South Dakota dominates Southern Illinois in MVFC opener

In a decisive matchup on Saturday, South Dakota faced Southern Illinois in the Missouri Valley Football Conference opener, showcasing two top-25 FCS teams. Aidan Bouman led the Coyotes with an impressive performance, completing 11 of 17 passes for 247 yards, including two touchdown throws. The Coyotes dominated the second quarter, scoring three touchdowns and establishing a commanding 35-7 lead by halftime. Travis Theis and Charles Pierre Jr. contributed significantly to the ground game, each scoring two rushing touchdowns and combining for over 270 rushing yards. Southern Illinois struggled to keep pace, despite Hunter Simmons throwing for 306 yards and two touchdowns. The Salukis managed to score only 13 points against a robust South Dakota defense. The Coyotes outgained their opponents significantly, with a total of 549 yards compared to Southern Illinois's 366 yards, highlighting their offensive efficiency and defensive strength. The victory improved South Dakota's record to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference, while Southern Illinois fell to 2-3 and 0-1 in the MVFC. This win not only boosts South Dakota's ranking, currently fifth in the coaches poll, but also sets a positive tone for the remainder of the season. The game served as a strong statement for the Coyotes, demonstrating their potential as serious contenders in the conference and the FCS landscape, while Southern Illinois will need to regroup and address their shortcomings moving forward.