GAMETIME - 2 PM: Kickoff for the North Central Conference encounter between South Dakota (1-5, 0-4 in the NCC) and Northern Colorado (3-3, 1-3 in the NCC) begins at 2 p.m. at the DakotaDome. This is the Coyotes' first home game at the DakotaDome, which has undergone major construction during the past six months. The roof replacement is near completion. This is the 917th game for South Dakota since beginning play in 1889. South Dakota's overall record is 453-430-34 (.512).

AT STAKE: The Coyotes will attempt to end a five-game losing streak. For South Dakota, the losing streak is the longest during the John Austin tenure at South Dakota. This is South Dakota's first five game losing streak since the 1998 season when the Coyotes opened the season with three wins before losing the final eight games of the season. This is the Coyotes' first game in the DakotaDome since a 24-3 win last fall over Minnesota State, Mankato on Nov. 11, 2000. Northern Colorado, vying for their second straight NCC victory, is coming off a 38-33 win over St. Cloud State at Nottingham Field in Greeley, Colo., on Oct. 6.

DAKOTADOME GRAND RE-OPENING SET FOR SATURDAY; 1951 TEAM TO BE HONORED Home Sweet Dome. For the first time this season, the South Dakota will host a home game in the DakotaDome. Construction on the replacement of the roof has progressed such that South Dakota will holds its' Dakota Day football game at the Dome. The Coyotes have compiled an 83-44 record in the Dome since the facility was opened in 1979. South Dakota won its first game ever in the Dome, a 22-6 win over St. Thomas (Minn.). The Coyotes won 10 games in a row at the Dome during the 1984-85 and 1986-87 seasons. The Coyotes were 4-1 in the Dome during 2000. While Austin has been at South Dakota, the Coyotes have a 6-4 mark in the Dome.

1951 NCC CHAMPS TO BE HONORED DURING D-DAYS: This weekend USD and the Dakota Days Committee will host various homecoming activities. At the Alumni Association Banquet on Friday, the 1951 football team will be honored. It was 50 years ago that the 1951 squad won the NCC. The Alumni Association/Foundation will honor this team and several team members will return for the 6 p.m. banquet on Friday as well as the 10 a.m. parade and 2 p.m. football game on Saturday The 1951 squad rolled to a 7-1 record (.875), and won the North Central Conference title with a perfect 6-0 mark under the tutelage of Harry Gamage. In that season, the Coyotes dropped their season opener to Marquette, 48-9. But from there on out, the Coyotes were a different team. In week two, they defeated Omaha, 27-19 before routing Augustana, 54-7 in week three. The Coyotes then defeated North Dakota State, 19-0; Morningside, 27-7; South Dakota State, 26-6; Iowa Teachers, 27-7; and North Dakota, 33-13. Gamage's Coyotes outscored their opponents 219 to 107. After week one, the numbers are more impressive, from week two to the end of the season, South Dakota held a 213 to 59 scoring margin. The squad held five consecutive opponents (Augustana, NDSU, Morningside, SDSU, and Iowa Teachers) to seven or fewer points. Seven players were named all-NCC in 1951 including Harvey Hanson, Gerald Ashmore, Spencer Brende, Dick Day, Bob McDonough, Dave Graham and Bob Jennings.

THE SERIES: Northern Colorado leads the all-time series with South Dakota, 18-12. A year ago, the Coyotes recorded a 27-6 win at the DakotaDome. Since winning four in a row against the Bears from 1983-86, Northern Colorado has won 10 of the last 14 games. The Bears won six in a row from 1990-95. In terms of point production, the Coyotes scored a 49-6 win in 1985 while UNC recorded a 51-15 win in 1990. The 1985 game represented the largest Coyote margin of victory (43 points). UNC's largest margin of victory was a 40-0 win in 1980. Northern Colorado won the first game between the two teams, a 28-18 victory on Nov. 14, 1959. The last time the Bears defeated the Coyotes (45-31) at the Dome was on Oct. 11, 1997.

