WEEKLY RELEASE - MINN. ST. MANKATO UP NEXT: South Dakota (2-6, 1-5 in the NCC) will try and rebound from a tough loss at home last weekend when they travel to Mankato, Minn., to face the Minnesota State-Mankato (3-6, 2-4 in the NCC) Mavericks at Blakeslee Field on Saturday at noon. The Coyotes dropped a 20-3 decision to South Dakota State University at the DakotaDome on Saturday. Minnesota State-Mankato lost to North Dakota, 28-14, on Saturday in a game played at Mankato, Minn

SERIES: South Dakota holds a 15-9 lead with Minnesota State-Mankato in a series that began in 1968, a 28-14 Coyote victory. South Dakota, which has won the last three games vs. Minnesota State-Mankato, won 11 of the first 13 games between the two schools. In terms of streaks, South Dakota won six in a row from 1975, 1982-86 (the teams did not meet from 1976-81), The Mavericks won five in a row from 1989-94. Both teams' largest offensive output came in the same game in 1974 when the Mavericks took a 57-40 decision. In terms of margins of victory, the Coyotes won 39-3 in 1973 while the Mavericks won 35-8 in 1990.

NEWS AND NOTES: The Coyotes ended a five-game losing streak with a 31-19 win over Northern Colorado on Dakota Day on Oct. 13 at the DakotaDome. It was the Coyotes' first win since their season opening win over Winona State, 44-21 on August 30. South Dakota is 1-1 since the DakotaDome has been reopened. South Dakota played its first three home games at neutral venues in Yankton (Crane-Youngworth Field) and Sioux Falls (Howard Wood Field. South Dakota is 84-45 in the Dome. They are 6-5 during the John Austin era. This is the 919th game for South Dakota since beginning play in 1889. South Dakota's overall record is 454-431-34 (.511).

LAST GAME: SDSU 20 South Dakota 3 Big plays continue to hurt The University of South Dakota football team which dropped a 20-3 North Central Conference football game to South Dakota State on Saturday night before 7,248 in attendance at the DakotaDome.

South Dakota (2-6, 1-5 in the NCC) fell to arch-rival SDSU (4-5, 3-3 in the NCC) as the Jacks had three big plays in scoring 20 unanswered points after the Coyotes had grabbed a 3-0 first quarter lead.

SDSU's Josh Ranek was the difference in the 102nd matchup between the two schools. Ranek, who had 300 yards of total offense on the night (245 yards rushing and 55 yards receiving), found an opening on the left side and rumbled 94 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with :32 seconds to play to give the Jacks a 7-3 first quarter lead. SDSU also had two big passing plays as quarterback Dan Fjeldheim threw 50-yard and 22-yard touchdown passes to senior wide receiver Josh Buchholtz.

Early on things looked good for the South Dakota as Filip Filipovic hit a 21-yard field goal to give the Coyotes a 3-0 lead with 5:54 to play in the opening quarter. The Coyotes moved the ball 86 yards on 12 plays to grab the advantage.

Still, the drive was indicative of the Coyotes' season long failure to finish off a drive inside the opponent's 20-yard line and had to settle for a field goal. The Coyotes had scoring opportunities on the night but were unable to get the ball into the end zone. Early in the second quarter, the Coyotes moved the ball to the SDSU 31-yard line where the drive stalled and Filipovic was unsuccessful on a 49-yard field goal attempt.

From that point on, all the scoring went SDSU's way. After the two teams traded possessions, SDSU added their second big play of the night when Fjeldheim and Buchholtz converted on a 50-yard pass with 2:05 to play in the second quarter, capping a nine-play 88-yard drive that took 4:39 off the clock. The score gave the Jacks a 13-3 advantage at halftime. In the first half, SDSU had 334 yards of total offense and South Dakota had 170 yards total offense.

