South Dakota Football Ends 15-Year Drought Against North Dakota with Thrilling 42-36 Victory
GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The No. 5-ranked South Dakota football team (8-2, 6-1 MVFC) achieved a historic milestone on Saturday, snapping a 15-game losing streak against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks (5-6, 2-5 MVFC) with a dramatic 42-36 victory at the Alerus Center. This win marks the Coyotes’ first triumph in Grand Forks since 1985.
After an early deficit of 14-0, South Dakota mounted a resilient comeback, fueled by standout performances from Aidan Bouman and Charles Pierre Jr. Bouman tied his career high with three passing touchdowns while also celebrating head coach Bob Nielson’s 50th victory at the helm. Pierre Jr. delivered a remarkable performance, accumulating a career-best 248 total yards, including 173 rushing yards, making him the first Coyote to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in an NCAA Division I FCS season.
The game started rocky for South Dakota, who initially failed to convert a 49-yard field goal attempt. North Dakota capitalized on this by scoring two quick touchdowns, with Sawyer Seidel’s 51-yard rush energizing the home crowd. However, the Coyotes responded brilliantly, scoring on their next six possessions, including a field goal and several touchdowns that enabled them to outscore the Fighting Hawks 17-14 in a high-scoring second quarter.
The second half saw South Dakota capitalize on their momentum, scoring 10 unanswered points in the third quarter and pulling ahead 35-21. Despite a late surge from North Dakota, who scored a touchdown with under six minutes remaining, the Coyotes held their ground and managed to secure the victory.
Next up, South Dakota will face top-ranked North Dakota State in their regular-season finale on November 23, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m.
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