Glenn, Coyotes stride into bye week 1-1

The University of South Dakota football team’s season is underway.

After a 24-35 loss to Montana during week one and a 31-21 victory over Colgate, the Coyotes enter their bye week at 1-1.

With a change of conference and coaching staff, the Coyotes entered the 2012 season in a whole new atmosphere.

Head coach Joe Glenn showed the fans the new-look offense through a heavy dosage of run plays, as the team rattled off 238 yards on the ground, including all four touchdowns during their win against Colgate.

The Coyotes pass defense was strong, only giving up 96 yards through the air.

However for the second consecutive week, the run defense was exposed.

Montana ran for 315 yards, and Colgate followed that up with 237 yards on the ground.  Something head coach Glenn and the defense will work on over the bye week.

Senior running back Marcus Sims is entering his first season as the Coyotes lead back, but this isn’t going to phase the Brooklyn Park, Minn. native.

Last year despite being listed as the backup behind now-graduated Chris Ganious, Sims was able to lead USD in rushing yards and touchdowns, with 660 and four, respectively.  In his two games this season, Sims has already proven to be a key cog in the Coyotes offense.  Sims pummeled through the Colgate defense with 127 yards on just 14 carries and one score.  Coach Glenn and the offense will likely make it a point of emphasis to give Sims the ball throughout the rest of the season.

Senior wide receiver Will Powell is one of the most known players the team currently has.  Powell already is tied for the school record in career touchdowns with 19 and sixth in receptions and receiving yards.

Last year Powell,  was  named on the first-team All Great West as he led the conference with 763 receiving yards.  Powell also famously had a “SportsCenter” Top 10 play with his one handed catch versus Southern Utah.

In 2012, Powell has put been putting up “un-Will Powell” stats thus far, with 74 yards total over the first two games.

Expect that to change as first year quarterback Josh Vander Maten gains more familiarity with the offense and more chemistry with his go-to receiver.  Expect Powell’s name to top many USD records once the season is over.

Junior outside linebacker Tyler Starr has been making a habit of causing ruckus on other teams’ quarterbacks.  This is why he leads the USD defense for the 2012 season.  Starr had a breakout season for the ages last season as he led the Great West Conference with 14 sacks.

Starr also lead the team with seven forced fumbles and went on his way to a first team all conference selection.  He is transitioning to a standing up position as he moves to outside linebacker as part of the team’s 3-4 defense implemented under defensive coordinator Jason Petrino.  Starr already has a sack to go along with 12 total tackles on the young season.