Buchholtz's second touchdown reception of came with 4:29 to play in the third quarter, capping a nine-play, 66-yard drive to give the Jacks' a 20-3 lead. On the Coyotes' ensuing possession, they drove the ball to the SDSU six-yard line as Justice completed a 40-yard pass to freshman receiver Chris Mikkelsen and a 12-yard pass to all-NCC tight end Dustin Sagedahl. After James Augustus had a nine-yard run to the SDSU six-yard line, South Dakota failed on three consecutive plays (incomplete pass and two running plays) and turned the ball over on downs to the Jacks. Overall, the Jacks held a 33:29 to 26:21 time of possession advantage as they had 515 total yards on 76 plays. Meanwhile, the Coyotes had 261 yards of total offense on 59 plays. South Dakota gained 109 yards rushing on 33 carries and had 152 yards passing as Justice completed 13 of 26 passes with one interception.

SDSU had 40 rushes for 221 yards and 294 yards passing as Fjeldheim completed 19 of 36 passes for 294 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Buchholtz had five catches for 124 yards and Ranek had three catches for 55 yards.

Leading the Coyotes' rushing game was senior tailback Eric Tarasewicz who had 82 yards rushing on 17 carries while Augustus had eight carries for 42 yards. Sagedahl led South Dakota receivers with six catches for 62 yards.

Defensively, junior defensive back Scott Lilland led South Dakota with 11 tackles, including eight solo stops. Linebacker Korey Ebel had nine tackles while junior defensive back Derick Jelks had seven tackles and one interception. Senior linebacker Mark Blackburn had five tackles, including two tackles for loss and one quarterback sack. Blackburn now has nine quarterback sacks this season. Aaron Dietrich had two tackles for a loss and a quarterback sack and junior linebacker/tight end Fred Mitchell also had a sack.

South Dakota still maintains a 51-44-7 series lead over SDSU.

North Dakota 28, Minnesota State, Mankato 14 Minnesota State University, Mankato fell to the University of North Dakota 28-14 at Blakeslee Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 27.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Mavericks got on the scoreboard first when Dan Weldon hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Shea with 13:22 remaining in the second quarter. The Sioux evened the score at 7-7 when Aaron Schwenzfeier scored on a two-yard touchdown plunge with 2:06 remaining in the half.

The third quarter proved to be kind for UND when Jesse Smith was on the receiving end of a 78-yard pass from Kelby Klosterman with 8:28 remaining. Just 23 seconds later, Craig Riendeau picked off a Shea pass and weaved 47-yards for a touchdown to give the Sioux a 21-7 lead. Klosterman closed out the quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run with 1:26 remaining.

In the fourth quarter, Shea found Weldon for the second time on the afternoon, this time from eight-yards out, to cut the MSU deficit to 28-14 with 9:49 remaining, which proved to be the final score.

Minnesota State outgained North Dakota 180-154 in passing yardage, and had 281 total yards on the day. The Mavericks also had more first downs than the Sioux by an 18-15 margin. Weldon led the MSU receiving corps for the ninth consecutive game with five receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns. Shea finished his afternoon with 16 completions for 180 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions in 36 attempts. Arlin Slayton led the MSU rushing charge with 69 yards on 12 carries. Jared Ziemke was the leading tackler in the game with 14 stops and one forced fumble. Eric Becker added ten tackles.

SOUTH DAKOTA TEAM MVPS (South Dakota State):

Defense - Big Plays: Derick Jelks (San Francisco, Calif.), Aaron Dietrich (Emmetsburg, Iowa); Mark Blackburn (Moreno Valley, Calif.); Wade Mitchell (Parkston, S.D.); Fred Mitchell (St. Louis, Mo.) Hustle Award: Jelks, Dietrich Scout Team MVP: Oakly Haines (White Lake, S.D.)

Special Teams MVP: Filip Filipovic (Belgrade, Serbia) - Big Plays: James Augustus (Toluca Lake, Calif.), Filipovic

South Dakota to induct eight into Hall of Fame; to honor Moose Merrigan on Nov. 10

The University of South Dakota will recognize the outstanding achievements of seven former student-athletes, a special contributor and a long-time supporter at the Coyote Hall of Fame induction ceremonies on Saturday, Nov. 10 during Hall of Fame Weekend at The University of South Dakota.

The honored individuals will be recognized during a noon luncheon and at halftime of the South Dakota-North Dakota football game on Saturday, Nov. 10. This Hall of Fame event represents the first time that the South Dakota Athletics Department will host Coyote Sports Hall of Fame activities separate from Dakota Days.

Previously, the Hall of Fame inductees were honored during the Alumni Association Banquet held on Friday night of the Dakota Days weekend.

