Oct. 31, 2000

VERMILLION, S.D. - GAMETIME: 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, at Coughlin-Alumni Stadium

MATCHUP: South Dakota (6-3, 4-3), who has won four of their last five games, will attempt to extend their current winning streak to three games when they travel to Brookings for a 1 p.m. NCC encounter with rival South Dakota State (5-4, 3-4) at Coughlin-Alumni Stadium. The Coyotes, tied for fourth in the NCC with Augustana, turned back Morningside, 30-7, at Roberts Stadium in Sioux City on Oct. 28 while SDSU lost to conference leader Nebraska-Omaha, 24-7, in Brookings.

SERIES: The Coyotes lead the State-U series 49-45-7. The State-U rivalry dates back to the teams' first meeting, a 6-6 tie in 1889. The Coyotes won 10 of the first 12 matchups between the rivals with two games ending in a tie. SDSU has won 11 of the last 14 games between the two schools. In terms of consecutive wins the Coyotes won eight in a row from 1935-43 while SDSU won six in a row from 1990-92. The Coyotes' highest offensive output was a 73-6 win in 1912. SDSU had a 61-0 win in 1963.

LAST TIME: South Dakota State scored two late touchdowns to win 43-30 in the DakotaDome on Nov. 6, 1999. The Jackrabbits, led by three touchdown runs by Josh Ranek, defeated South Dakota before 6,412 in attendance at the DakotaDome. The Coyotes' Jamel White had 120 yards rushing and 105 yard receiving as well as four- and two-yard touchdown runs, the last of which came late in the third quarter to give the Coyotes a 30-28 lead. The Coyotes maintained that lead until the three-minute mark of the fourth quarter when Ranek, who rushed for 248 yards, broke free for a 53-yard touchdown run. SDSU added a defensive score to close out the hard-fought rivalry game.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE: The Coyotes' final regular season game will be held Saturday, Nov. 11 at home against Minnesota State, Mankato.

COYOTES 6TH IN MIDWEST RANKINGS: With their win Saturday, the Coyotes remained sixth in the Midwest Region rankings as of Oct. 31. Northwest Missouri State remains at number one with Nebraska-Omaha holding down the number two spot. The rest of the top 10 in the Midwest Region include North Dakota State, Pittsburg State, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri Western State, Augustana, Winona State and Minnesota-Duluth. With a 35-23 loss last week, North Dakota fell from fourth to fifth and Pittsburg State moved up from fifth to fourth. In the other regions, the top teams are Slippery Rock (Northeast), Catawba (South), and UC-Davis (West).

JOSH STAMER UPDATE: All-American linebacker candidate Josh Stamer, a senior from Sutherland, Iowa, has recorded 61 tackles after eight games, including 17 tackles for a loss and six sacks. For his career, Stamer has 141 tackles, 32 tackles for a loss (for 128 yards), 15.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

DUSTY STAMER SETS FRESHMAN RECORD: Freshman sensation Stamer, who has six touchdowns, rushed for 126 yards against Morningside and has 665 yards this season. He had a season-high 139 yards against Truman State in the DakotaDome Sept. 16. In that game, he had a 79-yard touchdown run.

DOMINATING DEFENSE: In the last five games, the Coyotes' defense has limited opponents to 44 points including first half shutouts of its past three opponents (Nebraska-Omaha, a 21-7 loss, Northern Colorado, a 27-6 win, and Morningside, a 30-7 win this past weekend). In the Coyotes' win over Morningside, the Coyotes held the Mustangs to -9 yards rushing and 182 total yards. The defense recorded a season-high 16 tackles for a loss (for 82 yards) as well as seven sacks, three fumble recoveries and one interception. Senior cornerback Kaseem Gaines intercepted his third pass of the season and linebacker Josh Stamer improved his TFL to 17 for the season and his sack total to six. As a team the Coyotes have recorded 78 TFLs (for 248 yards), 20 sacks (for 148 yards), 18 interceptions for 254 yards in returns, 37 pass breakups, and nine fumble recoveries.

