Vermillion, South Dakota — South Dakota and Illinois State meet for the second time this calendar year.
The Coyotes forced seven turnovers and fought back from a 17-0 deficit to beat the Redbirds 27-20 back on Feb. 27 at Hancock Stadium. USD quarterback Carson Camp passed for 221 yards and accounted for all three Coyote touchdowns (2 passing, 1 rushing). Cornerback Myles Harden had two of South Dakota’s four interceptions and the Coyotes also forced and recovered three fumbles. Both Carson and Harden were true freshmen making their collegiate debuts.
The Illinois State game in February was a home game for Carson Camp, who played his high school ball less than two miles from Hancock Stadium. Camp became the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener in the program’s recorded history. He passed for 221 yards and ran for 20. He threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Vander Esch and a 5-yard touchdown to Carter Bell.
Illinois State saw quarterback Bryce Jefferson return from injury last week against North Dakota State. Jefferson was 4-of-18 for 40 yards and had two interceptions in a 20-0 loss to the Bison. Jefferson passed for 280 yards on 15-of-33 passing against South Dakota last winter. Austin Nagel had five catches for 132 yards.
South Dakota is coming off a 34-21 win at Northern Iowa, the team’s second straight win against a top-25 team. The Coyotes led 24-0 at halftime and responded to UNI’s two quick touchdowns to begin the third quarter with a Mason Lorber field goal and a Nate Thomas touchdown run. UNI outgained USD, but the Coyotes turned three Panther turnovers into 10 points.
South Dakota is 3-0 at home this season. The last time the Coyotes won four home games in a season was 2011. USD has outscored foes 92-30 inside the DakotaDome this season. Indiana State mustered 33 yards rushing. North Dakota finished with 50.