The 2001 Coyotes Sports Hall of Fame inductees include: Sue Chamberlain Klein of Overland Park, Kan.; Russ Dokken of Omaha, Neb.; Greg Haydenluck, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dave Hultgren of Spencer, Iowa; Jean Misterek-Miller of Arlington, Va.,; Mike Schurrer of Yankton, S.D.; Doug Smith of Sioux City, Iowa; and special contributor Doug Shull of Indianola, Iowa.

In addition to the Hall of Fame honorees, South Dakota will hold a Moose Merrigan Appreciation Day on Nov. 10, including a reception from 6-9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 9 at The Bluffs in Vermillion.

Merrigan, inducted into the Coyotes Sports Hall of Fame in 1978, has been a very loyal supporter of Coyote Athletics. Merrigan served for many years on the USD Athletic Board of Control and he currently serves as a member of the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame Committee. Merrigan, who starred on the undefeated Vermillion High School team of 1945, started as a freshman for Harry Gamage's 1946 Coyotes' squad, which included the likes of Coyote Sports Hall of Fame members Howard Blumhardt and Jack Van Arsdale.

In 1948, Merrigan suffered a neck injury vs. Morningside on Dakota Day, which ended his playing career. Merrigan returned to farming and continued his association with USD. Merrigan, who served as an advisor to the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, has been an avid supporter and backer of USD athletics, including serving an instrumental role in the development of the DakotaDome.

NCC LEADERS FOR SOUTH DAKOTA (EIGHT GAMES):

Team: Scoring Offense, 9th, 17.8 per game; Scoring Defense, 6th, 22.8 per game; Pass Offense, 6th, 182.1 yards per game; Pass Defense, 8th, 215.1 yards per game; Kickoff Returns, 3rd, 20.0 per game (30-600, 1 td); Punting, 3rd, 38.7 per punt, net of 34.2; Turnover Margin, South Dakota, 8th, -.025 (17 gained, 19 lost, -2); Rushing Offense, 7th, 113.1 yards per game (300-905 yards, 3.0 avg. per rush); Rushing Defense, 6th, 137.5 per game (307-1,100 yards, 3.6 avg. per rush); Total Offense, 9th, 295.2 (542-2,362 - 1,457 pass, 905 rush); Total Defense, 8th, 352.6 (560-2,821 - 1,100 rush, 1,721 pass); Punt Returns, 8th, 5.8 yards (21-122); Pass Efficiency, 8th, 101.4; Pass Defense Efficiency, 6th, 107.1; First Downs, 9th, 123 (43 by rush, 72 by pass, 8 by penalty); Opponent First Downs, 6th, 142 (60 by rush, 70 by pass, 12 by penalty); Sacks, 5th, 20 (-167); Penalties, 1st, 54.6; Opponent Penalties, 6th, 5; 3rd Down Conversions, 7th, 40-120 (33.3 percent); Opponent 3rd Down Conversions, 9th, 56-129 (43.4 percent); Sacks Against, 3rd, 8 (-43); Field Goals, 5th, 5-7 (66.7 percent); PAT Kicking, 3rd, 16-17 (94.1 percent); 4th Down Conversions, 9th, 6-24 (25.0 percent); Opponent 4th Down Conversions, 1st, 2-14 (14.3 percent); Time of Possession, 7th, 239:01 (avg. 29:52 per game); Kickoff Coverage, 1st, 14.7 (31-455). Individuals: Rushing: Eric Tarasewicz, 7th, 83.6 per game (93-418 yards, 4.5 avg., 4 tds); Passing Average Per Game, Ryan Justice, 6th, 175.5 per game (110-226-1,404- 7 TDs, 5 int.); Total Offense, Ryan Justice, 7th, 173.8 yards per game (261, 1,390 yards); Receptions/Game, Dustin Sagedahl, 7th, 4.88 rec. per game (39-386, 2 tds); Receiving Yards, Mikkelsen, 8th, 65.1 per game (28-521), 18.6 avg. yards per catch); Pass Efficiency, Ryan Justice, 8th, 106.7; Punt Return Average, Chris Meehan, 8th, 6.8 avg. (6-41), Grant Brecher, 10th, 6.1 avg. (14-85); Kick Return Average, Wade Mitchell, 2nd, 26.5 (10-265 yards, 1 td); Punting, Filip Filipovic, 4th, 39.6 yards per kick; Scoring-Kicking, Filipovic, 8th, 4.2 (16-17 PAT, 6-9 FG); Field Goals, Filipovic, 5th, 0.75 (6-9 field goals); Field Goal Percentage, Filipovic, 5th, 6-9, 66.7 percent (38, 31, 25, 18, 29, 21); PAT Kicking, Filipovic, 5th, 16-17, 94.1 percent; Tackles for Loss, Aaron Dietrich, 1st, 2.12 per game (17, -89); Shawn Kenworthy, 3rd, 2.0 per game (10, -30); Mark Blackburn, 8th, 1.57 (11, -98); Josh Gassen, 9th, 1.50 (12, -31). Sacks, Mark Blackburn, 1st, 1.29 (9, -95); Aaron Dietrich, 7th, 0.88 (7, -66), Shawn Kenworthy, 8th, 0.80 (4, -13); Tackles, Josh Gassen, 7th, 7.4 (59, 31 solos); Scott Lilland, 9th (tie), 7.0 (56, 37 solos); and Korey Ebel, 14th, 6.6 (53, 26 solos); Fumbles Recovered, Scott Lilland, 9th, two; Passes Defended, Derick Jelks, 9th, 8.

