UP NEXT: South Dakota (2-7, 1-6 in the NCC) will try and end a two-game losing streak when they face #6 ranked North Dakota (9-1, 6-1 in the NCC) in the Hall of Fame Game on Saturday at the DakotaDome on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The Coyotes have lost to South Dakota State, 20-3, at the DakotaDome and to Minnesota State-Mankato, 29-16 at Mankato on Nov. 3. North Dakota defeated Augustana 37-14 on Nov. 3. The Fighting Sioux were ranked #6 in the Oct. 30 AFCA Poll. They are tied with UNO for first place in the NCC.

SERIES: South Dakota has lost five straight games to North Dakota, who maintain a 51-27-4 series lead. This will be the 84th meeting between the schools. Last year the Fighting Sioux took a 42-14 win in Grand Forks. The last Coyote victory was a 35-0 win at the DakotaDome in 1995 when UND was ranked second in NCAA Division II. North Dakota has won 14 of the past 21 games between the schools. In terms of streaks, South Dakota won five in a row from 1982-86 while North Dakota won 11 in a from 1928-41. South Dakota's highest point output came in a 45-3 win in 1985. North Dakota defeated South Dakota 55-0 in 1963 for their largest point output and margin of victory. The Coyotes' largest margin of victory was a 44-0 win in 1912.

SENIORS TO BE HONORED ON SATURDAY -

South Dakota will recognize 12 seniors playing their final game on Saturday. The Coyote senior football players will be honored prior to the start of the game.

They include:

James Augustus, a 6'1, 180 running back/defensive back from Toluca Lake, Calif. Augustus has 14 tackles, two tackles for loss and two interceptions for 104 yards. He holds the all-time interception return record at South Dakota (88 yards vs. St. Cloud State, Sept. 22).

Mark Blackburn, 6'1, 210, is a senior linebacker from Moreno Valley, Calif. A senior captain, he is a physical therapy major and the son of Mark and Wanda Blackburn. He has 56 tackles, including 31 solos. He is third in the NCC and 10th in the nation with nine quarterback sacks.

Josh Burr, 6'8, 301, is a senior captain and offensive tackle from Lancaster, Wyo.. He is a mathematics major and the son of Allan and Pam Burr.

Wes Clubb, 6'1, 297, is a senior defensive lineman from Sigourney, Iowa. An elementary education major, he is the son of Dennis and Jane Club. He has 11 tackles, including seven solo stops.

Filip Filipovic, 6'2, 216, is a kicker-punter from Belgrade Serbia. An elementary education major, he is the son of Dragan and Gordana Filipovic. He is averaging 39.7 yards per punt while converting seven of 10 field goals and 17 of 18 extra points.

Ryan Garry, 6'0, 230, is a senior captain and fullback from Humboldt, S.D. He is a biology major and the son of Stan and Mary Garry. Garry has seven tackles as a member of the special teams and has caught one pass for five yards.

Rusty Hughell, 5'9, 217, is a fullback/special teams member from Omaha, Neb. A business major, he is the son of Randall and Diane Hughell. He has recorded one tackle on special teams.

Wade Mitchell, 5'10, 181, is a senior defensive back from Parkston, S.D. A pre-law major, he is the son of John and Virginia Mitchell. Mitchell has 31 tackles, including 14 solo stops. He has one tackle for loss, one interception, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery that he took 70-yards for a touchdown. He also has an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. He is averaging 26.5 yards per kickoff return this season.

Dustin Sagedahl, 6'3, 251, is a senior tight end from Spicer, Minn. Named all-NCC a year ago, he has established several records at the tight end position. He has an all-time record of 80 catches and a Coyote seasonal record of 41 catches (462 yards, two touchdowns). An elementary/special education major, he is the son of Larry and Mary Sagedahl.

Tarik Smith, 5'10, 181, is a senior defensive back from Calumet Park, Ill. A mass communication major, he is the son of Danny and Lisa Smith. He has nine tackles, including seven solo stops as well as a pass breakup.

