USD football preps for challenging conference slate

VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) — USD is off to a 2-1 start this season, completing non-conference play. Now, the Coyotes prepare for a ranked battle and the start of Missouri Valley Football Conference play.

The Coyotes are 2-0 at the DakotaDome this year, with wins over Northern State and Drake.

They’ve outscored those two opponents 87-6 and they’re hoping that success will carry into Saturday’s home game.

However, the schedule gets much tougher with a ranked opponent this week. Then their next seven games include four ranked teams and three receiving votes.

“We talked to our guys Saturday after the Drake game and basically what the Valley schedule means, is that you’ve got a ranked team coming in. Or it’s a ranked team that you’re playing week, after week, after week,” USD head coach Bob Nielson said.

USD will host #17 Southern Illinois on Saturday at 1 p.m.

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