University of South Dakota Athletics

BROOKINGS, S.D. – A fast and dominant start for South Dakota State led to a 28-0 lead early in the second half. Despite 21-straight points from South Dakota in the fourth quarter and a career-long 59-yard touchdown reception from Bryce Cohoon, the comeback would fall short in the 120^th Interstate Series, presented by First Interstate Bank, clash with the Jackrabbits taking it 31-21 inside Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
 
The first few possessions felt as if a pair of heavyweights were feeling each other out early on. On their third possession, the Jackrabbits went for a fourth-down and short in their own territory to keep the drive alive. That led to the first explosive play of the afternoon as SDSU pushed it deep into Coyote territory, which led to the first score of the day, making it 7-0 Jacks in the final minute of the opening quarter.
 
As the second quarter came about in Brookings, the skies got more overcast with SDSU leading by a score. South Dakota State would score again on their first drive of the second quarter to make it a two-score advantage. Extending the lead to 21-0 the Jackrabbits kept the pressure on the Yotes.
 
With a minute left in the first half, the sun came out as South Dakota pushed into Jackrabbit territory looking to cut into the three-score deficit before the break. South Dakota State had full control in the first half, outgaining the Coyotes 315-44 in the first 30 minutes to jump out to the early first half lead.
 
The Yotes got the ball to open the second half with the first play from scrimmage being a nine-yard rush from Carson Fletcher. Both teams would begin the second half with three-and-outs as the Yotes got back on the field, still looking to crack onto the scoreboard. State would add another touchdown lead to take a 28-0 lead.
 
South Dakota would go onto score 21-straight points to start the fourth quarter, thanks to a career-long 59-yard touchdown reception over the middle for wide out Bryce Cohoon to make it a two-score game with just over six and a half minutes to play, SDSU leading 28-14.
 
Early in the fourth quarter, the Coyotes would find the end zone for the first time on the day with a four-yard touchdown connection from Austyn Modrzewski to Brayden White, marking 10-straight games with a touchdown pass for Modrzewski and White's ninth touchdown grab of the season.
 
With just over two minutes remaining, Modrzewski would find Chris Herrin open for a 22-yard touchdown connection to make it 28-21 SDSU with just over two minutes to play. That touchdown pass for Modrzewski would also move him into a tie for third all-time at South Dakota for single-season and crack the top-10 career list with his 27 passing touchdowns.
 
The Yotes would have SDSU with a third down and short, but Chase Mason would get the first down with his legs. A 43-yard rush later and the Jackrabbits were set up with the game-sealing field goal as Tristan Alvano hit a 34-yarder to make it 31-21 State.
 
Modrzewski finished the day going 21-for-27 for 233 yards and three touchdowns, finding three different receivers for a score. Defensively, Isaiah Wray notched a career-high with 10 tackles to sit tied for the game-lead and had a fumble recovery. Wade Abrams also added nine tackles.  
 
UP NEXT: South Dakota heads into their bye week next week (game day of Nov. 7) before returning to action against the Northern Iowa Panthers on Saturday, November 14 in Vermillion. Kickoff from the DakotaDome is set for 1 p.m. (CT).