Eric Tarasewicz, 5'11, 205, is a senior tailback from Cottage Grove, Minn. A computer science major, he is the son of Don and Kathy Tarasewicz. This season, Eric has 105 carries for 475 yards. He is averaging 4.5 yards per rush and has scored six touchdowns.

Heath Ter Wee, 6'2, 239 defensive lineman/special teams from Inwood, Iowa. He is the son of Henry and Minerva Terwee.

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) while the roof was being replaced at the DakotaDome. South Dakota is 84-45 in the Dome. They are 6-5 during the John Austin era. This is the 920th game for South Dakota since beginning play in 1889. South Dakota's overall record is 454-432-34 (.511).

LAST GAME: Minnesota State 29 South Dakota 16 Minnesota State-Mankato (4-6, 3-4 in the NCC) scored 23 unanswered points in the third quarter and defeated South Dakota (2-7, 1-6 in the NCC), 29-16 in NCC football action on Saturday afternoon in Mankato, Minn.

After South Dakota had a chance to build on a 10-6 first half lead, the game seemed to turn when the Coyotes' Ryan Justice (Ankeny, Iowa) was picked off in the end zone late in the second quarter. The interception followed an illegal procedure penalty on South Dakota that wiped out a Justice to Chris Mikkelsen (Gregory, S.D.) touchdown pass.

When play began in the third quarter, Minnesota State used the momentum of the interception to take control of the game. They proceeded to score 23 unanswered points, using a pair of long scoring drives and a safety to gain a 29-10 lead. The Mavericks scored on the first possession after receiving the second-half kickoff as running back Bobby Ruffin scored on a 10-yard run to culminate a seven-play, 61-yard scoring drive. The touchdown gave the homestanding Mavericks a 13-10 lead. On the ensuing possession, the Coyotes were unable to move the ball and when a high snap sailed over punter Filip Filipovic's (Belgrade, Serbia) head and through the end zone, the safety gave Minnesota State a 15-10 lead. After the Coyotes' free kick, the Mavericks moved the ball 56 yards on six plays, building the lead to 22-10 on a one-yard run by quarterback Andrew Shea. On the Mavericks' next possession, Shea directed the Mavericks to another score as he scored again from a yard out to finish off an 11-play 60-yard scoring drive.

Late in the game, South Dakota cut the margin to 29-16 when senior tailback Eric Tarasewicz (Cottage Grove, Minn.) scored his second touchdown of the game with 1:46 to play. It was the sixth touchdown of the season for Tarasewicz, who had 47 yards rushing on 12 carries. The key play in the scoring drive was a career-long 58-yard reception by all-NCC tight end Dustin Sagedahl (Spicer, Minn.) from Justice.

Early on, the Coyotes grabbed a 3-0 lead when Filipovic knocked home a 26-yard field goal at 8:19 of the first quarter. The Coyotes consumed over six minutes of the game clock on the 13-play, 38-yard scoring drive. The Mavericks answered with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Shea to Dan Weldon at the 10:26 mark of the second quarter to take a 6-3 lead. Minnesota State moved the ball 80 yards on nine plays for the go-ahead score. However, the Coyotes blocked the extra point attempt.

Late in the second quarter, the Coyotes' s offense took control. The Coyotes moved the ball 65 yards on 16 plays, using 7:09 of the clock, to take a 10-6 lead on Tarasewicz's two-yard touchdown run at the 3:17 mark. Late in the first half, the Coyotes had an opportunity to extend the lead but an offensive procedure penalty wiped out a touchdown pass from Justice to Mikkelsen and the Mavericks intercepted a pass on the next play.

Overall South Dakota had 16 first downs, 26 yards rushing and 243 yards passing. Justice completed 19 of 39 passes for 243 yards and two interceptions. South Dakota gained 269 yards of total offense on 67 plays. Sagedahl had two receptions for 76 yards while John Kayl (Sioux City, Iowa) caught two passes for 45 yards, including a 28-yard reception, which is a career-best.

