VERMILLION, S.D.—South Dakota will host Northern State on Thursday, Aug. 29, to kickoff the 2024 season. It will be the first meeting between the two intrastate programs since 1997. The teams met seven times from 1990-97 and South Dakota holds an 8-0 advantage in the series.
 
The unique matchup comes during a calendar year in which FCS teams are permitted to play a 12-game schedule. Division II voted to allow its members to play their first permissible contest one week earlier than their prior legislative date. That vote took place Jan. 13 at the NCAA Convention.
 
The Northern State game completes South Dakota's schedule which includes six home games and six road trips. The Coyotes take on the Wisconsin Badgers Sept. 7 at Camp Randall Stadium. A road game at Portland State (Sept. 14) followed by a home date with Drake (Sept. 21) precedes conference play.
 
South Dakota is coming off its best season at the FCS level, a 10-3 campaign that culminated with the program's first trip to the NCAA quarterfinals. The Coyotes were No. 4 in final FCS rankings. The Aug. 29 start date is the earliest season opener for the program since 2004.
 
Season tickets are currently available on GoYotes.com/tickets or by calling the Coyote Ticket Office at 605-677-5959.