USD football comes up short in near-upset matchup at Boise State

On Saturday night at Boise State, the South Dakota Coyotes came tantalizingly close to a shocking upset victory. With just over four minutes left on the game clock and Boise State leading 31-24, the Coyotes seized a chance to force overtime. A crucial muffed punt by Boise State's Cam Bates handed possession to the Coyotes at the Broncos' 38-yard line.

For a fleeting moment, it appeared their dream might come true. USD moved into the Broncos' end zone, and on third-and-11, former Coyote Roman Tillmon was penalized for holding, granting USD a first down at the Boise State 18-yard line with two minutes left on the clock. However, the Broncos' defense ultimately thwarted any chance of a miracle.

Quarterback Austyn Modrzewski failed to connect on three consecutive passes under pressure, resulting in a turnover on downs and preserving Boise State's seven-point lead. The Broncos took control at their own 17-yard line and sealed the game with a 83-yard touchdown run by Dylan Riley with 1:33 remaining. Riley broke free from the Coyotes' defense to extend Boise State's lead to 38-24, making the outcome a foregone conclusion.

Modrzewski completed 12 of 27 passes for 243 yards, throwing three touchdowns and two interceptions. Charles Pierre Jr. rushed for 47 yards on 14 attempts, while Tennel Bryant contributed 104 yards on three receptions and two receiving touchdowns. Defensively, Wade Abrams recorded 14 total tackles for South Dakota, RJ Stewart added eight tackles, and John Starman converted the Coyotes' lone sack.

Kael Kolarik contributed a fumble recovery that set up the Coyotes' opening touchdown. With this result, South Dakota improved to 3-1 and will now focus on their upcoming conference game against Missouri Valley Football Conference opponent Youngstown State. The Coyotes will travel to Youngstown on September 26th at 1 p.m. to begin their conference opener.