Minnesota State garnered 29 first downs as they rolled up 289 yards rushing on 58 carries. Ruffin had 139 yards rushing on 23 carries and a touchdown while Arlin Slayton had 116 yards rushing on 19 carries. Andrew Shea, who had 38 yards rushing, completed eight of 16 passes for 110 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

North Dakota 37, Augustana 14: Kelby Klosterman tossed four touchdown passes and ran in another as North Dakota defeated Augustana on Saturday at Grand Forks, N.D. Klosterman had a nine-yard run and threw a 49-yard scoring pass to Luke Schleusner in the first quarter as UND led 18-0 at halftime. UND scored on its first three possessions of the second half, all on Klosterman touchdown passes, as they led 37-0 in the fourth quarter. Augustana scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

COYOTE TEAM MVPS- (Minnesota State-Mankato): Offense - MVP: Jimmy Terwilliger (Guthrie Center, Iowa); Hustle Award: Tommy Moore (Centerville, S.D.); Big Plays: Paul Tschetter (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Dustin Sagedahl (Spicer, Minn.), Eric Tarasewicz (Cottage Grove, Minn.).; Scout Team MVP: Jared Adamson (Yankton, S.D.). Defense - Hustle Award: Aaron Dietrich (Emmetsburg, Iowa); Scout Team MVP: Tim Triplett (Iowa City, Iowa).

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. Four of the inductees - Dokken, Hultgren, Smith, and Schurrer were all members of the 1978 NCC championship, the last football team to claim a NCC title.

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, 17.6 per game; Scoring Defense, 6th, 23.4 per game; Pass Offense, 6th, 188.9 yards per game; Pass Defense, 7th, 203.4 yards per game; Kickoff Returns, 3rd, 20.0 per game (34-679 yards, 1 td); Punting, 3rd, 38.9 per punt, net of 34.3; Turnover Margin, South Dakota, 7th, -.022 (19 gained, 21 lost, -2); Rushing Offense, 8th, 103.4 yards per game (328-931 yards, 2.9 avg. per rush); Rushing Defense, 7th, 154.3 per game (365-1,389 yards, 3.8 avg. per rush); Total Offense, 9th, 292.3 (609-2,631 - 1,700 pass, 931 rush); Total Defense, 8th, 357.8 (634-3,220 - 1,389 rush, 1,831 pass); Punt Returns, 8th, 5.8 yards (21-122); Pass Efficiency, 8th, 100.0; Pass Defense Efficiency, 6th, 107.6; First Downs, 9th, 139 (48 by rush, 82 by pass, 9 by penalty); Opponent First Downs, 6th, 168 (78 by rush, 77 by pass, 13 by penalty); Sacks, 6th, 21 (-175); Penalties, 1st, 54.3; Opponent Penalties, 7th, 52.4; 3rd Down Conversions, 4th, 50-137 (36.5 percent); Opponent 3rd Down Conversions, 9th, 64-141 (45.4 percent); Sacks Against, 3rd, 10 (-60); Field Goals, 3rd, 7-10 (70 percent); PAT Kicking, 2rd, 17-18 (94.4 percent); 4th Down Conversions, 9th, 6-25 (24.0 percent); Opponent 4th Down Conversions, 1st, 3-16 (19 percent); Time of Possession, 7th, 266.41 (avg. 29:37 per game); Kickoff Coverage, 1st, 15.0 (34-509).