Game-by-Game 1959: UNC 28 South Dakota 18 1960: UNC 16 South Dakota 7 1961: South Dakota 16 UNC 14 1962: UNC 35 South Dakota 26 1965: South Dakota 17 UNC 0 1966: South Dakota 27 UNC 12 1968: South Dakota 35 UNC 14 1977: UNC 13 South Dakota 0 1978: UNC 20 South Dakota 11 1980: UNC 40 South Dakota 0 1981: UNC 27 South Dakota 17 1982: UNC 24 South Dakota 8 1983: South Dakota 16 UNC 14 1984: South Dakota 17 UNC 15 1985: South Dakota 49 UNC 6 1986: South Dakota 31 UNC 17 1987: UNC 27 South Dakota 20 1988: South Dakota 28 UNC 24 1989: South Dakota 28 UNC 21 1990: UNC 51 South Dakota 15 1991: UNC 45 South Dakota 20 1992: UNC 21 South Dakota 10 1993: UNC 24 South Dakota 14 1994: UNC 28 South Dakota 16 1995: UNC 28 South Dakota 21 1996: South Dakota 27 UNC 24 OT 1997: UNC 45 South Dakota 31 1998: UNC 34 South Dakota 3 1999: UNC 35 South Dakota 27 2000: South Dakota 27 UNC 6

DAKOTA DAYS NOTES: South Dakota has faced 11 different opponents on Dakota Day (Augustana, Dakota Wesleyan, Minnesota State, Mankato, Michigan State, Morningside, Nebraska-Omaha, Northern Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota State, St. Cloud State, Yankton College (now defunct), and North Dakota State. In the first D-Days game, the Coyotes defeated Yankton, 33-3 in 1914. Overall, the Coyotes have compiled a 50-29-5 record on D-Days, including a 2-2 record vs. Northern Colorado. The Coyotes have won four of their last six D-Days games. Head Coach John Austin owns a 1-1 record on Dakota Days. 2000: Nebraska-Omaha 21 South Dakota 7 1999: South Dakota 43 St. Cloud State 22 1998: Nebraska-Omaha 29 South Dakota 7 1997: South Dakota 21 South Dakota State 3 1996: South Dakota 27 Northern Colorado 24 OT 1995: South Dakota 12 St. Cloud State 7

OTHER D-DAYS FACTS -- Longest South Dakota Winning Streak: 8 (1935-42) Longest South Dakota Losing Streak: 5 (1959-63) Games Ending in a Tie: 5 (1916, 1920, 1949, 1952 and 1976 Most Dakota Day points scored by South Dakota: 60, 1973 (60-7 win over Morningside) Most Dakota Day points scored by an opponent: 54, 1950 (South Dakota State 54 South Dakota 28) Shutouts by South Dakota on D-Days: 13 times (1917, 1918, 1924, 1926, 1931, 1932, 1938, 1941, 1942, 1948, 1955, 1970, and 1978)

HALL OF FAME EVENTS SET FOR NOV. 10: For the first time, the South Dakota Athletics Department will host the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame banquet with ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 10 on the USD campus. Previously, the Hall of Fame inductees were honored during the Alumni Association Banquet held on Friday night of the Dakota Days weekend. South Dakota will honor eight individuals during the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame weekend. The individuals will be honored at a noon luncheon and during the NCC football game that evening with North Dakota at 6:30 p.m. The 2001 Coyotes Sports Hall of Fame inductees include: Greg Haydenluck, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Sue Chamberlain Klein of Overland Park, Kan.; Dave Hultgren of Spencer, Iowa; Russ Dokken of Omaha, Neb.; Doug Smith of Sioux City, Iowa; Jean Misterek Miller of Washington, D.C.; Mike Schurrer of Yankton, S.D.; and 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. Merrigan, inducted into the Coyotes Sports Hall of Fame in 1978, has been a very active and loyal supporter of Coyote Athletics. He currently serves as a member of the Coyotes Sports Hall of Fame Committee.