COYOTES IN NCC INDIVIDUAL/TEAM HIGHS: Eric Tarasewicz, 1st, rushing attempts, 38; James Augustus, 1st, longest interception return, 89 yards, touchdown. In team totals, South Dakota is second in interception returns in a game, 104; and second in quarterbacks sacks in a game, eight.

JUSTICE MOVES UP TO SECOND PLACE ON PASSING CHARTS:

Junior quarterback Ryan Justice (Ankeny, Iowa) has moved into second place on South Dakota's all-time career passing chart. Justice trails all-time leader Jason Seurer (390-799-4,759 yards, 2 tds) by 468 yards. He has completed 423 of 581 passes for 4,291 with 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. During the 2001season, Justice has completed 110 of 226 passes for 1,404 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

All-time passing leaders:

Jason Seurer, 1989-92, 390-799-4,759 yards, 27 TDs Ryan Justice, 1998-, 423-581-4,291 yards, 29 TDs Chris Daniel, 1979-82, 325-700-3,826 yards, 24 TDs Mark Jenkins, 1972-75, 202-506-3,742 yards, 30 TDs Tom Engelman, 1969-72, 213-563-3,576, 24 TDs

JUSTICE MOVES INTO FIFTH PLACE ON ALL-TIME TOTAL OFFENSE CHARTS:

With 777 attempts for 4,421 yards, Justice has moved into 4th place in total offense on South Dakota's all-time charts. Against SDSU, Justice passed Chris Daniel, 1979-82, 1,047 plays for 4,317 yards.

All-time total offense leaders (top five)

Mark Jenkins, 1972-75, 848-5,409 yards Chris Miller, 1994-97, 883-5,120 yards Jason Seurer, 1989-92, 1,049-4,638 yards Ryan Justice, 1998 -, 777 - 4,421 yards Chris Daniel, 1979-82, 1,047-4,317 yards

AUGUSTUS SETS INTERCEPTION RETURN RECORD:

James Augustus (Lake Los Angeles, Calif.) had an 89-yard interception return for a touchdown which set a new South Dakota team record. He broke the mark held by teammate Korey Ebel ( 88 yards vs. Minnesota-Duluth, Sept. 8, 2001); and John Jackson (88 yards vs. North Dakota State, 1939).

80-YARD PLUS INTERCEPTIONS:

In 1939, John Johnson picked off a pass and rumbled 88 yards for a touchdown. Now, 61 years later, the Coyotes have recorded two 80-yard interception returns for scores. First, junior linebacker Korey Ebel tied Jackson's mark with an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown vs. Minnesota-Duluth in week two (14-10 loss). Then last week, senior defensive back James Augustus had an 89-yard interception return for a touchdown in the NCC season opener vs. St. Cloud State (22-21 loss). Overall the defense and special teams have three touchdowns this season.