Individuals: Rushing: Eric Tarasewicz, 7th, 77.5 per game (105-465 yards, 4.4 avg., 6 tds); Passing Average Per Game, Ryan Justice, 6th, 183.0 per game (129-265-1,647- 7 TDs, 7 int.); Total Offense, Ryan Justice, 6th, 179.6 yards per game (302, 1,616 yards); Receptions/Game, Dustin Sagedahl, 7th, 4.56 rec. per game (41-462, 2 tds); Receiving Yards, Mikkelsen, 8th, 60.6 per game (32-545), 17.0 avg. yards per catch); Pass Efficiency, Ryan Justice, 8th, 104.3; Punt Return Average, Chris Meehan, 10th, 6.8 avg. (6-41); Kick Return Average, Wade Mitchell, 3rd, 26.5 (10-265 yards, 1 td); Punting, Filip Filipovic, 4th, 39.7 yards per kick; Scoring, Eric Tarasewicz, 6.0, 36 points (six games); Scoring TDS, Eric Tarasewicz, 6.0; Scoring-Kicking, Filipovic, 6th, 4.2 (17-18 PAT, 7-10 FG); Field Goals, Filipovic, 4th, 0.78 (7-10 field goals); Field Goal Percentage, Filipovic, 3rd, 7-10, 70 percent (38, 31, 25, 18, 29, 21, 26); PAT Kicking Pct., Filipovic, 2nd, 17-18, 94.4 percent; Tackles for Loss, Aaron Dietrich, 1st, 2.22 per game (20, -97); Shawn Kenworthy, 3rd, 2.0 per game (10, -30); Mark Blackburn, 3rd, 1.50 (12, -99); Sacks, Mark Blackburn, 1st, 1.12 (9, -95); Aaron Dietrich, 7th, 0.78 (7, -66); Tackles, Josh Gassen, 5th, 8.2 (74, 37 solos); Scott Lilland, 10th, 7.4 (67, 40 solos); and Korey Ebel, 10th, 7.4 (67, 29 solos); Mark Blackburn, 14th, 7.0 (56, 31 solos); Fumbles Forced, Mark Blackburn, Bill Gassen, 1st, two; Passes Defended, Derick Jelks, 8th, 10.

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 225 yards. He has completed 442 of 620 passes for 4,534 with 29 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. During the 2001 season, Justice has completed 129 of 265 passes for 1,647 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

All-time passing leaders:

Jason Seurer, 1989-92, 390-799-4,759 yards, 27 TDs

Ryan Justice, 1998-, 442-620-4,534 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 3RD PLACE ON ALL-TIME TOTAL OFFENSE CHARTS: With 818 attempts for 4,647 yards, Justice has moved past Jason Seurer (1989-92, 1,049-4,638 yards) into 3rd 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

Ryan Justice, 1998 -, 818 - 4,647 yards

Jason Seurer, 1989-92, 1,049-4,638 yards

Chris Daniel, 1979-82, 1,047-4,317 yards

JUSTICE HAS 5TH BEST SEASON PASSING TOTAL EVER: 12TH BEST TOTAL OFFENSE-SEASON PERFORMANCE: With 129 completion on 265 passes for 1,647 yards, Ryan Justice has the fifth best season passing total in school history. Last weekend, he passed Jim Duggan, 1984 (115-193-1,620 yards). Justice owns the best seasonal passing total that he set in 2000 - 151 completions on 303 attempts for 1,826 yards and 13 tds. He also has the 12th best mark for total offense in a season with 303 plays for 1,614 yards. Last weekend, he passed Jim Duggan, 1983 (265-1,601 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). 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 32 catches for 545 yards and one touchdown this season. He has caught three passes 40 yards or more (40, 41, 47).

DIETRICH LEADS NCC IN TACKLING FOR LOSS: Junior defensive tackle Aaron Dietrich (Emmetsburg, Iowa) leads the NCC with 20 tackles for loss (-97 yards), or 2.22 per game.

BLACKBURN 3RD IN NCC IN SACKS: With nine quarterback sacks (-95 yards in losses), Mark Blackburn (Moreno Valley, Calif.) is third in the NCC in sacks. In the latest NCAA Division II stats, he was 10th in sacks, 0.75 per game.

SAGEDAHL BECOMES ALL-TIME CATCH LEADER FOR TIGHT ENDS: All-NCC tight end Dustin Sagedahl (senior, Spicer, Minn.) has 80 catches for 891 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 41 receptions for 462 yards, two touchdowns and a career long of 58 yards. He had two receptions for 76 yards, including a 58 yard reception, in the 29-16 loss to Minnesota State-Mankato on Nov. 3.

