ST. LOUIS—South Dakota freshman running back Nate Thomas (South Holland, Illinois) was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Newcomer of the Week for the second time this season following his performance in the Coyotes' 42-21 win against Western Illinois Saturday in Macomb, Illinois.
 
Thomas carried 11 times for a game-high 110 yards to account for half of South Dakota's 220-yard ground game against the Leathernecks. It was his second 100-yard effort of the season and one yard shy of his season high. His longest run was a tackle-breaking, 46-yard rumble up the middle, and his 4-yard touchdown plunge was the first score of the second half.
 
Thomas is USD's second-leading rusher this season with 505 yards and four touchdowns. His 6.8 yards per carry is one of the best averages in the nation.
 
South Dakota (6-3, 4-2 MVFC) hosts South Dakota State (7-2, 4-2 MVFC) in a key matchup Saturday at 1 p.m. inside the DakotaDome.