing defense in the conference, allowing just 112.8 rushing yards per game, 3.7 yards per carry, and 11 rushing touchdowns to opposing teams. If Pierre can deliver another standout game, the offense could thrive. Otherwise, securing a win will become significantly harder.
Can the defense force Cam Miller into mistakes?
Miller has made significant strides this season. Heading into the year, there were plenty of questions about whether he could lead the Bison like previous great quarterbacks. He has since quelled those doubts and is likely in contention for several prestigious awards. If USD hopes to pull off an upset, they’ll need to create turnovers.
So far this season, Miller has been remarkably steady, throwing for 2,166 yards and 22 touchdowns while leading the conference with a 76.9 completion percentage. He also ranks as the FCS leader in passing efficiency. Even more impressive is that he has thrown just one interception this year—only one other quarterback in the country, Montana State’s Tommy Mellott, can claim that feat.
Miller has proven to be one of the most efficient and intelligent quarterbacks in the nation. However, the Coyotes have the potential to exploit his mistakes, starting with their defensive line. The front four must consistently apply pressure to force Miller to release the ball before he’s ready. Paired with one of the strongest secondaries in the country, this should create ample opportunities for the Coyote defense to make Miller uneasy.
It’s also essential for USD to recognize Miller’s ability to run. He has accumulated 371 rushing yards and six touchdowns in addition to his impressive passing stats. Miller represents a significant playmaking threat for USD’s defense this season, and it will require a collective strong effort to contain him.
Can USD send their senior class off on a high note?
It’s important to note that Saturday is senior day, a momentous occasion for this team. Many of the seniors have left a lasting mark on the program’s future. Players like Theis, Carter Bell, Dennis Shorter, Nick Gaes, and Blake Holden have all contributed significantly. A win on Saturday could solidify their legacies.
The most significant achievement from a victory over the Bison would be a share of the conference title. Since joining the Valley in 2012, the Coyotes have yet to claim the championship, while other Dakota schools have done so multiple times. A win would also greatly enhance their chances in the pursuit of a potential national title.
If USD continues to lose, they might miss out on a first-round bye in the playoffs, making the cancellation of the Portland State game a significant concern. However, a victory would almost ensure a top-eight seed and could potentially secure a top-five seed for the Coyotes. Having a higher seed and a bye would be a tremendous advantage.
For now, though, the priority remains on winning the upcoming game. A win would be a major milestone for the program and leave a lasting legacy for this senior class due to their achievements.
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