SAGEDAHL MOVES UP SEASON RECEIVING CHARTS: Dustin Sagedahl has moved into fifth place (tie with current Cleveland Browns running back Jamel White, 1999) for receptions in a season (41). He is three receptions from fourth place - Dan Leikvold, 1982, 43 receptions. On the all-time receiving charts, he is fifth with 80 catches, moving past Scott Farrens, 1993-96, 79 career receptions.

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 39.7 yards per kick (48-1,905 yards) and converted seven of 10 field goals (38,31,25, 18, 21, 26) and 17 of 18 extra points which gives him 38 points or 4.22 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.

31 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 31 straight games. Ebel has an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown against Minnesota-Duluth. After seven games, he has 67 tackles, including seven tackles for loss (-12 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 (51-45-7), Minnesota State-Mankato (15-10), and Augustana College (37-19-0). They trail in series with North Dakota (27-51-4), North Dakota State (24-47-3), St. Cloud State (8-12-0), and Northern Colorado (13-18-0).

SOUTH DAKOTA LEADERS:

RUSHING: Eric Tarasewicz (105 carries, 475 yards, 6 TDs, long of 19 yards); John Kayl (70 carries, 232 yards, 1 TD)

PASSING: Ryan Justice (129-265-1,647 yards, 7 int., 7 TDs, 104.32 passing efficiency)

RECEIVING: Dustin Sagedahl (41 receptions, 462 yards, 2 td, long of 58 yards); Chris Mikkelsen (32-545, 1 td, long of 47 yards, 17.0 avg.)

TACKLES: Josh Gassen (74); Scott Lilland (67); Korey Ebel (67)

TFLS: Aaron Dietrich (20, -97); Mark Blackburn (12, -99) Josh Gassen (12, -32)

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

INTERCEPTIONS: Derick Jelks (3-9 yards in returns) 2001 TEAM TOTALS - OFFENSE: South Dakota has accumulated 140 first downs, including 82 by pass, 49 by rush and nine by penalty. The Coyotes average 2.9 yards per rush, gaining 941 yards on 328 rushing attempts for 104.6 yards per game. South Dakota has 1,700 passing yards or 188.9 yards per game. The total includes a 6.0 average per pass, 12.8 average per catch, and seven touchdowns. The Coyotes have attempted 609 offensive plays for 2,641 yards total offense or 293.4 total offense yards per game. In kickoff returns, the Coyotes have 34 returns for 679 (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 50 of 136 third down conversions (37 percent) and six of 25 fourth down conversions (25 percent). In terms of scoring, the Coyotes have scored 158 points or 17.6 per game. Opponents hold scoring advantages in the 1st quarter, 56-54; 3rd quarter, 71-26; and fourth quarter, 52-41. South Dakota has outscored opponents in the second quarter by a 37-32 margin.

DEFENSE: South Dakota has 626 tackles, including 89 tackles for loss (-351 yards), 21 sacks (-175 yards), 12 pass interceptions for 238 yards including two touchdowns. The Coyotes have 32 pass breakups and seven recovered fumbles, and seven forced 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 168 first downs, including 78 by rush and 77 by pass with 13 by penalty. South Dakota is allowing 3.8 yards per rush, permitting a total of 1,389 yards rushing or 154.3 per game. The Coyotes have given up 1,831 yards passing, allowing nine touchdowns. Opponents have converted 64 of 141 third down conversions (45 percent) and three of 16 (19 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 14-17 overall record, including 10-15 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: 14-17, 10-15 in the NCC (3rd year) 1999: 4-7, 3-6 (7th, NCC) 2000: 8-3, 6-3 (3rd, NCC) 2001: 2-7, 1-6 in the NCC vs. North Dakota - 0-2

