University of South Dakota Athletics

GAME 4: SOUTH DAKOTA (1-2, 0-0 MVFC) AT SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (1-2, 0-0 MVFC)
When	Saturday, Sept. 29 | 6:05 p.m. CDT
Where	Carbondale, Illinois | Saluki Stadium (15,000)
Television	None
Watch Online	ESPN+ (subscription required)
Radio	Coyote Sports Network (Joe Van Goor, Gary Culver, John Thayer)
Live Stats	Live Stats
South Dakota Links	Game Notes | Roster | Schedule | Stats
SIU Links	Game Notes | Roster | Schedule | Stats
MVFC Links	MVFC Notes | Website | Stats
Social Media	Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tailgate
Headed to the game? Join us for a pre-game tailgate in Lot 52 on the campus of Southern Illinois located at 1365 Douglas Drive or just to the east of Saluki Stadium and SIU Arena. Howling Pack and Alumni Association members eat and drink for free while supplies last. Not a Howling Pack member? No problem! Sign up to join the Howling Pack on the spot, or pay $10 for food and beverage.
 
The game
The opening week of Valley play pits a pair of teams fresh off a bye week and preceded by tough losses in week three against each other at Saluki Stadium. South Dakota impressed but fell just short against Kansas State and beat Northern Colorado before losing 27-10 to nationally-ranked Weber State two weeks ago. Southern Illinois blew out Murray State and impressed but fell short against Ole Miss before losing at home in the final minute to Southeast Missouri. Both are looking for a fresh start Saturday.
 
The series
South Dakota and Southern Illinois first met in the MVFC opener of the 2014 season. Since then, each team has claimed one blowout victory and one win decided on the game's final play. The constant has been the home team, which is 4-0.
 
Last year, South Dakota ran two interceptions back for touchdowns and forced five turnovers in all in shutting out Southern Illinois 42-0 in Vermillion. Two years ago, the Coyotes ran four plays from inside the Saluki 5 in the final seconds, but couldn't reach the end zone in a 35-28 defeat in Carbondale.
 
Similar styles
The Coyotes and Salukis run similar up-tempo offenses that spread the field and place a lot of the decision making in the hands of the quarterback. In their three games, USD quarterback Austin Simmons and SIU's Sam Straub have combined for more than 1,700 yards and 13 touchdowns.
 
Last year, South Dakota averaged 190 yards rushing while Southern Illinois averaged 163 yards. Heading into this one, SIU is averaging 248 yards while South Dakota has netted 278. Saluki junior D.J. Davis has 420 yards rushing in three games, surpassing the 336 he mustered in 11 games a year ago.
 
Shootout?
Only six FCS offenses are averaging more points per game than Southern Illinois – 44.7.
Only 11 FCS defenses are allowing more points per game that Southern Illinois – 44.7.
Forcing turnovers and red zone play may be the key to victory for both teams.
 
What about defense?
Creating negative plays has fueled South Dakota's defense and All-American defensive end Darin Greenfield is off to another quick start with three sacks and 5.5 TFL thru three weeks. Senior linebackers Alex Gray and Alex Coker have combined for three sacks and 6.5 TFL.
 
Injuries are mounting on the Saluki side, but junior safety Jeremy Chinn is their leading tackler and has a nose for forcing turnovers. Defensive end Anthony Knighton was a freshman All-American last year and has 2.5 sacks and 4.5 TFL already this season.

One more thing
South Dakota head coach Bob Nielson will be going for his 200^th win as a collegiate head coach. Should he reach the mark, he will be the 91^st college football coach to win 200 games. Nielson would also become the 17^th active NCAA coach to achieve 200 career wins.