Coyotes remain winless in conference play

After a loss to Western Illinois last weekend, the Coyotes have fallen to 0-2 in Missouri Valley conference play. USD was unable to overcome a strong Western Illinois offense on the road and lost 40-21.

The Coyotes have had a tough time translating their hard work into wins.

“We just have to keep getting better and we will. We haven’t played up to our potential the last two games but we’ve played two of the best teams in the United States. They’re both ranked up there and I give them a lot of credit,” said USD head coach Joe Glenn.

This week the Coyotes will have another big test on the road against North Dakota State University. NDSU is one of the best teams in the country and are currently ranked No. 2 in the FCS and hold the No. 1 spot in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

The Bison have yet to lose in conference play and their only loss this season was an opening week upset by Montana that NDSU lost 35-38.

NDSU has been a force on both sides of the ball so far this year. Their offense have scored more than 30 points in all but one of their games and are ranked second in total offense in the conference. Their defense is currently No. 1 in the Missouri Valley in rush defense and No. 2 in total defense.

The USD defense is nothing to scoff at, however. USD is right behind NDSU at number two on rush defense in Missouri Valley and sits at third in total defense. It is offense where the Coyotes have struggled this season, second-to-last in both total offense and passing offense.

The Coyotes have had trouble all year syncing their offense and defense and getting them to go hand-in-hand.

“We’ll see if we can make offense, defense and special teams all show up in one game like we did for a couple games earlier in the season,” Glenn said.

One of the bright spots in the USD offense has been junior running back Trevor Bouma. During the Youngstown State game, Bouma exited with an injury and has been used sparingly since.

“The problem is Trevor’s got a steel plate in his arm, and he got hit on it,” Glenn said. “The swelling underneath put pressure on that steel plate and he can’t really grip the ball and it’s really painful. It’s going to go away, but there’s nothing they can do for it.”

Luckily, the Coyotes have had players step up and fill the void, notably true first-year running back Michael Fredrick. Last week Fredrick ran for 90 yards, his career high. Fredrick’s explosiveness has helped take the pressure off Bouma and his recovery.

“In the meantime, Mike (Fredrick) has done a good job and we’ve had other guys step in. Nate Gunn has carried the ball some and there are other guys, too,” Glenn said.

As a true first-year, Fredrick has made the most out of a difficult transition.

“It was a tough transition, but I adapted to it very well. I just have to work myself and work harder, because the speed of the game and the power of the game changed,” Fredrick said.

Fredrick has gotten quality time in all five games so far this season and has a total of 216 rushing yards on the season along with one touchdown. With Bouma still a question for every down in the next game, Fredrick is ready to take on one of the best defenses in the country.

“I’m staying focused, studying NDSU, studying their D-line, D-tackles, linebackers, corners. Studying their whole defense and finding their weaknesses,” he said.

The Coyotes take on the Bison this Saturday in Fargo at 2:30 p.m.

Going against the No. 2 team in the country’s house is a daunting challenge, but Glenn is not fazed.

“We can play better,” he said. “And our best days are yet to come.”