Next Game:
North Dakota State
11/23/2024 | 1:00 PM
ESPN+/Midco Sports
Coyote Sports Network (106.3 FM)
Nov. 23 (Sat) / 1:00 PM
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — The No. 5-ranked South Dakota football team (8-2, 6-1 MVFC) delivered a thrilling performance that ended a long-standing 15-game losing streak to the (RV) North Dakota Fighting Hawks (5-6, 2-5 MVFC). South Dakota rallied after facing a challenging 14-0 deficit, emerging victorious with a 42-36 win in the Alerus Center, marking their first triumph in Grand Forks since 1985. Aidan Bouman rose to the occasion, tying his career-best with three passing touchdowns, showcasing his resilience and skill under pressure.
Head coach Bob Nielson celebrated a career milestone as he secured his 50th victory at the helm of Coyote football.
Congrats to head coach 𝐁𝐨𝐛 𝐍𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧 on his 𝟓𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐧 at the helm of Coyote football!#GoYotes x #WeAreSouthDakota pic.twitter.com/B0p7bnZwm6
— South Dakota Football (@SDCoyotesFB) November 16, 2024
For the second consecutive week, Charles Pierre Jr. set a new career record, finishing the game with an impressive 173 rushing yards, including 117 yards in the pivotal second half. He also achieved a team-leading 75 receiving yards, totalling 248 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in the thrilling win. Furthermore, Pierre Jr. made history as the first Coyote in the NCAA Division I FCS era to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.
𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄!
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐞 𝐉𝐫. becomes the first Coyote in the USD Division I FCS era to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season!#GoYotes x #WeAreSouthDakota pic.twitter.com/ELNz0x5Pdr
— South Dakota Football (@SDCoyotesFB) November 16, 2024
South Dakota had the first opportunity of the game to open the scoring, but a promising initial drive fell flat as they attempted a 49-yard field goal and missed the mark. North Dakota, undeterred, seized control of the game early on with a powerful 51-yard touchdown run by Sawyer Seidel, putting them ahead 7-0.
The Fighting Hawks continued to dominate when, with just under five minutes remaining in the first quarter, an interception set them up in favorable field position at midfield. They quickly capitalized on their momentum, driving deep into Coyote territory and adding another touchdown to extend their lead to 14-0 in the early moments of the second quarter.
Following the turnover, the Coyotes rapidly flipped the script, scoring on their next six possessions, including four touchdowns, igniting a remarkable comeback that began in the second quarter.
The first points for South Dakota came in the second quarter via a 45-yard field goal from Will Leyland (Jr., Souderton, Pa.), narrowing the gap to 14-3 with 9:34 left in the first half.
Later, capitalizing on the strength of their running game, South Dakota entered Fighting Hawks territory with impressive runs before Bouman (Jr., Buffalo, Minn.) connected with Carter Bell (Sr., Bettendorf, Iowa) for an 18-yard touchdown, trimming the score to 14-10, capping off a 7-play, 68-yard offensive drive that left the Coyotes energized.
The final seven minutes of the first half witnessed an explosive exchange, with both teams combining for 21 points. South Dakota outscored North Dakota in the quarter, bringing the halftime deficit down to just four points.
North Dakota responded to the powerful offensive surge by South Dakota with a thrilling 50-yard kickoff return on the very next possession. They quickly capitalized, scoring their third touchdown of the day to re-establish a lead at 21-10 with under a minute left in the half.
However, the Coyotes displayed their determination, reclaiming the momentum by executing a 65-yard drive within 41 seconds, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown reception by Quaron Adams (So., Phoenix, Ariz.), cutting the deficit to 21-17 just before halftime.
Emerging from the locker room, it was clear the second half belonged to the Coyotes, who decisively outscored the Fighting Hawks 10-0 in the third quarter, solidifying their ascendancy.
The Coyotes received the ball to start the second half, and it took only minutes for them to seize the lead as Bouman found Pierre Jr. (So., Orlando, Fla.) on a third-down pass that he turned into a stunning 53-yard touchdown, putting South Dakota ahead 24-21 for the first time that afternoon.
FINAL | 𝐘𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐍!
The streak in Grand Forks is snapped!
The Coyotes pick up their first win in Grand Forks since 1985!!#GoYotes x #WeAreSouthDakota pic.twitter.com/T5rKqN3D34— South Dakota Football (@SDCoyotesFB) November 16, 2024
On their next possession, the Fighting Hawks opted to go for it on fourth-and-two, but a crucial pass break-up by Tiim White (Jr., Miami Gardens, Fla.) shifted the momentum back to the Coyotes. South Dakota’s Travis Theis (Sr., Pratt, Kan.) then dashed 22 yards up the middle on the first play of the drive, setting the stage for a 40-yard field goal by Leyland to increase the Coyotes’ lead to 27-21.
Defensively, South Dakota tightened their grip, thwarting back-to-back attempts by North Dakota to advance, with the Coyote defense standing tall and maintaining the powerful shift in momentum well into the third quarter.
With the fourth quarter underway, Theis capped off a 10-play, 68-yard drive, extending the South Dakota lead to two scores, making it a 35-21 game after Jack Martens (Jr., Cumberland, Wis.) converted a crucial two-point attempt.
The explosive Pierre Jr. added to his already stellar performance, breaking free for a breathtaking 76-yard touchdown run, putting South Dakota comfortably ahead at 42-21.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Fighting Hawks made a spirited attempt with a touchdown that narrowed the score to 42-28 with just under six minutes left to play. They then executed an onside kick, recovering the ball and breathing life back into the home crowd. However, the resilient Coyote defense held firm, executing their second fourth-down stop of the game inside Coyote territory.
With only a minute left, South Dakota orchestrated a methodical drive to run down the clock. Pierre Jr. broke a 25-yard run to ignite the final possession, and with one last run, he tallied six more yards, bringing his total to a remarkable 166 rushing yards at that moment.
After the drive ultimately stalled, North Dakota made one final push, quickly advancing into Coyote territory and scoring. But South Dakota’s earlier efforts had sealed the first victory in Grand Forks since 1985, concluding the game at 42-36 after simultaneously recovering the second onside kick.
Up Next: South Dakota will conclude the regular season against top-ranked North Dakota State inside the DakotaDome on Saturday, November 23, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m.
Stay up to date with all things Coyotes by following South Dakota Athletics on Facebook /SDCoyotes, X (Twitter) @SDCoyotes, and Instagram @sdcoyotes!
#GoYotes x #WeAreSouthDakota
How did Charles Pierre Jr. and Idan Bouman impact the game’s outcome for the Coyotes?
Or a spectacular 67-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 42-21 and solidifying the Coyotes’ dominance in the second half.
As the clock wound down, the Coyotes showcased their powerful offensive prowess, finishing the game with a final score of 42-28, marking their first victory in Grand Forks since 1985. This victory not only highlighted the team’s resilience but also served as a testament to the strategic direction under head coach Bob Nielson.
Charles Pierre Jr.’s groundbreaking performance and Idan Bouman’s clutch plays were critical in turning the tide for South Dakota, leading to a memorable win that will surely resonate in Coyote history.
The Coyotes’ celebration was palpable on social media, with fans rallying behind the historic achievement, capturing the excitement and joy of a long-awaited triumph over their rivals. The Twitter updates showcased highlights of the game along with words of praise for both the players’ performances and Coach Nielson’s monumental win.
As the season progresses, South Dakota’s thrilling comeback and newfound momentum position them for a promising finish, energized by their success and the historic milestones they’ve achieved.
