USD looks to build off FCS quarterfinal appearance

VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) — USD is coming off its best football season in program history with 10 wins and a berth in the FCS quarterfinals.

The 2024 Yote roster features nearly 50 upperclassmen, including 18 seniors. With so much experience on the field, South Dakota feels as though it is geared up for another playoff run.

“A lot of the more successful teams in the FCS have a lot of sixth and fourth year guys and that’s something we have right now,” USD senior defensive lineman Blake Holden said. “Just building that confidence and the young guys too.”

USD finished last season ranked fourth in the nation. After receiving a first-round bye in the playoffs, the Coyotes topped Sacramento State before falling to conference rival NDSU at home in the quarterfinals. Now, the team has its sights set on advancing further in the postseason.

“We want to get ourselves in the conversation,” USD associate head coach Travis Johansen said. “I came to compete for national titles, and I think that motivates everybody more than anything – that last game and being a part of it.”

“Coming into this year, it doesn’t matter what happened last year it’s a whole new season,” USD senior tight end JJ Galbreath said. “Everybody’s going to come out. If anything, now we have a bigger target under our back. So we have to stay humble. We have to keep that fire under our butt to continue to be successful.”

Despite all the accomplishments of those ten wins and a berth in the FCS quarterfinals, the Coyotes carry a sour taste in their mouths heading into this season.

“Accomplished a lot last year as a football team, but left the field in that playoff game against North Dakota State without a feeling of accomplishment,” USD head coach Bob Nielson said.

“We won ten games last year, but that’s not good enough,” USD senior wide receiver Carter Bell said. “So, I just want to come out here and compete every day, you know, reach that goal, win a championship.”

The Coyotes open the season at home on Thursday, Aug. 29, against Northern State.

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