LAST WEEK: Augustana 25, South Dakota 7 -- Sioux Falls, S.D. -- Mistakes continue to plague The University of South Dakota football team which dropped a 25-7 decision to the Augustana Vikings on Saturday afternoon before 5,715 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls. South Dakota, which dropped its fifth straight game since winning their season opener, had one interception and lost two fumbles against Augustana, including one late in the third quarter that proved very costly. With Augustana clinging to a 10-7 third-quarter lead and punting from deep in their own territory, the Vikings received a big play from their special teams. Augustana's Eric Haugland stole the ball from the Coyotes' punt returner Grant Brecher and went 68 yards for a touchdown. Then, Augustana added a two-point conversion on a pass from Haugland to Matt Holmlund and led South Dakota, 18-7. Early on, Augustana was the benefactor of good field position as they grabbed a 10-0 first quarter lead. After the Coyotes were unable to move the ball on their opening possession, a 35-yard punt into a stiff wind set up Augustana at the South Dakota 38-yard line. Six runs by Augustana running back Ryan Ovenden set up the Vikings' first score. A 38-yard field goal by Adam Brinkman gave Augustana a 3-0 lead at the 9:49 mark of the first quarter. After the Coyotes again failed to move the ball, Rob Hutchinson had a 25-yard punt return as Augustana began their second offensive possession at the Coyotes' 40-yard line. On third and 11, Mike Herman completed a pass to Matt Holmlund for a first down at the Coyotes' 26-yard line. On the next play, Ovenden rambled 25 yards for a first and goal at the South Dakota two-yard line. After the Coyotes stopped two rushing attempts, Ovenden scored on a pitch to the outside as Augustana grabbed a 10-0 lead with 4:23 to play in the first quarter. Neither team was able to score in the second quarter, although both squads moved the ball. On their first drive of the second quarter, Augustana moved the ball into South Dakota territory but the Coyotes' defense stiffened and stopped the Vikings on a 4th and 13. On the ensuing possession, the Coyotes threatened but could not score. On first and 10 from their own 25-yard line, South Dakota's John Kayl (Sioux City, Iowa) rambled 44 yards to the Augustana 28-yard line. The 44-yard jaunt was a season's best for South Dakota and a career best for Kayl. However, the Coyotes failed to take advantage of the scoring opportunity, as a fourth down screen pass failed and Augustana took over on downs. South Dakota got back into the game early in the second half due to the play of their defense. After Augustana's Hutchinson was tackled at the Vikings' 12-yard line on the second half kickoff, the Coyotes' defense stuffed Augustana on consecutive plays. On a third down play, sophomore linebacker Josh Gassen (Rapid City, S.D.) intercepted a Herman pass and returned it 19 yards for a touchdown. Filip Filipovic's (Belgrade, Serbia) kick made the score 10-7 with 13:26 to play in the third quarter. Gassen's defensive score gave the Coyotes three interceptions returns for touchdowns this season. Overall, the sophomore linebacker had a solid night with 12 tackles, including two tackles for loss and a quarterback sack.

Unfortunately, the Coyotes were unable to get any closer than 10-7. Haugland's fumble recovery and two-point conversion gave the Vikings an 18-7 lead and then the Vikings added a score late in the game when South Dakota failed on a 4th down play from their own 12-yard line. Two plays later, Augustana's Nathan Walter scored on a six-yard run with a 1:20 to play.

Overall, South Dakota had 93 yards rushing and 112 yards passing for 205 total yards. Kayl led South Dakota in rushing with 64 yards on 10 carries. Senior running back Eric Tarasewicz (Cottage Grove, Minn.), who played his first game since the Minnesota-Duluth game, had seven carries and 21 yards. Junior quarterback Ryan Justice (Ankeny, Iowa) completed 17 of 32 passes for 112 yards. Sophomore wide receiver Ronnie McDougle (Pompano, Fla.) led South Dakota receivers with six catches for 62 yards while senior tight end Dustin Sagedahl (Spicer, Minn.) had five catches for 27 yards and freshman receiver Chris Mikkelsen (Gregory, S.D.) had three receptions for 23 yards.