MIKKELSEN SETS FRESHMAN MARK:

Chris Mikkelson (Gregory, S.D.) tied a freshman receiving record with his six receptions for 116 yards vs. Winona State in the Coyotes' season opener. The freshman receiving record was originally set by Chul Schwanke, who had six receptions for 88 yards vs. North Dakota in 1982. Mikkelsen has 28 catches for 395 yards this season. He has caught three passes 40 yards or more (40, 41, 47).

TACKLING FOR LOSS:

South Dakota has four of the top 10 individuals in the NCC's tackle for loss category. Junior defensive tackle Aaron Dietrich leads the NCC with 17 tackles for loss (-89 yards), or 2.12 per game. Sophomore Shawn Kenworthy is third, 2.0 per game with 10 TFLs (-30 yards). Senior linebacker Mark Blackburn is eighth, 1.57 per game with 11 TFLs (-98). Sophomore Josh Gassen is ninth with 12 TFLs (-31), or 1.50.

BLACKBURN LEADS NCC IN SACKS:

With nine quarterback sacks, Mark Blackburn leads the NCC. He has trapped quarterbacks for 95 yards in losses. The senior from Moreno Valley, Calif., is averaging 1.29 per game. Dietrich is seventh in the NCC with seven sacks for -66 yards in losses. He is averaging 0.88 sacks per game.

SAGEDAHL BECOMES ALL-TIME CATCH LEADER FOR TIGHT ENDS:

With six catches for 62 yards, all-NCC tight end Dustin Sagedahl (senior, Spicer, Minn.) has 78 catches for 815 yards in his career at South Dakota. Sagedahl is the career leader for catches by a tight end. He recently passed former Coyote and current South Dakota Athletic Director Kelly Higgins, who had 66 catches for 1,104 yards from 1973-75. Earlier this season, Sagedahl set a school record for single game pass receptions by a tight end when he had eight catches for 80 yards in a 14-10 loss to Minnesota-Duluth. This season, Sagedahl has 39 receptions for 386 yards, two touchdowns and a long of 22 yards.

FILIPOVIC'S DOUBLE DUTY:

Filip Filipovic, who averaged 40.7 yards per punt in 2000 and finished seventh in the nation, has had double duty for the Coyotes this season. He is averaging 39.6 yards per kick (44-1,744 yards) and converted six of nine field goals (38,31,25, 18, 21) and 16 of 17 extra points which gives him 34 points or 4.25 per game. Already this season, he has booted three punt over 60 yards (61, 65, 66 - career long), and has placed 15 kicks inside the 20-yard line. Four punts have resulted in touchbacks, one punt has been blocked, and eight balls have been fair caught.

30 GAMES AND COUNTING FOR EBEL:

Junior linebacker Korey Ebel (Hartley, Iowa) is a rock on defense. In his third season at South Dakota, Ebel has started 30 straight games. Ebel has an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown against Minnesota-Duluth. After seven games, he has 53 tackles, including five tackles for loss (-10 yards), and four pass breakups.

AGAINST THE NCC:

South Dakota has winning records vs. four of the eight other NCC schools. The Coyotes lead in series with Nebraska-Omaha (23-19-1), South Dakota State (51-44-7), Minnesota State-Mankato (15-9), and Augustana College (37-19-0). They trail in series with North Dakota (28-49-4), North Dakota State (24-47-3), St. Cloud State (8-12-0), and Northern Colorado (13-18-0).

SOUTH DAKOTA LEADERS:

RUSHING: Eric Tarasewicz (93 carries, 428 yards, 4 TDs, long of 19 yards)

PASSING: Ryan Justice (110-226-1,404 yards, 5 int., 7 TDs, 106.65 passing efficiency)

RECEIVING: Dustin Sagedahl (39 receptions, 386 yards, 2 td, long of 22 yards); Chris Mikkelsen (28-521, 1 td, long of 47 yards, 18.6 avg.) TACKLES: Josh Gassen (59); Scott Lilland (56)

TFLS: Aaron Dietrich (17, -89); Josh Gassen (12, -31)

SACKS: Mark Blackburn (9, -95), Aaron Dietrich (7, -66)

INTERCEPTIONS: James Augustus (2-104 yards, TD)