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 NORTH DAKOTA: Located in Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota began football in 1894 and have a n all-time record of 525-331-30. A year ago, the Fighting Sioux had an 8-3 record and 6-3 in the NCC, tied for third with South Dakota. The Fighting Sioux were ranked #6 in the Oct. 30 AFCA Poll. They are tied with UNO for first place in the NCC. The Fighting Sioux have won 20 NCC titles, with the last in 1999 when they shared honors with Northern Colorado. With a victory on Saturday, UND would become the fifth team to win 10 games in school history. Their last 10-win season was in 1994 when they were 10-3 and loss in the NCAA Division II semifinals.In the most recent NCAA Division II stats, North Dakota was first in total defense (177.1 yards per game), second in rushing defense (41.9 yards per game); fifth in pass defense efficiency (80.3) and eighth in scoring defense (13.1 points per game). This season, the Fighting Sioux have defeated Central Washington, 17-10; Minnesota-Crookston, 57-6; Northern Colorado, 13-7; New Haven, 42-10; South Dakota State, 44-9; North Dakota State, 19-7; St. Cloud State, 35-28; Minnesota State-Mankato, 28-14; and Augustana, 37-14. Their lone loss was a 27-24 overtime setback to co-NCC leader Nebraska-Omaha. North Dakota is outscoring opponents by a 31-6 to 13.2 advantage. In terms of quarters, UND holds advantages in the first quarter, 104-21; second quarter, 84-40; and third quarter, 79-13. They have been outscored, 55-49, in the fourth quarter and 3-0 in overtime. North Dakota, ranked #1 in total defense and #2 in total offense in the NCC, has accumulated 171 first downs, including 75 by rush and 86 by pass with 10 by penalty. They have permitted just 118 first downs. The Fighting Sioux have 38 touchdowns while permitting just 17. They hold a 33:04 to 26:56 time of possession advantage over opponents. North Dakota has 1,483 yards rushing or 148.3 per game (3.8 avg. rush). They have 16 rushing touchdowns. North Dakota has 2,017 passing yards or 201.7 per game with 20 touchdowns. They average 7.2 yards per pass and 11.5 yards per catch. In total offense, North Dakota has 3,500 yards on 671 total plays. They average 350 yards of total offense each game. They have an NCC-leading 42 sacks. Defensively, they have allowed 478 yards rushing or 47.8 per game and 1,395 passing yards or 139.5 per game. Opponents averaged 187.3 yards in total offense. North Dakota has 77 tackles for loss (-342 yards) and 21 interceptions (343 yards in returns). They have recovered 20 fumbles.

NORTH DAKOTA'S DALE LENNON: Now in his third season, Lennon is 25-6 (.806) at North Dakota. His 17 wins in his first two seasons were more than any previous UND head coach in their first two seasons. Lennon is 37-15 (.712) overall in five years as a collegiate head coach. UND has made the NCAA Division II playoffs in five of the last seven years that Lennon has been connected to the team as a head coach or assistant coach.

NORTH DAKOTA LEADERS Rushing: Jed Perkercwicz (134-548 yards, 4.1 avg., 7 tds); Jim Miller (69-323, 4.7 avg., 4 tds) Passing: Kelby Klosterman (159-256-1,866 yards, 20 tds, 5 ints.) Receiving: Dan Graf (53-662 yards, 8 tds); Luke Schleusner (34-448 yards, 6 tds) Tackles: Travis O'Neel (58 tackles); Adam Stratton (46) Sacks: Eric Schmidt (9, -65); Ben Dixon (6.5, -28) Tackles for Loss: Schmidt (14, -73); Dixon (11, -37) Interceptions: Craig Riendeau (6-166 in returns)

MIDWEST REGIONAL POLL: UND is ranked first in the NCAA Midwest Region. Nebraska-Omaha (8-1) is second with Pittsburg State (9-1), third. The rest of the top 10 include Central Missouri State (9-1), 4th; Winona State (9-1), fifth; Minnesota-Duluth (9-1) sixth; Missouri Western (8-2), seventh; Truman State (7-3), eighth; North Dakota State (6-3), ninth; and Northern Colorado (6-4), tenth.

RADIO, INFORMATION

RADIO: 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 454-432-34 mark (.511).

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 51-45-7.

#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 .