South Dakota's Aaron Dietrich had a solid defensive game with 11 tackles, three tackles for loss (-27 yards) and two quarterback sacks. South Dakota picked up two passes and have nine interceptions this season. South Dakota had 12 tackles for loss and three quarterback sacks. Augustana had 141 yards rushing and 137 yards passing for 278 yards. The Vikings held a 34:38 to 24:52 time of possession advantage over the Coyotes. Northern Colorado 38, St. Cloud State 33 -- Greeley, Colo. -- The UNC football squad broke out of a three-week slump with a 38-33 victory over St. Cloud State on Saturday at Nottingham Field in Greeley, Colo. The Bears used four rushing touchdowns, three from Tyler Hawkins, to gain the win and improve to 3-3 on the season. Hawkins gained a team-high 134 yards and found the endzone on three occasions. Hawkins scored on runs of 29, 2 and 2. He gained 79 of his yards in the first quarter as the Bears controlled the play early on. Jon Boyer passed for 189 yards on the day and one touchdown on 14-of-21 passing. He was sacked twice. George Carroll led the UNC receivers with four catches for 66 yards. George Smith recorded a team-high two sacks. Tony Lee led the defense with seven tackles (four solos). Anthony Dunn tallied a squad-high three tackles-for-loss. The Bears defense as a whole was especially tight on the Husky running game, as UNC allowed only 23 yards on 24 carries. For SCSU, Heckendorf passed for 263 yards on 22-of-39 passing, including one interception. Nate Lehman caught seven passes for 107 yards, while Ben Nelson caught eight passes for 73 yards and two touchdowns. Shane Rohman led the SCSU defense with 12 tackles (five solos). LAST TIME: South Dakota received a stellar performance from its defense that was complemented by a consistent offensive showing to turn back Northern Colorado, 27-6 in North Central Conference football last year at the DakotaDome. The South Dakota defense turned up the heat on the visitors from Greeley when senior cornerback Kaseem Gaines scored on a 29-yard interception return at 7:36 of the first quarter to give South Dakota a lead they never relinquished. The Coyotes limited the Bears to just 13 first downs, 83 yards rushing, and 237 total yards in the victory. For the second consecutive week, the defense held their opponents without a point in the first half. The Coyotes received a strong performance from all-American candidate Josh Stamer who had seven tackles including five unassisted stops and three tackles for loss. The three tackles for loss gives him 16 on the season. After Gaines' big play, the Bears had an opportunity to even the score. On a heavy rush, the Bears were able to block Coyote punter Filip Filipovic's punt which went out-of-bounds four yards downfield. However, the Coyote defense was up to the challenge. After UNC quarterback Jon Boyer completed a 13-yard pass to Kevin Prosser to set up a first and goal at the Coyote four-yard line, Coyote defensive lineman Bill Gassen and Scott Larson trapped Prosser in the backfield for a two-yard loss and two incomplete passes forced a Bear field goal. Kicker Jason Dodd missed the 23-yard field goal as the Coyotes maintained a 7-0 advantage. Neither team mounted any serious offensive drives until midway through the second quarter when the Coyotes moved the ball 55 yards in nine plays and Adam Hicks' 43-yard field goal gave the Coyotes a 10-0 advantage at the 6:55 mark. The Coyotes' offense came alive early in the second half when they moved the ball 40 yards in 12 plays and had a first and goal at the Bears' one-yard line. However, the Bears mounted a goal line stand and stopped the Coyotes. Hicks converted the 18-yard field goal to give South Dakota a 13-0 lead at the 4:50 mark of the third quarter. After South Dakota forced a three-and-out by Northern Colorado, the Coyote offense used the momentum to move down the field and ice the game. Coyote fullback Eric Tarasewicz scored his first career touchdown to give South Dakota a 20-0 lead with 10:35 to play in the fourth quarter. The Coyotes tallied their final score on a 17-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Ryan Justice to Steve Young, a senior co-captain who scored his first touchdown this season and his fifth as a Coyote. Down 27-0, the Bears averted a shutout and tallied their only score of the game when Boyer found a wide-open Brandon Dudley on a 50-yard touchdown pass with 4:06 to play. However the Bears missed the extra point. Overall South Dakota had 294 yards in total offense. Tight end Dustin Sagedahl had six catches for 62 yards to lead the Coyote receivers. UNC's Boyer completed just 14-33 passes for 134 yards with one interception and a touchdown. Wes Daniels led the Bears in rushing with 64 yards.

TEAM MVPS (Augustana) DEFENSE -- MVP: Josh Gassen (Rapid City, S.D.); Hustle Award: Aaron Dietrich (Emmetsburg, Iowa); Big Plays: Dietrich, Gassen, Kellen Burch (St. Paul, Minn.); Scout Team MVP: Vince Udo (Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc.). OFFENSE: Hustle Award: Ronnie McDougle (Pompano, Fla.); Big Plays: John Kayl (Sioux City, Iowa); Scout Team MVP: Adam Schwaderer (Delmont, S.D.). SPECIAL TEAMS - Player of the Week: Wade Mitchell (Parkston, S.D.); Tarik Smith (Calumet Park, Ill.); Mike Meekins (Superior, Neb.); Ryan Garry (Humboldt, S.D.); Dan Chatham (Sioux City, Iowa); Luke Ellis (Forest Lake, Minn.); Justin Martinson (Inwood, Iowa); Chris Meehan (Hartford, S.D.); Clint Thome (Rapid City, S.D.); Mark Blackburn (Moreno Valley, Calif.) and Jarrod Edelen (Vermillion, S.D.). Big Plays: Tarik Smith.

