South Dakota Ranked No. 3 in FCS Coaches Preseason Poll

USD Moves Up 4 Spots Following Quarterfinal Finish

The South Dakota Coyotes have been ranked No. 3 in the STATS FCS Preseason Coaches Poll, released on Monday. This marks a four-spot jump for the Coyotes, who finished the 2022 season with a 9-5 record and a berth in the FCS quarterfinals.

Strong Defense, High-Powered Offense

The Coyotes' ranking is a reflection of their strong defense and high-powered offense. Last season, USD ranked second in the FCS in total defense, allowing just 283.3 yards per game. The offense, meanwhile, averaged 33.9 points per game, which ranked 13th in the FCS.

USD returns several key players from last season's team, including All-American linebacker Brock Mogensen and All-American punter Derek Miles.

Preseason Predictions

The Coaches Poll is one of the most respected preseason polls in the FCS. It is voted on by a panel of 26 coaches from across the country.

USD is the highest-ranked team from the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) in the Coaches Poll. North Dakota State is ranked No. 1, while South Dakota State is ranked No. 5.

Tough Schedule Ahead

The Coyotes will face a tough schedule in 2023, which includes games against several ranked opponents. USD opens the season on the road against No. 15 Montana on Sept. 2.

Despite the challenging schedule, the Coyotes are confident in their ability to compete for a national championship.

Conclusion

The Coyotes' ranking in the Coaches Poll is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches. USD is poised to make a deep run in the FCS playoffs this season.