‘Yotes fold in fourth quarter to SDSU, 27-12

For the second consecutive season, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits can be called the kings of the state. The Jackrabbits came into the DakotaDome desperate for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive and edged out the Coyotes, 27-12.

SDSU head coach John Stiegelmeier said the Coyotes put up a good fight, but he’s just happy to get another win.

“We just kept battling. This is a special group of guys,and it’s been a blessing going to battle with these guys all year long,” Stiegelmeier said. “It was a great environment and a very entertaining football game, but the bottom line is we won.”

The Coyotes had numerous opportunities to make a comeback, especially in the fourth quarter. Trailing 20-12, the Coyotes blocked a Jackrabbit field goal, then followed that up by forcing a Zach Zenner fumble. In the end, the offense didn’t make enough plays to walk out with a victory.

Coyote starting quarterback, sophomore Kevin Earl, threw for 325 yards on the day. But he only completed 21 of his 48 attempts and overthrew his receivers numerous times.

USD head coach Joe Glenn said it was a tough day for his quarterback but praised his effort and work ethic.

“Not (Kevin) Earl’s best day, but he’s learning and will be one of the best QBs in this conference before it’s all said and done,” Glenn said.

Glenn said the biggest problem for the Coyotes all day was the difference between SDSU’s junior running back Zenner and the Coyotes’ running game. Zenner rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries. On the other hand, USD’s running back tandem of first-year players Trevor Bouma and Jordan Roberts combined for 14 carries for 46 yards. Bouma and Roberts were both hobbled all week and weren’t able to practice.

“We taped (Roberts and Bouma) up as much as we could,” Glenn said. “I think it would’ve been a different story if they got a full week of practice.”

Glenn also passing the ball 48 times isn’t a recipe for success.

The main recipient of Earl’s passes was junior wide receiver Terracne Terry, who finished the game with nine catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. Although the final score doesn’t show it, Saturday’s loss was another close one for a Coyote team that seemingly can’t get over the hump in some of their one-score games. Terry said losing another tough one is difficult, especially in the midst of a four-game losing streak.

“We have goals to win and we set high hopes for this season,” Terry said. “We’ve let some close ones slip away, so hopefully, next year we can get that fixed.”

Saturday’s attendance was 10,845 and the fans were definitely heard throughout the game.

“It was a great atmosphere and the Coyote Crazies did their part today,” senior safety Devin Taverna said.

Stiegelmeier noted the crowd was indeed very loud and something you can’t really prepare for. He also said he could see a difference in this year’s Coyote team compared to last year.

“They play differently,” Stiegelmeier said. “They’re going to win a lot of football games in his tenure here.”

The loss to the Jacks was also the Coyotes’ final home game of the year. Senior linebacker Tyler Starr said thinking about not playing in Vermillion anymore is a sad thought.

“The Dome is a special place and I’m just disappointed I couldn’t win my final football game here,” Starr said. “I’m hurting right now.”

Glenn and his team will close out the season next Saturday, Nov. 22, in Fargo, North Dakota to face the 10-0 Bison.