Chase Forte shines with 20 points but South Dakota falls to Nebraska

In a competitive showdown on December 7, 2024, in Vermillion, South Dakota, the South Dakota Coyotes overcame the Tarleton State Texans with a final score of 42-31 during the second-round of the FCS playoffs. The game saw South Dakota rally from trailing positions multiple times, showcasing resilience and determination as they fought through adversity. Late in the game, Aidan Bouman, the Coyotes' quarterback, made a pivotal move by throwing a go-ahead touchdown pass to Keyondray Jones-Logan, which secured a 35-31 lead for his team with under 10 minutes remaining. Following this, Quaron Adams contributed significantly with a 70-yard rushing touchdown on a reverse play, which effectively sealed the victory for South Dakota. Bouman completed an impressive 18 of 22 pass attempts for a total of 213 yards during the match. Meanwhile, Tarleton State, in their first postseason appearance, struggled to maintain their lead, despite Victor Gabalis, their quarterback, throwing three touchdown passes in the first half, giving his team early leads at 7-0, 14-7, and 21-14 before halftime. The game featured notable performances on both sides, including Travis Theis for South Dakota, who rushed for 130 yards and had two short touchdown runs that helped equalize the score during the first half. The Coyotes' victory not only highlighted Bouman's playmaking ability but also showcased their home-field advantage as they improved their overall record to 10-2. Now, South Dakota prepares to host the winner of the UC Davis versus Illinois State matchup in the upcoming third round of the playoffs, furthering their quest in the postseason.