NCC LEADERS FOR SOUTH DAKOTA (SIX GAMES): Team: Scoring Offense, 9th, 18.0 (108 points) per game; Scoring Defense, 66h, 23.8 (143); Pass Offense, 6th, 181.5 yards per game; Pass Defense, 7th, 194.5 yards per game; Kickoff Returns, 5th, 21.0 avg. (22-463-1td); Punting, 4th, 38.2 per punt, net of 33.9; Turnover Margin, South Dakota, 8th, -.083 (11 gained, 16 lost, -5); Rushing Offense, 8th, 122.0 yards per game; Rushing Defense, 6th, 132.2 per game; Total Offense, 9th, 303.5 (421-1,821yards - 1,089 pass, 732 rush); Total Defense, 6th, 326.7 (410-1,960 - 793 rush, 1,167 pass); Punt Returns, 9th, 5.8 yards (16-92); Pass Efficiency, 8th, 96.1; Pass Defense Efficiency, 5th, 99.7; First Downs, 8th, 95 (34 by rush, 54 by pass, 7 by penalty); Opponent First Downs, 5th, 102 (44 by rush, 47 by pass, 11 by penalty); Sacks, 5th, 15 (-115); Penalties, 6th, 67.0 (45-402); Opponent Penalties, 6th, 54,5 (48-327); 3rd Down Conversions, 7th, 33-94 (35.1 percent); Opponent 3rd Down Conversions, 8th, 38-95 (40.0 percent); Red Zone Offense, 9th, 3-8 (37.5 percent); Red Zone Defense, 1st, 3-6 (50 percent); Sacks Against, 2nd, 5 (-24); Field Goals, 3rd, 4-5 (80 percent); PAT Kicking, 5th, 12-13; 4th Down Conversions, 9th, 5-19 (26.3 percent); Opponent 4th Down Conversions, 1st, 2-12 (16.7 percent); Time of Possession, 4th, 187:20 (avg. 31:13 per game); Kickoff Coverage, 1st, 14.7 (22-323). Individuals: Rushing: Eric Tarasewicz, 7th, 60-271, 4.5 avg., 4 tds; Passing Average Per Game, Ryan Justice, 5th, 84-172-1,036 yards, 4 int., 172.7 yards per game; Total Offense, Ryan Justice, 6th, 171.7 yards per game (157-924); Receptions/Game, Dustin Sagedahl, 7th, 5.0 rec. per game (30-296, 1td); Chris Mikkelsen, 10th, 3.83 rec. per game (23-365); Receiving Yards, Mikkelsen, 9th, 60.8 per game (20-338, 15.9 avg. yards per catch); Interceptions, James Augustus, 4th (2 interceptions for 104 yards, including 89-yard touchdown return), 0.67; Punt Return Average: Grant Brecher, 9th, 6.5 (13-85 yards); Kick Return Average, Wade Mitchell, 3rd, 26.5 (10-265, 1 td); Punting, Filip Filipovic, 5th, 39.4 yards per kick; Scoring, Eric Tarasewicz, 5th, 8.0 (24 points, three games); Scoring (tds), Eric Tarasewicz, 4th, 8.0 (4 tds, 24 points, three games); Scoring-Kicking, Filipovic, 7th, 4.0 (11-12 PAT, 4-5 FG); Field Goals, Filipovic, 5th, 0.67 (4-5 field goals); Field Goal Percentage, Filipovic, 3rd, 4-5, 80 percent (38, 31, 25, 18); PAT Kicking, Filipovic, 7th, 12-13, 92.3 percent; Tackles for Loss, Shawn Kenworthy, 2nd, 2.0 per game, (10, -30); Aaron Dietrich, 5th, 1.83 per game (11, -62); Josh Gassen, 7th, 1.67 (10, -29); Bill Gassen, 8th, 1.50 (8, -19); Mark Blackburn, 9th, 1.40 (7, -58); Sacks, Mark Blackburn, 1st, 1.20 (6, -57); Aaron Dietrich, 6th, 0.83 (5, -46); Shawn Kenworthy, 8th, 0.80 (4, -13); Tackles, Josh Gassen, 5th, 7.8 per game (47, 29 solos, two sacks); Mark Blackburn, tied for 10th, 7.0 (35, 22 solos).