2001 TEAM TOTALS - OFFENSE:

South Dakota has accumulated 124 first downs, including 72 by pass, 44 by rush and eight by penalty. The Coyotes average 3.0 yards per rush, gaining 915 yards on 300 rushing attempts for 114.4 yards per game. South Dakota has 1,457 passing yards or 182.1 yards per game. The total includes a 6.0 average per pass and 12.8 average per catch. The Coyotes have attempted 542 offensive plays for 296.5 total offense yards per game. In kickoff returns, the Coyotes have 30 returns for 600 (20.0 avg.), including an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by senior Wade Mitchell (Parkston, S.D.). In punt returns, the Coyotes have 21 returns for 122 yards (5.8 avg.). The Coyotes have converted 40 of 119 third down conversions (34 percent) and six of 24 fourth down conversions (25 percent). In terms of scoring, the Coyotes have scored 142 points or 17.8 per game. Opponents hold scoring advantages in the 1st quarter, 56-51; 3rd quarter, 48-26; and fourth quarter, 52-35. South Dakota has outscored opponents in the second quarter by a 30-26 margin.

DEFENSE:

South Dakota has 523 tackles, including 81 tackles for loss (-331 yards), 20 sacks (-167 yards), 11 pass interceptions for 238 yards including two touchdowns. The Coyotes have 29 pass breakups and six recovered fumbles. Already this season, South Dakota has two interceptions returns for touchdowns of over 85 yards (Korey Ebel, 88 yards vs. Minnesota-Duluth; James Augustus, 89 yards vs. St. Cloud State) and a fumble recovery over 70 yards (Wade Mitchell vs. Northern Colorado). The Coyotes have allowed 142 first downs, including 60 by rush and 70 by pass with 12 by penalty. South Dakota is allowing 3.6 yards per rush, permitting a total of 1,100 yards rushing or 137.5 per game. The Coyotes have given up 1,721 yards passing, allowing eight touchdowns. Opponents have converted 56 of 129 third down conversions (43 percent) and two of 14 (14 percent) fourth down conversions.

MORE ON SOUTH DAKOTA ON SOUTH DAKOTA HEAD COACH JOHN AUSTIN:

South Dakota Head Coach John Austin has restored winning into a Coyote football program rich with tradition.

A year ago, Austin directed the Coyotes to an 8-3 record, the school's best mark since 1995. In the turnaround season, the Coyotes won six of their last seven games, including four in a row to end the season. The Coyotes finished with a 6-3 record and a third place finish in the North Central Conference. Entering his third year at South Dakota,

Austin has led the squad to a 14-16 overall record, including 10-14 in the NCC. His teams are 4-2 in nonconference games. Originally of Watertown, Austin is a 1980 graduate of USD. A tireless recruiter with a staff to match, he has recently completed his third straight recruiting class.

Austin has deep roots in South Dakota. An all-state performer at Watertown High School (1973-74), he played for head coaches Bernard "Beanie" Cooper and Dave Triplett during his career at South Dakota. He was a three-year starter and four-year letterwinner. In 1979, he was named honorable mention all-NCC and was a co-captain for Triplett's first team at South Dakota.

He 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 lineman 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.

Two players he coached at South Dakota (Josh Stamer and Jamel White) are in NFL camps in 2001.

He had a 22-21 record at Watertown High School from 1985-89, including a 9-3 record 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, Colo., High School and he spent the 1980-81 season as a student assistant at USD.

John and his wife, Jill, have three children: Kelsie, Erin and Samantha.

AUSTIN YEAR BY YEAR

Overall: 14-16, 10-14 in the NCC (3rd year)

1999: 4-7, 3-6 (7th, NCC)

2000: 8-3, 6-3 (3rd, NCC)

2001: 2-6, 1-5 in the NCC

vs. Minnesota State-Mankato: 2-0

COYOTE COACHES: Brent Salem, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks; Brad Salem, recruiting coordinator/wide receivers and tight ends; Scott Bruning, offensive line; Bob Forsyth, defensive secondary; Brett Chambers, defensive line and strength coach; Kirby Garry, running backs and tight ends; Miguel Regalado, offensive line; Brett Kramer, defensive line; and Travis Senters, linebackers.

