South Dakota Triumphs 19-14 as Phillips Rushes for 187 Yards
UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, the South Dakota Coyotes secured a narrow 19-14 victory over the Indiana State Sycamores on October 14, 2023. Star running back L.J. Phillips Jr. dominated the field, rushing for an impressive 187 yards, solidifying his status as the FCS leader in rushing yards.
Phillips, who is now just 14 yards away from 1,000 for the season, showcased his skills throughout the game, amassing 123 yards in the first half alone. His pivotal 1-yard touchdown run helped the Coyotes take a 13-7 lead into halftime, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
Kicker Will Leyland was equally critical to the victory, successfully converting on all four of his field goal attempts, with the longest being a 42-yarder that pushed the lead to 19-7 in the fourth quarter. This consistent scoring proved essential as the Sycamores fought back late in the game.
With just 4.5 minutes remaining, Indiana State quarterback Brock Riddle connected with Nick Osho for a short touchdown pass, narrowing the Coyotes’ lead to 19-14. However, the Sycamores’ hopes for a comeback were dashed when they turned the ball over on downs during their final possession near midfield.
In total, the Coyotes amassed 376 yards of offense, with quarterback Aidan Bouman completing 16 of 25 passes for 186 yards. In contrast, Indiana State struggled, managing only 210 total yards throughout the game.
The victory improves South Dakota’s record to 4-3 and 2-1 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, while Indiana State falls to 2-4 and remains winless in conference play at 0-2. This match underscores the competitive nature of college football as both teams vie for dominance in their conference.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Phillips as he aims to cross the 1,000-yard mark and lead the Coyotes to further success. Fans can expect more thrilling action as South Dakota continues its campaign in the Missouri Valley Conference. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming games and player performances.