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 2ND PLACE ON SOUTH DAKOTA CAREER PASSING CHART: Junior quarterback Ryan Justice (Ankeny, Iowa) has moved into second place on South Dakota's all-time career passing chart. He has completed 397 of 527 passes for 3,922 with 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Recently he passed Chris Daniel, who had 325 completion on 700 attempts for 3,826 yards and 24 touchdowns. During the 2001season, Justice has completed 84 of 172 passes for 1,036 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.

All-time passing leaders: Jason Seurer, 1989-92, 390-799-4,759 yards, 27 TDs Ryan Justice, 1998-, 397-527-3,922 yards, 26 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 SIXTH PLACE ON ALL-TIME TOTAL OFFENSE CHARTS: With 710 attempts for 4,061 yards, Justice is in sixth place in total offense on South Dakota's all-time charts. 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 Chris Daniel, 1979-82, 1,047-4,317 yards Tom Engelman, 1969-72, 826-4,097 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 Jackson 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 23 catches for 365 yards this season. He has caught two passes over 40 yards (41, 47).

TACKLING FOR LOSS: South Dakota has five of the top 10 individuals in the NCC's tackle for loss category, according to the NCC statistics released on Oct. 7. Shawn Kenworthy is second at 2.0 per game (10, -30). Others among the leaders include Aaron Dietrich, 5th, 1.83 per game (11, -62) Josh Gassen, 7th (10, -29); Bill Gassen, 8th, 1.50 per game (9, -19) and Mark Blackburn, 9th, 1.40 per game (7, -58).

SAGEDAHL BECOMES ALL-TIME CATCH LEADER FOR TIGHT ENDS: With five catches for 27 yards, all-NCC tight end Dustin Sagedahl (senior, Spicer, Minn.) took over the South Dakota career lead in pass catches for a tight end with 69 catches for 725 yards. He 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 30 receptions for 296 yards (9.9 per catch average) with a long of 22 yards. He needs seven catches to break the season mark of 36 catches also held by Higgins.

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 39.4 yards per kick (33-1,301 yards) and converted four of five field goals (38,31,25, 18) and 12 of 13 extra points which gives him 24 points or 4.0 per game. Already this season, he has booted two punts over 60 yards (61, 65 - career long), and has placed nine kicks inside the 20-yard line. Four punts have resulted in touchbacks, one punt has been blocked, and six balls have been fair caught.

28 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 28 straight games. Ebel has an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown against Minnesota-Duluth. After six games, he has 37 tackles, including five tackles for loss (-10 yards), and two 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 (51-43-7), 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 (12-18-0).

THIS AND THAT ON SOUTH DAKOTA: ~ The Coyotes have lost five games in a row since a season opening win over Winona State, 44-21. South Dakota has won seven of the past 12 games. ~ With head coach John Austin, the Coyotes are 4-2 in nonconference games. His teams are 9-13 in NCC games and 13-15 overall. ~ South Dakota was 8-3 a year ago, including a 6-3 mark and third place in the NCC. The Coyotes opened the season 2-0 and won six of their last seven games. They had a four-game winning streak to end the season. ~ The Coyotes were the seventh most improved team in NCAA Division II in 2000. The Coyotes improved by four games, (4-7 to 8-3). ~ South Dakota returns nine starters and lost 14 from the 2000 team. The Coyotes have 31 returning letterwinners, losing 22.

