Bison pummel Yotes 54-0 in Sioux Falls matchup

Not even the 64-miles separating the DakotaDome and Howard Wood Field was enough distance for the University of South Dakota football team to escape the woes that have stalked them this 2012 season.

Failing to get anything started on offense, the Coyotes were shut out by new Missouri Valley Football Conference rival, North Dakota State University 54-0 on Saturday night in Sioux Falls.

Saturday’s loss marks the teams worse since losing 66-7 to the University of Northern Iowa in 2009.

The Bison began their scoring streak after NDSU quarterback Brock Jensen rushed for a 10-yard touchdown with 6:42 to go in the first quarter.

Two more rushing touchdowns from junior Sam Ojuri and Jensen, along with a 32-yard touchdown from Jensen to sophomore Nate Moody wrapped up scoring for the Bison in the first half.

The Bison’s route of USD did not end until a 12-yard interception return by NDSU’s Zach Colvin gave them a insurmountable 54-0 lead with 3:28 remaining.

The Coyote’s were held to a season-low 76 yards of total offense, the second lowest being 233 yards during USD’s 35-24 loss to Montana in Week 1. USD managed only 17 yards of rushing over 27 attempts.

NDSU allowed the Coyotes to cross the midfield mark just once, while holding USD to zero third down conversions and just four first downs.

Sophomore quarterback Josh Vander Maten threw for a season low 59 yards, and completed 10 of 19 passes. Vander Maten was held to negative 16 yards rushing with two sacks.

Following Saturday’s loss, the Coyotes fall to 1-6 on the season, and are still winless in the MVFC.

Saturday’s shutout was the Coyotes first since 2006 when the team fell 24-0 to Central Arkansas.

USD will travel to Terre Haute, Ind. in search of conference win No. 1 against Indiana State on Oct. 27.