The University of South Dakota Coyotes football team gave it everything they had against the Illinois State Redbirds but came up just short, losing 34-31.
The Coyotes got off to a fast start, after senior running back Marcus Sims followed his blockers and had the speed to get into the end zone on a 52 yard touchdown run.
Coming into the game the Redbirds were a perfect 4-0 and looked as such after the Coyotes early touchdown.
Illinois State used a well-balanced attack on offense to go up 24-7 at halftime.
The Coyotes came out of the gates in the second half with more effort.
USD got a long touchdown catch from sophomore quarterback Josh Vander Maten to sophomore receiver Terrance Terry and another long play from Sims to cut the lead to ten. However, the deficit proved to be too large and the Coyotes came up short.
Sims would finish the game with 14 carries for 120 yards, while the leading receiver was senior Will Powell, who had three catches for 93 yards. Illinois State was lead by quarterback Matt Brown, who had 336 yards through the air.
USD’s next game will be at home versus Western Illinois on Oct. 6 for Dakota Days.