VERICK GRAY KEYS DEFENSE: In the Coyotes' win last week, senior linebacker Verick Gray of Miami, Fla., had a special day, recording 15 tackles, two sacks and three tackles for a loss. Gray was a major part of a defense that maintained pressure on the Morningside offense all day and recorded seven sacks.

BURWELL HAS GRUBER IN SIGHTS: Russel Burwell, who is the NCC leader in interceptions with seven and ranks in the top five nationally, is just the sixth Coyote to record seven interceptions in a season. Burwell joins the company of all-time leader Bob Gruber, who had 11 interceptions in 1979, as well as John Sanders (1971), Todd Salat (1986), Steve Adams (1988) and Bill Moats (1978), all who had seven interceptions in a single season.

HICKS MOVING UP ALL-TIME SCORING CHARTS: With 64 points this season, senior kicker Adam Hicks sits in ninth place in all-time career scoring (166 points).

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS IN NCC: As a team the Coyotes continue to lead the NCC in turnover margin at 1.78 per game. The Coyotes have recovered nine fumbles and intercepted a conference-high 18 passes for 27 total turnovers by opponents. The Coyotes have lost five fumbles and thrown six interceptions which gives South Dakota a +16 turnover margin. The turnover margin is a major turnaround for the Coyotes, who had a -12 turnover margin in 1999. The Coyotes are fifth in rushing defense (112.2 ypg) and fourth in the NCC in total defense (279.0 ypg). South Dakota is tied for second in pass defense efficiency (90.4). South Dakota has permitted the fewest sacks in the NCC (seven). South Dakota is second in field goals (14 of 19), and third in time of possession (32:08 per game). Individually, the Coyotes have three defenders in the top six in interceptions. Russel Burwell has seven interceptions (0.78 per game) to lead the NCC and he also leads passes defended with 17. Senior Rory Triplett is fourth in interceptions with four (0.44 per game) while senior Kaseem Gaines is sixth with three (0.43 per game). In other categories, James Augustus is second in kickoff returns (29.6 avg), Filip Filipovic is third in the conference in punting (40.8 avg), and Adam Hicks is fifth in scoring (7.0 ppg). Hicks is second in field goals (1.56 per game), second in field goal percentage (14 of 19, 73.7%). Josh Stamer is second in the NCC in sacks with six and tied for second in tackles for a loss with 17 for 47 yards. Dusty Stamer is sixth in rushing with 665 yards (83.1 ypg).

COYOTE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Offensive MVP - Dusty Stamer (Grand Rapids, Neb.), Defensive MVP - Verick Gray (Miami, Fla.), Special Teams MVP - Brian Litecky (Coon Rapids, Minn.), Offensive Hustle Award - Charles Johnson (Clewiston, Fla.), Defensive Hustle Award - Korey Ebel (Hartley, Iowa), Defensive Scout Team Player of the Week - Adam Reining (Caledonia, Minn.), Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week - Nick Peterson (Sioux Falls, S.D.)

COACHES: John Austin, a 1980 graduate of South Dakota, is in his second year as head coach at South Dakota. Austin, 10-10 and 7-9 in the NCC at South Dakota in his first collegiate coaching stint, spent nine years at the University of Iowa under head coach Hayden Fry (now retired), including four years as the team's defensive line coach. He was also Iowa's football recruiting coordinator and assistant offensive line coach for three years. With Austin as Iowa's recruiting coordinator, the 1994 recruiting class was rated third best in the Big Ten and 16th nationally. At Iowa, he coached three all-Big Ten linemen and two All-Americans. Seven players he recruited are playing in the NFL including four of whom he coached. Several of those players have returned to the USD campus to help Austin reshape the football program. He had a 22-21 record at Watertown High School from 1985-89, including a 9-3 mark in 1987 and an ESD conference championship. Twice, he was named to coach the South Dakota High School All-Star game. He was also a head coach at LaJunta, Co., high school and he spent the 1980-81 season as a student assistant at USD. John and his wife, Jill, have three children: Kelsie, Samantha and Erin.

