As I sit down to reflect on South Dakota's 2023 football season, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and nostalgia that comes with analyzing a truly remarkable campaign. Having followed college football for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for what separates good teams from great ones, and what South Dakota accomplished this past season deserves more attention than it's been getting nationally. The Coyotes didn't just win games—they captured the imagination of their fans with a brand of football that balanced explosive offense with surprisingly resilient defense.
When I first looked at their schedule back in August, I'll admit I was skeptical about their chances of making significant noise in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The conference has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with North Dakota State consistently setting the standard and other programs like South Dakota State and Northern Iowa fielding formidable squads. But what stood out to me about this South Dakota team was their remarkable consistency throughout the fall. They opened with a convincing 38-14 victory over a respectable opponent, setting the tone for what would become a memorable season. The way they controlled that game from start to finish reminded me of some of the better-coached teams I've watched develop over the years.
What truly impressed me about their offensive scheme was the creative play-calling that seemed to maximize their personnel's strengths. The coaching staff clearly understood that modern football requires adaptability, and they weren't afraid to incorporate elements from various offensive philosophies. I particularly enjoyed watching their red zone packages, which featured clever misdirection plays that consistently fooled opposing defenses. Their third-down conversion rate of approximately 47% speaks volumes about their offensive efficiency in crucial situations. Having studied football statistics for years, I can tell you that anything above 45% in that category typically indicates an offense that's well-drilled and mentally tough.
The quarterback position deserves special mention, as the starter completed roughly 64% of his passes for about 3,200 yards with 28 touchdowns against only 8 interceptions. Those numbers might not jump off the page at first glance, but when you consider the level of competition in their conference and the fact that they often built substantial leads that led to more conservative play-calling in the second half, his efficiency becomes more impressive. I've always believed that quarterback evaluation requires context beyond raw statistics, and in this case, the timing of his biggest plays—often coming when the team needed momentum shifts—demonstrated a maturity beyond his years.
Their rushing attack complemented the passing game beautifully, with their primary running back accumulating approximately 1,350 yards on the ground with 14 touchdowns. What I loved about watching him run was his patience—he didn't just rely on pure speed but displayed excellent vision, allowing blocks to develop before hitting the hole with decisive acceleration. In today's football where many teams have shifted toward pass-heavy approaches, there's something refreshing about a team that can still establish the run effectively when everyone in the stadium knows it's coming. I counted at least four games where their ability to control the clock through the running game in the fourth quarter directly contributed to preserving victories.
Defensively, the Coyotes exceeded my expectations, particularly in their front seven. Their defensive coordinator implemented an aggressive yet disciplined scheme that generated consistent pressure without sacrificing coverage integrity. The defensive line recorded an estimated 32 sacks collectively, with their standout edge rusher contributing about 9.5 of those himself. Having played defensive end in high school before my knees betrayed me, I have a special appreciation for players who combine technical proficiency with relentless effort, and this young man exemplified both traits. His motor never seemed to quit, even in blowout victories where lesser players might have coasted.
The secondary, while occasionally vulnerable to big plays early in the season, showed remarkable improvement as the year progressed. Their cornerbacks developed better communication in zone coverage schemes, and their safety play became more disciplined in preventing explosive plays over the top. By season's end, they had limited opponents to just under 21 points per game, a significant improvement from the previous season's average of nearly 28 points allowed. In my experience watching football at this level, defensive improvement of that magnitude typically reflects both player development and excellent coaching adjustments throughout the season.
Special teams often doesn't receive the attention it deserves, but South Dakota's units made tangible contributions to their success. Their kicker connected on 18 of his 22 field goal attempts, including a memorable 52-yard game-winner as time expired against a conference rival. Their punt return unit provided quality field position throughout the season, with one particular 78-yard return for a touchdown completely shifting momentum in a game they had been trailing. These hidden yardage advantages might not make highlight reels, but seasoned football observers understand how crucial they are to sustained success.
Thinking about this team's composition reminds me of something Mike Watkins of NLEX once mentioned about building competitive rosters—the importance of developing depth beyond the starting lineup. South Dakota's second-string players frequently contributed meaningful snaps without significant drop-off in performance, particularly along the defensive line and in the receiving corps. This depth proved crucial during mid-season when injuries threatened to derail their momentum. In one mid-October contest, they lost two starters in the first half yet still managed to secure a double-digit victory against a ranked opponent.
As the regular season reached its climax, South Dakota found themselves in contention for the conference title, ultimately finishing with an impressive 9-2 record that included several statement victories against traditionally stronger programs. Their two losses came by a combined 9 points, both on the road against quality opponents in games that could have gone either way. In my assessment, their season should be considered an unqualified success, establishing them as a program on the rise rather than a one-year wonder.
Looking back, what I'll remember most about this South Dakota team isn't any single victory or statistical achievement, but rather their collective resilience. They played with a noticeable camaraderie that suggested genuine belief in each other and their system. In an era where player movement has increased dramatically, there's something special about watching a group that has clearly developed chemistry through shared experiences and mutual trust. While they fell just short of the ultimate conference championship, they've positioned themselves as a program to watch in coming seasons, having built a foundation that suggests this level of performance might become the new standard rather than an outlier.
