{
  "id": 15823710,
  "title": "Preview: USD football hosts North Dakota in a top-10 showdown",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/21/preview-usd-football-hosts-north-dakota-in-a-top-10-showdown",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-21T00:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/preview-usd-football-hosts-north-000500005.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 20, the South Dakota Coyotes returned to the DakotaDome to face off against North Dakota in a highly anticipated top-10 Missouri Valley Football Conference showdown. This marked only the fifth time in USD history that the team would compete in a top-10 contest, as both programs entered with identical 6-2 records. The Coyotes and Fighting Hawks, currently ranked No. 8 and No. 6 respectively, will aim to secure a spot in the conference title race.\n\nThe Coyotes will welcome back their home crowd, as this will be their fifth time playing in a top-10 game at the DakotaDome. Since 2023, South Dakota has prevailed in the last three meetings, with the Fighting Hawks holding a narrow 25-20-2 advantage in the series, held in Vermillion. Key matchups include Austyn Modrzewski (USD) and Jerry Kaminski (UND), who lead their respective teams in passing yards and touchdowns, while Charles Pierre Jr. (USD) and Charles Langama (UND) dominate in rushing.\n\nIn terms of defense, Julian Boll (UND) leads the Coyotes in tackles, while USD's Wade Abrams is a force on the field with 68 total tackles, including 38 solo tackles and two forced fumbles. Modrzewski has thrown for 22 touchdowns this season, tying for second in the FCS and fifth in USD history. Meanwhile, the Fighting Hawks' Kaminski has 21 touchdowns, tied for fourth in the FCS.\n\nAs the Coyotes look to extend their recent winning streak, they hold a slight edge in the first-half scoring margin. The Fighting Hawks, meanwhile, boast a formidable offense, ranking No. 18 in total offense and No. 14 in scoring offense this season. The Coyotes' defense has been solid, sitting No. 12 in FCS total defense, but struggles in the red zone, ranking 110th in FCS.",
  "summary": "Oct. 20—VERMILLION, S.D. — After picking up their first road conference win, the South Dakota Coyotes will head back to the DakotaDome for a highly anticipated top-10 Missouri Valley Football Conference matchup with North Dakota on Saturday afternoon. Saturday will mark just the fifth time in program history that USD will play in a top-10 contest in front of the Coyote faithful, as the two ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}