John Stiegelmeier begins his fourth season as head coach of the Jackrabbits. The Selby native was North Central Conference Coach of the Year in 1999 after guiding the Jacks to an 8-3 season, their best record in 20 years. Stiegelmeier has a 23-18 career record, including 17-17 in NCC play and 1-3 vs. Nebraska-Omaha.

LAST WEEK - SDSU falls to Nebraska-Omaha, 24-7: League-leading Nebraska-Omaha chalked up another win with a 24-7 victory over South Dakota State at Alumni-Coughlin Stadium. UNO, who held the Jackrabbits scoreless in the second half after trailing 7-3 at the half, was led by the rushing of Justin Kammrad with 24 carries for 104 yards and 1 touchdown. The Mavericks also had a touchdown scored by Trey Guidry who finished with three rushes for 51 yards. Tyree Kellogg picked off a pass and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown with 4:38 left in the game to lock up the game for UNO. South Dakota State went to passing game this week with quarterback Dan Fjeldheim completing 12 of 21 passes for 105 yards and Andy Rennerfeldt completing 10 of 19 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown. The leading receivers for SDSU were Kris Garry with four catches for 36 yards and Josh Buchholtz with four catches for 35 yards. Brock Beran scored the only SDSU touchdown and finished with three catches for 43 yards. Josh Ranek was the SDSU leading rusher with 19 carries for 95 yards.

COMMENTS FROM COACH AUSTIN: On the win against Morningside: "We came out ready to play and created two turnovers that helped us go on top early 17-0. Then I was pleased that we regained our momentum early in the second half. I thought we played well defensively. Verick Gray and Korey Ebel had solid games for us. Offensively, Ryan Justice again played well and Dusty Stamer continues to progress. I was very pleased with our effort but then again I have been proud of how much these student athletes give day in and day out. We still need to continue to strive for consistency on offense but we showed brilliant flashes offensively against Morningside. We just need to do more of that." On SDSU: "This is an important game for both teams. SDSU is a very good football team. Just a few weeks ago, they were ranked in the top 10 in the country. Due to injuries, they have lost some gams to some of the same teams that beat us. It will be a very big challenge. We look forward to the opportunity."

SDSU LEADERS: Quarterback Andy Rennerfeldt has completed 138 of 240 passes with six interceptions and nine touchdowns. Brock Beran, Rennerfeldt's primary target, has 33 catches for 489 yards and four scores. Josh Ranek leads the rushing attack with 861 yards and six touchdowns. Kyle Haroldson has 55.5 total tackles which leads the team. He has four tackles for a loss and one sack with an interception. Chris Reiner has 44.5 tackles with four tackles for a loss, a fumble recovery, three interceptions, and four pass breakups.

ABOUT SDSU: SDSU has a 468-380-37 all-time record. Founded in 1881, SDSU began football in 1889. Dr. Peggy Elliott is the SDSU president. A year ago, the Jacks were 8-3 and 6-3 in the NCC (fourth). The Jacks returned 43 letterwinners (losing 11) and have 19 of 22 starters back from a year ago.

NCC NOTES: Home teams in the NCC posted a 1-4 record last week but remain 31-17 this year. The NCC has a 13-6 record (.684) against other conferences this season.

AFCA POLL RELEASED: South Dakota again received votes in the AFCA poll but did not break into the top 25 teams in the country. NCC leaders Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota remained in the American Football Coaches Association Division II Coaches Poll this week (Oct. 31). Northwest Missouri State remained at number one at 9-0 with UC-Davis, 8-0, in second and Catawba (N.C.), 8-0, at number threee. West Georgia, 9-0, is fourth while Nebraska-Omaha, 8-1, is fifth and North Dakota State, 8-1, sixth. Delta State (Miss.), 9-0, Valdosta State (Ga.,), 8-1, Northeastern State (Okla.), 7-1 and Carson-Newman (Tenn.) round out the top 10. North Dakota fell to number 14.

