The Game
South Dakota and Illinois State meet for the first time since 2017 Saturday when both teams begin their 2020-21 campaigns. It will be the first game for the Coyotes since topping rival South Dakota State to conclude the 2019 season – a span of 463 days (but who's counting?). Kickoff from Hancock Stadium is noon.
 
The Series
It was 2017 when South Dakota, behind quarterback Chris Streveler, took a 6-0 record and a No. 4 national ranking to Normal. The Redbirds, behind running back James Robinson (193 yds, 2 TDs), scored two first quarter touchdowns and held on for a 37-21 win. It moved USD to 0-4 in Normal and 1-6 overall against Illinois State.
 
The Quarterback?
USD head coach Bob Nielson has not announced a starting quarterback, instead listing senior Tyler Tsagalis, junior Jakob Parks and freshman Carson Camp on his initial two-deep. Regardless of who it is, he will be surrounded by a full unit of returning starters including all-conference performers Caleb Vander Esch (WR) and Brett Samson (TE), along with running back Kai Henry and all five starters along the offensive line.
 
Sophomore Bryce Jefferson is listed as the Redbird quarterback. Jefferson filled in late last season when starter Brady Davis went down to injury. Jefferson started four games and averaged fewer than four completions and 50 yards passing per game. Such is life when you have James Robinson in your backfield. But Robinson is gone and so is number two rusher Jeff Proctor.
 
The Defense
Passing wasn't a necessity for Illinois State last year when the Redbirds featured Robinson and one of the top defenses in the nation. While several big names from that unit have moved on, preseason all-Valley picks John Ridgeway (DL), Zeke Vandenbourgh (LB) and Charles Woods (DB) remain.
 
For South Dakota, its year two under coordinator Travis Johansen and his 3-4 scheme. The linebackers, led by all-Valley inside backer Jack Cochrane, are the strength. USD must replace all-American defensive end Darin Greenfield and defensive tackle Kameron Cline. Coyote cornerbacks will be the youngest position group on the team.
 
The Milestones
USD senior running back Kai Henry enters with 1,919 yards rushing, redshirt junior Kody Case has 989 yards receiving, and Cochrane boasts 196 career tackles. Henry is the 16^th-leading rusher in program history. He is vying to become the 14^th USD running back to reach 2,000 career rushing yards.
 
One Last Thing
Three actually – Keep in mind that the NCAA has granted a "free" year of eligibility for all football players during the 2020-21 academic year. That includes true freshmen who can play in an unlimited number of games and retain their freshman status.
 
Also, there are 90 FCS teams competing this spring compared to a typical year of between 120-125. Twenty-one have already played a game. USD and Illinois State are two of 30 opening this weekend.
 
The playoff field has been cut from 24 teams down to 16. There are 10 automatic bids which leaves six at large bids. The Valley and Southern Conferences have scheduled eight games. There are 21 FCS teams with four or fewer games on the slate.