USD ready for tough road test at Wisconsin

VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) — The USD football team rolled to a season opening win against Division II opponent, Northern State, but now the challenge is much greater as the Coyotes hit the road for Wisconsin.

USD out gained Northern State by nearly 150 yards on their way to a 45-3 win.

“You find some things that you did well to win the football game, but at the same time, you find some things that you’ve got to improve upon,” USD head coach Bob Nielson said.

The Coyotes saw success in all three phases of the game against the Wolves and they’ll need to replicate that this week, hitting the road to play Big Ten foe, Wisconsin.

“Games like this require you to play your very best to have a chance to win,” Nielson said. “You’re playing against outstanding personnel and positions. A lot of positions, you’re probably playing against the best personnel that you’re going to face all year.”

USD was able to use both the run and the pass in their season opener.

“We’re going to have to be balanced. If you’re not a balanced football team against a really good defense, which their defense is a really good defense, you’re going to have trouble moving the football,” Nielson said.

Wisconsin opened the season with a 28-14 win over Western Michigan, in front of more than 75,000 fans. The Badgers controlled the time of possession and outgained their opponent by more than 120 yards, though it took a 15 point fourth quarter by the Badgers to secure the win.

“The thing that Western Michigan did a good job of was avoiding a lot of big, chunk plays,” Nielson said. “That’s going to be one of the keys for us defensively as well.”

USD knows that Saturday’s matchup will present great challenges, but they’re focusing on one play at a time.

“There might be 80,000 fans in the stadium, but there’s 11 guys on the field playing against 11 guys. It’s all about how you execute one play at a time,” Nielson said.

The Badgers are 2-0 in the all-time series, outscoring the Coyotes 107-17. USD and Wisconsin will kick-off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The game will air live on FS1.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.