COYOTE CAPTAINS: Seniors Josh Stamer of Sutherland, Iowa, Nate Irwin of Cherokee, Iowa, Steve Young of Custer, S.D., Scott Larson of Mobridge, S.D., Miguel Regalado of Peona, Calif., and Lee Bunge of Hartley, Iowa.

ALL-NCC RETURNEES: Linebacker Josh Stamer, offensive tackle Josh Burr, defensive back Kaseem Gaines

NFL NEWS: Former Coyotes Jamel White (1998-99) and Matt Chatham (1994-98) have been signed to NFL contracts. Both players have seen action this season. The Cleveland Browns signed White, a first-team all-NCC and second team all-American selection for the Coyotes in 1999, after being a late cut by the Indianapolis Colts. White, who set or tied 14 school records a year ago, has six carries for 10 yards. He has returned 16 kickoffs for 387 yards for a 24.2 average. His best return is 40 yards. Chatham has signed a two-year contract with New England and recorded a tackle in their opening game loss to Tampa Bay, 21-16.

AGAINST THE NCC: The Coyotes have winning records against five of the nine other NCC schools: Nebraska-Omaha (23-17-1), Morningside (58-28-5), South Dakota State University (49-45-7), Minnesota State-Mankato (14-9), and Augustana College (36-18-0). South Dakota's record against the other NCC schools is as follows: North Dakota (28-48-5), North Dakota State University (24-45-3), St. Cloud State University (8-11-0), Northern Colorado (12-18-0).

RADIO: The Coyotes game vs. SDSU will be offered on the Coyote Sports Network and through the Internet. The flagship station is KVTK-AM (1570) in Vermillion, S.D. The other members of the Coyote Sports Network include KSDR-AM (1480), Watertown, KQRN-FM (107.3), Mitchell, S.D., KTOQ-AM (1340), Rapid City. Kevin Culhane will serve as the voice of the Coyotes home and away during the 2000 football season. Jim Hockett provides color. Joe Van Goor will host Coyote Game Day coverage one hour and 15 minutes prior to gametime. Mike Daly will serve as the Coyote Game Day analyst.

COYOTES ON THE INTERNET: In addition to the radio broadcast, Coyote fans can tune to the live game play-by-play on the internet at www.usdcoyotes.com or www.broadcastsports.com and also they can listen by calling Teamline at 1-800-846-4700 (team code - 6056). On Teamline fans can hear the live radio play-by-play of the Coyotes from any telephone in the world.

JOHN AUSTIN SHOW: Inside information about the Coyotes football program will be offered through a Thursday night coaches show on all sports radio KVTK-AM (1570). The USD Sports Magazine Show begins at 6:05 p.m., followed by The John Austin Show at 6:30 p.m.

FIRST YEAR OF FOOTBALL AT SOUTH DAKOTA: 1889

TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE: South Dakota has a long history of excellence in football. Not only have the Coyotes won nine North Central Conference titles, they have had 41 all-Americans and 204 all-NCC performers, including 17 NCC MVPs. South Dakota has an all-time record of 448-422-34. The Coyotes last won the NCC in 1978 although the 1986 team went to the NCAA Division II championship where they fell to fellow NCC mate North Dakota State, 27-7. The Coyotes fielded their first team in 1889, winning their first NCC title in 1927. Other conference-winning teams included squads in 1938, 1939, 1947, 1951, 1972, 1973, 1974, and 1978. In the Coyotes' proud history, 23 individuals have served as head coach with James Henderson holding the best winning percentage of .750 (15-5, 1911-13). The Coyotes have had four unbeaten squads in the NCC including 1927 (V.E. Montgomery), 5-0-0, 1938 (Harry Gamage), 5-0-0, 1947 (Harry Gamage), 4-0-0, and 1951 (Harry Gamage), 6-0-0. Perhaps the greatest Coyote squad was the 1902 squad, which rolled up a 9-0 record and held every opponent without points as South Dakota recorded a 9-0 season under A.H. Whittemore. The 1968 and 1972 squads, coached by Joe Salem, were both 9-1. B.H. Morrison was the first Coyote head coach, then called a manager, and he totaled a 5-2-2 mark.