SOUTH DAKOTA LEADERS: Rushing: Eric Tarasewicz (60 carries, 281 yards, 4 TDs, long of 19 yards); John Kayl (66-234-1 TD, long of 44 yards); Michael Williams (65 carries, 174 yards, and long of 32 yards); Chris Mikkelsen (9-53, long of 25) Passing: Ryan Justice (84-172-1,036 yards, 4 int., 4 TDs, 102.46 passing efficiency) Receiving: Dustin Sagedahl (30 receptions, 296 yards, 1 td, long of 22 yards); Chris Mikkelsen (23-365, long of 47 yards, 15.9 avg.); Ronnie McDougle (19-223, 1 td, long of 39 yards, 11.9 avg. per catch) Tackles: Josh Gassen (47); Aaron Dietrich (38) TFLS: Aaron Dietrich (11, -62); Josh Gassen (10, -30); Shawn Kenworthy (10, -30) SACKS: Mark Blackburn (6, -57), Aaron Dietrich (5, -46) INTERCEPTIONS: James Augustus (2-104 yards, TD)

2001 TEAM TOTALS - OFFENSE: South Dakota has accumulated 96 first downs, including 54 by pass, 35 by rush and seven by penalty. The Coyotes average 3.2yards per rush, gaining 742 yards on 233 rushing attempts for 123.7 yards per game. South Dakota has 1,089 passing yards or 181.5 yards per game. The total includes a 5.8 average per pass and 12.4 average per catch. The Coyotes have attempted 421 offensive plays for 305.2 total offense yards per game. In kickoff returns, the Coyotes have 22 returns for 463 (21.04 avg.), including an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by senior Wade Mitchell (Parkston, S.D.). In punt returns, the Coyotes have 16 returns for 92 yards (5.75 avg.). In terms of scoring, the Coyotes have been outscored 143-108. Opponents hold scoring advantages in the 1st quarter, 43-31; 3rd quarter, 35-19; and fourth quarter, 48-28. South Dakota has outscored opponents in the second quarter by a 30-17 margin.

DEFENSE: South Dakota has 384 tackles, including 63 tackles for loss (-246 yards), 15 sacks (-115 yards), nine pass interceptions for 238 yards including two touchdowns. The Coyotes have 18 pass breakups and two 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). The Coyotes have allowed 102 first downs, including 44 by rush and 47 by pass with 11 by penalty. South Dakota is allowing 3.4 yards per rush, permitting a total of 793 yards rushing or 132.2 per game. The Coyotes have given up 1,167 yards passing, allowing five touchdowns. Opponents have converted 38 of 95 third down conversions and two of 12 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 13-15 overall record, including 9-13 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: 13-15, 9-13 in the NCC (3rd year) 1999: 4-7, 3-6 (7th, NCC) 2000: 8-3, 6-3 (3rd, NCC) 2001: 1-5, 0-4 in the NCC

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 NORTHERN COLORADO ON THE BEARS: The Bears have won three of six games, including one of four games in the NCC. The Bears are 2-1 at home and 1-2 in road games. They have defeated Western State, 30-19; Adams State, 41-6 and St. Cloud State, 38-33. UNC has lost games to North Dakota, 13-7; Minnesota State, Mankato, 13-9; and Nebraska-Omaha, 29-27. The Bears have 800 yards rushing on 232 attempts, or 133.3 per game. They have scored nine touchdowns on the ground and average 3.4 yards per carry. In the passing game, the Bears have completed 83 of 172 passes for 1,245 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. UNC is averaging 340.8 yards of total offense per game. Defensively, they are permitting 106.3 yards per game on the ground and 141 yards passing for 247.3 in total offense. The Bears are scoring 25.3 points per game while permitting 18.8. Tyler Hawkins leads the ground game for the Bears with 545 yards on 123 attempts and five touchdowns. In the passing game, Jon Boyer has completed 77 of 161 passes for 1,169 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions. George Carroll leads UNC receivers with 24 catches, 391 yards and a 16.3 per catch average. Eric Nelson has 21 catches for 381 yards and six catches. He has an 18.1 yard per catch average.

