Coyotes are on their way, they just haven’t arrived yet

For all the hype surrounding the new head coach, offense and quarterback, the Coyotes are entering Missouri Valley Conference play at 1-2. A worse start than the 2-1 mark they started off with a year ago. A pessimist would read into this negatively. They would say this team has regressed. An optimist would see things differently. They would read into the numbers.

Yes, the Coyotes lost to New Mexico 48-21. Looking at it on the surface, it seems like a normal FBS blows out FCS type situation. Look deeper. USD was actually ahead of the Lobos in the first quarter thanks to a pair of junior quarterback Chris Streveler runs. The New Mexico offense and defense eventually clicked and ran away with it, but for a brief moment, the Coyotes were hanging with the FBS. This was a very different game than the Coyotes’ last matchup with an FBS team, when they were shut out by Kansas State 0-34.

The game against Weber State was really the first time the Coyotes got to get out and play. New Mexico stifled and simply was too athletic and too good for the Coyotes to run with them. Against Weber State, on their own turf, USD was able to find their groove. They were able to comeback twice from being down 21 points and their late game drive showcased the offense’s coolness under pressure and ability to win games late.

Unfortunately, the Coyotes found themselves on the other side of a comeback last Saturday. USD had North Dakota down 34-14 in the second half and the game seemed put away. USD let up. The Fighting Hawks lived up to their new name, as they fought all the way back to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Both teams scored touchdowns in the first overtime, including a 25-yard touchdown pass on the Coyotes’ first play from Streveler to sophomore wide receiver Shamar Jackson. Jackson looks like he’s becoming one of Streveler’s favorite targets. In the second overtime UND forced the Coyotes into a 37-yard field goal that senior Miles Bergner converted. That made it 44-41 Coyotes with UND taking over possession. UND’s quarterback forced it in from the one-yard line to give the Fighting Hawks the win. USD has gone 0-13 in trips to Grand Forks since 1985.

Now the Coyotes will enter the MVFC gauntlet. Their first test will be 17th ranked Youngstown State. Last year the Penguins visited Vermillion and held the Coyotes to just one field goal in a 31-3 win. As is the case every year, the MVFC is strong. Of the eight teams, six are currently ranked in the top 25.

Although it may seem like a daunting task, the Coyotes are more prepared then they’ve ever been. Last year’s team went 5-6 and had playoff dreams. This year they’re looking to make those dreams a reality. One of the biggest keys to the Coyotes making the playoffs is Streveler — he’s currently ninth in rushing yards per game, fourth in passing touchdowns and first in points responsible in the FCS. Another big factor for USD is running back Trevor Bouma’s health. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the best backs in the MVFC. He’s currently 17th in rushing yards in the FCS. With Streveler and Bouma at their best and with more than solid backups for each, the Coyotes have one of the most dynamic backfields in the conference.

Under head coach Bob Nielson, there’s something different about the Coyotes. Some of the hopeful optimism surrounding the program last year has been turned to belief. This team is ready to not just move up the ladder, but to leap up it.

This weekend, USD is on a bye before starting MVFC play against Youngstown State on Oct. 1. Don’t be surprised when they come out swinging.