The Game
South Dakota (5-3, 3-2 MVFC) returns from its bye week to face a Western Illinois team playing in its final home game of the season. The Leathernecks (2-7, 2-4 MVFC), who last made the playoffs under Bob Nielson in 2015, is coming off an encouraging upset of Illinois State 38-31 last Saturday in Macomb. That's the same Illinois State squad that ended the Coyotes' three-game win streak two weeks ago in Vermillion.
 
This is the first meeting between the two teams since a wild 38-34 Western Illinois victory in Macomb in the fall of 2019. That game saw five lead changes in the final quarter and more than 1,000 yards of offense. South Dakota coach Bob Nielson is 2-2 against his former program.
 
The Stakes
They are big for the Coyotes, who are trying to reach the FCS playoffs for the second time. South Dakota likely needs two more wins for a good chance to make the 24-team field. After this week, the schedule shows two top-10 teams remaining in South Dakota State (home next week) and North Dakota State (away).
 
For Western Illinois, it's a chance to send its seniors out on a high note. The 2021 campaign was not a favorable one for the Leathernecks who have faced four top-10 teams with high-powered offenses and a fifth game against FBS Ball State. Western Illinois has a bye next week before concluding on the road at UNI.
 
The Matchup
Western Illinois has been porous defensively, but features one of the top passing offenses. Senior quarterback Connor Sampson is an all-Valley performer and the 10^th-leading passer in the FCS at nearly 300 yards per game. His top weapon is Dennis Houston, an all-American candidate whose 905 receiving yards rank second in the FCS. He also enters with six touchdown catches.
 
South Dakota has been terrific against the run, but it's an air attack it faces this week. The Coyotes boast a defensive line that has led USD to a No. 12 national ranking for sacks. That unit is hopeful to return team captain DeValon Whitcomb, who has missed the last two games. The back end includes another senior captain in Elijah Reed, the team's third-leading tackler who has two of USD's six interceptions.
 
The Quarterback
South Dakota slinger Carson Camp was injured in the second quarter and did not return against Illinois State two weeks ago. Coach Nielson was hopeful to have Camp ready for Saturday, but if not, another freshman, Cole Stenstrom, is likely to earn his first collegiate start. Regardless of who takes the snaps, USD has relied on a ground game that features running backs Travis Theis and Nate Thomas behind the Coyotes' offensive line.
 
One Last Thing
South Dakota senior linebacker Jack Cochrane is seeking to become just the seventh player in program history to record 300 tackles. He enters six shy of the mark. Cochrane is averaging close to nine tackles per game this season.