COYOTE CAPTAINS: senior linebacker Mark Blackburn (Moreno Valley, Calif.); senior offensive tackle Josh Burr (Lancaster, Wisc.); senior fullback Ryan Garry (Humboldt, S.D.); junior linebacker Korey Ebel (Hartley, Iowa); junior defensive lineman Bill Gassen (Rapid City, S.D.) and junior quarterback Ryan Justice (Ankeny, Iowa).

RETURNING PLAYERS: The Coyotes return nine starters and 31 letterwinners from the 2000 team.

ABOUT MINNESOTA STATE-MANKATO

Minnesota State History: The 2001 season is the 76th in MSU school history. The Mavericks are 331-317-29 (.510) in 677 games since its inception as a varsity sport in 1922. Now in their 23rd year as a member of the North Central Conference, MSU owns an 89-106-2 (.457) record in league games. Minnesota State owns 16 conference championships throughout their history, including two NCC titles. The Mavericks have four teams on their 2001 schedule that are ranked in the top-25 in both the AFCA and D2football.com polls: Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota, North Dakota State and Northwest Missouri State. Besides the four squads appearing on the poll itself, MSU also has Minnesota-Duluth and New Haven, who both received votes in the AFCA ballot, on the schedule. During the first nine weeks of the season, MSU's opponents for the year have posted a combined 58-35 (.634) record.

MSU'S DAN RUNKLE: Now in his 21st season as MSU's sideline general, Dan Runkle (Illinois College '68) is the all-time wins leader at the schools. He owns a 107-123-2 (.466) career mark. Under his direction, the Mavericks have claimed two conference titles ('87 and '93) and made three NCAA appearances ('87, '91 and '93). Runkle entered the 2001 season in 14th place among active NCAA Division II coaches in wins. Runkle is 8-10 in 18 meetings vs. South Dakota.

MAV'S LEADERS

Rushing: Bobby Ruffin (182-775 yards, 4.3 avg., 8 tds)

Passing: Andrew Shea (110-233-1,358 yards, 8 tds, 8 ints.)

Receiving: Dan Weldon (61-743 yards, 8 tds)

Tackles: Jared Ziemke (78 tackles)

Sacks: Andrew Tippins (8, -56)

Tackles for Loss: Tippins (18, -75)

Interceptions: Ziemke (3) WELDON ENJOYING SPECTACULAR YEAR: Dan Weldon Notes: Junior wide receiver Dan Weldon (Belle Plaine, Minn.)has led the Maverick receivers in catches in all nine games this season, including five grabs for 63 yards and two touchdowns against North Dakota. It was the second consecutive week that Weldon had two touchdown receptions. Against Minnesota-Duluth in the season-opener, Weldon set a MSU single-game record with 13 receptions. On the year, Weldon has 61 receptions for 743 yards and eight touchdowns. The 56 receptions represent 46.2% of all catches by Maverick receivers. Weldon has caught at least one pass in 15 consecutive games, and in 20 of his last 21 contests. He has already set career-highs for receiving yards and receptions this season. Weldon has moved up to eighth place on the MSU career receiving yardage list with 1,506 and in the career reception list with 115. Weldon also is currently ninth on the MSU single-season reception list, and needs 14 catches in the last two games to set a new school mark. In the North Central Conference statistics, Weldon is leading the circuit in receptions per game and is third in receiving yards per game.

OCTOBER 20 RESULTS

Northern Colorado 18 Augustana 13

Nebraska-Omaha 27 North Dakota 24 (OT)

North Dakota State 45 SDSU 38

St. Cloud State 49 Minn. State - Mankato 28

OCTOBER 27 SCHEDULE

Northern Colorado 17 NDSU 13

North Dakota 28 Minn. State-Mankato 14

Nebraska-Omaha 45 St. Cloud State 0

South Dakota State 20 South Dakota 3 NOVEMBER 3 SCHEDULE

Northern Colorado at South Dakota State, 1 p.m.

Nebraska-Omaha at North Dakota State, 1:30 p.m.

Augustana at North Dakota, 1:30 p.m.

South Dakota at Minn. State-Mankato, Noon

St. Cloud at New Haven, 12:30 p.m.