ON UNC'S KAY DALTON: Kay Dalton begins his second season as the head coach at the University of Northern Colorado. The Bears went a disappointing 4-7 in Dalton's first year at the helm and have a 3-3 mark in 2001. At Northern Colorado, he has a 7-10 overall record and a 4-9 mark in the NCC. In seven years as a collegiate head coach, he has compiled a 40-22 mark. No stranger to the UNC program, Dalton served as offensive coordinator at the school from 1989 until his appointment as head coach. Under his tutelage, the Bears offense thrived, consistently ranking among the national leaders in total offense and scoring offense. In 1999, the Bears ranked seventh in Division II in scoring offense (39.5 ppg), 11th in passing offense (274.5 yards/game) and 15th in total offense (419.9 yards/game). The Bears have set or tied 60 offensive records since Dalton arrived at UNC. Dalton carries an impressive resume, which includes coaching at all levels of football. He has served as an assistant coach with four National Football League (NFL) teams, two Canadian Football League (CFL) teams and two NCAA Division I programs before arriving at UNC in 1989. This is Dalton's fourth head coaching position, having served as head coach at Trinidad State Junior College (1959-60), Western State College (1961-65) and the Montreal Allouettes (1968-71) of the Canadian Football League (CFL). While at Western State, he amassed a record of 33-12 (.733) and, in 1964, led the Mountaineers to the Mineral Bowl. He led WSC to three straight Rocky Mountain Conference titles and four in his five seasons as coach. He then served as the defensive coordinator with the Montreal Allouettes, before being named the team's head coach in 1968, a position he held until 1971. After leaving Montreal, Dalton spent one season as offensive line/receivers coach with the British Columbia Lions before moving to the University of Colorado as its quarterback/receivers coach and offensive coordinator. Under CU head coach Eddie Crowder, Dalton helped the Buffs to the Gator Bowl and a second-place national ranking in 1972. For the next eight years, Dalton served as an assistant with the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Oilers. Dalton returned to the Broncos and spent two more years as their receivers coach, where he coached the famed "Three Amigos", John Elway's favorite targets in the mid-1980s. He then returned to his alma mater, Colorado State University, where he served as offensive coordinator from 1987-88, before arriving at UNC in 1989. Dalton, 69, earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from CSU in 1954 and his master's degree in psychology and counseling from CSU in 1958. A three-year starter at tight end for the Aggies, Dalton was a teammate of former UNC coaches Bob Blasi and Buck Rollins. He earned All-America honors in 1953. He was inducted into the CSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.

UNC LEADERS Rushing: Tyler Hawkins (123-545 yards, 5 tds); Adam Matthews (56-274 yards, 2 tds) Passing: Jon Boyer (77-161-1,169 yards, 9 tds, 4 int.) Receiving: George Carroll (24-391 yards, 1 td, 16.3 avg.); Eric Nelson (21-381, 6 tds, 18.1 avg.) Tackles: Justin Reese (38 tackles, 21 solo) Sacks: Anthony Dunn (3.5, -15 yards) Tackles for Loss: George Smith (10, -35) Interceptions: Shad Morelock, Anthony Dunn, Keven Courson (1)

MIDWEST REGION RANKINGS (As of Oct. 1): 1. UNO (5-0) 2. North Dakota State (4-0) 3. Pittsburgh State (5-0) 4. North Dakota (5-0) 5. Northwest Missouri State (4-1) 6. Central Missouri State (5-0) 7. Winona State (4-1) 8. Minnesota-Duluth (4-1) 9. Truman State (4-1) 10. Missouri Western (3-2)

NCC GAMES ON SATURDAY: North Dakota State at Minnesota State, Mankato, 1 p.m. North Dakota at St. Cloud State, 1 p.m. Northern Colorado at South Dakota, 2 p.m. (Dakota Days) Augustana at South Dakota State, 1 p.m.

NCC STANDINGS NCC OVERALL Nebraska-Omaha 4-0 6-0 North Dakota 3-0 6-0 North Dakota State 2-1 4-1 Augustana 2-2 4-2 St. Cloud State 2-2 3-3 Minn. St. Mankato 1-2 2-4 South Dakota State 1-2 2-4 Northern Colorado 1-3 3-3 South Dakota 0-4 1-5

NCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK (Oct. 8): James Johnson, UNO, Offense; Travis O'Neel, North Dakota, Defense

OCTOBER 6 RESULTS Northern Colorado 38, St. Cloud State 33 Augustana 25, South Dakota 7 Nebraska-Omaha 49, Minnesota State, Mankato 28 North Dakota 19, North Dakota State 7 Western Washington 45, South Dakota State 28

NCC VS. OTHERS: The NCC has a 15-6 record vs. the other conferences in NCAA Division II. The NCC has a 5-2 mark vs. the Northern Sun and 4-1 mark against the Rocky Mountain Conference.

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 453-429-34 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 51-43-6.

#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.