The South Dakota Coyotes made headlines this past Saturday as their remarkable football season came to an end with a 31-17 loss against the top-seeded Montana State Bobcats during the FCS semifinals. Despite the disappointment of not advancing to the title game, the Coyotes wrapped up what is widely regarded as their most successful Division I season to date, signaling both the end of the season and the legacy of a distinguished group of seniors.
On the unseasonably mild mid-December afternoon at Bobcat Stadium, the Coyotes and Bobcats engaged in a back-and-forth battle. The game began with excitement as both teams quickly exchanged touchdowns. South Dakota, the No. 4 seed with an impressive season record of 11-3 (7-1 MVFC), showcased their offensive prowess early on. Senior running back Travis Theis made headlines with a spectacular 55-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7.
Each team exhibited strong performances, with Montana State taking the lead, scoring multiple times. The Coyotes, not to be outdone, responded with another touchdown but could not maintain the momentum as Montana State pulled away, eventually heading to halftime with a 24-14 lead. South Dakota managed to cut the deficit with three points from kicker Will Leyland late in the third quarter, but the Bobcats extended their lead, sealing the Coyotes' fate.
This season marks not only the most wins for the Coyotes since the 1986 season but also the first Missouri Valley Football Conference championship and back-to-back years of playoff advancement, reaching as far as the semifinals. Head coach Bob Nielson and his staff have applauded the efforts of their senior class. Players such as Theis, Carter Bell, Blake Holden, and JJ Galbreath have not only led the Coyotes with their on-field success but also established new standards for future teams to aspire to.
The leadership exhibited by this year's seniors has been praised by Coach Nielson, who remarked, “Great leaders, great people and really good football players. You can’t ask for much more than those three things.” Those sentiments were echoed by players who have found their place in USD's history, with Bell finishing as the all-time leading receiver with 2,970 yards and Theis setting records for rushing touchdowns and total yards accumulated.
The perseverance of this senior class stems from their experience during the tumultuous 2022 season, which saw the Coyotes finish with only three wins. Instead of seeking opportunities at other programs, this group of players chose to stay, demonstrating commitment to the roots they had helped plant within the program. It was this dedication to one another and their shared goals, as described by Theis, which solidified the foundation for future success.
Reflecting on his time with the program, Theis commented, “Six seasons, I’m pretty blessed. I’m probably one of the few college football players who had the same head coach and position coach for all six seasons.” His contributions on the field did not go unnoticed, as he finished the semifinal game as the Coyotes’ leading rusher and receiver, tallying over 110 rushing yards and adding to his illustrious career totals.
The legacy of this season and its players will linger among Coyote fans for years to come. With players like Carter Bell, who will be remembered for his record-setting performances, and Theis, who embodied the spirit of resilience, their impact goes beyond just statistics. They’ve laid the groundwork for future seasons, instilling hope and aspiration among upcoming classes.
Even with the season's end, the anticipation of what lies ahead is palpable. Younger players are eager to step up and continue the remarkable legacy laid down by their predecessors. Coach Nielson and his staff are already working on building next year’s squad, striving to push even harder toward another chance at bringing home the first national championship to South Dakota football.
While the loss against the Bobcats was undoubtedly tough, it marked not just the end of the 2023 jornada for the Coyotes but also the culmination of intense growth, magical moments, and community support, bringing together fans and alumni like never before. The memories created during this season will resonate deeply within the program's culture and serve to motivate the next generation of Coyotes as they set their eyes on future successes.