RADIO INFORMATION

The University of South Dakota football games home and away can be heard on KVHT- FM 106.3, Vermillion - Yankton, S.D. Kevin Culhane begins his fifth year as voice of the Coyotes. Veteran broadcaster Joe Van Goor will provide color. Former NCC coach Mike Daly is the game analyst. A pre-game show begins one hour prior to kickoff. The game is also available on the internet at www.usdcoyotes.com and on Teamline at 1-80-846-4700 (team code - 6056). Since 1990, Teamline has provided live coverage of over 40,000 events annually for over 500 college and pro sports teams, directly to consumers over any telephone in the world.

JOHN AUSTIN SHOW: The John Austin Show is held every Thursday at 6:05 p.m. on ESPN Radio 1570 KVTK-AM, Vermillion, S.D.

UNIVERSITY PROFILE:

LOCATION: Vermillion, S.D. (10,000)

FOUNDED: 1862

ENROLLMENT: 8,191

PRESIDENT: James W. Abbott

NATIONAL AFFILIATION: NCAA Division II

CONFERENCE: North Central Conference

UNIVERSITY VICE PRESIDENT: Roger Kozak

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS: Kelly Higgins

COYOTE FOOTBALL HISTORY -

TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE:

South Dakota has a long history of excellence in football. The Coyotes have won nine NCC titles and have had 42 student-athletes named all-Americans. In addition, 207 student-athletes have been named all-NCC performers, including 17 who have been named NCC MVPs. South Dakota last won an NCC crown in 1978 although the 1986 team advanced to the NCAA Division II title game (27-7 loss to fellow NCC mate North Dakota State). 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 teams in the NCC, including the 1927 team that has a 5-0 mark under the direction of head coach V.E. Montgomery. Other unbeaten NCC teams included: 1938 (5-0), 1947 (4-0), and 1951 (6-0) teams coached by the all-time leaders in wins, Harry Gamage. Perhaps the greatest Coyote squad was the 1902 team, which rolled up a 9-0 record and held every opponent scoreless. South Dakota was 9-0 with head coach A.H. Whittemore in 1902. The 1968 and 1972 teams, coached by Joe Salem, were both 9-1. B.H. Morrison was the first Coyote head coach, then called a manager, in 1898-99. In two seasons, he had a 5-2-2 mark.

JUST 15 YEARS AGO:

South Dakota still holds an NCAA Division II record with the most players on one team gaining 100 yards or more on Nov. 1, 1986 vs. St. Cloud State. James Hambrick led the way with 125 yards while Darryl Colvin had 123 yards, Tony Higgins, 118 yards; Dave Elle, 109 yards and Joe Longueville, 106 yards, for a team total of 581 yards. In 1986, the Coyotes advanced to the NCAA Division II title game, falling 27-7 to fellow NCC mate, North Dakota State. In that season, the Coyotes spoiled a perfect season by UC-Davis, winning 26-23 at Davis, Calif., in the first round of the playoffs. South Dakota advanced to the title game in 1986 with a 42-28 win over Troy State at the DakotaDome before 9,500 in attendance.

IN NCAA RECORD BOOK:

Kurt Seibel holds the highest percentage of field goals made by converting 15 0f 1 field goals for 88.2 percent in 1983. He also is 17th on the NCAA all-time charts for career field goals made, converting 44 of 62 (.710) from 1980-83. Bill Moats led NCAA Division II in punting in 1978 by averaging 43.9 yards per punt. During his senior season, he punted 77 times for 3,377 yards. Adam Hicks made 17 of 22 field goals in 2000 for .773 percent which ranks 13th in the NCAA season charts. Jamel White, who is now with the Cleveland Browns, ranks 15th in yards per game for a season with 222.5 (1,796 rushing, 640 receiving). White is also 19th in yards rushing for a season with 1,796 on 316 carries in 2000.

SD IN TOP 20 IN VICTORIES:

South Dakota ranks 17th in NCAA Division II victories with a 454-429-34 mark (.513).

ALL-TIME RIVALRIES:

The Coyotes and SDSU annual matchup is one of the great all-time rivalries in college football. In NCAA Division II, the 101 games played between the two in-state rivals is second in most played rivalries. The Coyotes lead 51-43-7.

#1 in DII:

The Coyotes have twice been ranked #1 in the country for three consecutive weeks in the NCAA Division II poll. The Coyotes were ranked #1 for the first three weeks of the 1985 and 1987 seasons.