USD heads into 2024 season with 'maturity, confidence'

VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) -- USD won 10 games last season for the first time since 1986 and look to make it two straight double-digit win campaigns.

The Yotes reached the FCS quarterfinals for the first time last season. USD ranked eighth in the country in scoring defense. While South Dakota returns several key pieces on that side of the ball, its offense, which scored at least 34 points five times in 2023, will be even more experienced, leading to lofty expectations in Vermillion.

"The two things that I can sense in this group that makes it a team and I think has a chance to be really good, is they're a team that has a great deal maturity and a great deal of confidence," USD head coach Bob Nielson said.

The Coyotes open the season at home on Thursday, August 29, against Northern State.