VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) – USD football is off to a undefeated start following a 41-23 victory over Eastern Washington on Sunday.
The Coyotes’ win over the Eagles improved their record to 3-0 for the first time since 2017.
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“We spent a lot of time in the offseason and obviously in fall camp, our main theme was building trust within each other and the coaching staff,” said South Dakota head coach Matt Vitzthum after the game. “We love playing with each other other, we love being around each other. It’s a great group. Excited to be 3-0 but they know their best football needs to be ahead of them.”
Redshirt senior running back Charles Pierre Jr. surpassed 2,000 career rushing yards in the game, becoming the 15th Coyote in school history to accomplish that feat.
“It means a lot, especially coming off of an injury last year,” said Pierre Jr. after the game. “But it is all credit to my o line and the coaches put me in that position. So I’m just really grateful for them and I’m just happy for my team.
“Yeah, I love CP3 man, I do,” said Vitzthum. “He means the world to me, he means the world to this program. It was the moment we’ve all been waiting for and it felt dang good to see.”
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USD defense keeps Eastern Washington at bay
Pierre wasn’t the only Coyote to stand out in the Yotes’ offensive explosion that saw them total 517 yards. Redshirt freshman quarterback Austyn Modrzewski threw for 245 yards along with three touchdowns.
“Really just trusting in our planning, our coaching and everything,” said Modrzewski after the game. “And the game plan especially. Just as long as we can keep executing throughout the week during practice, I think the results will show on Saturday.
“That throw is a lot harder than you think,” said Vitzthum. “A couple of those deep throws like that. And he makes them look pretty good. So I think Austyn’s right where we want him.”
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The Coyotes will now prepare to play one of their toughest opponents of the season, with a trip to play an FBS opponent, Boise State.
“It’s going to be a tremendous test for us on the road this week against a well coached Boise State football team who obviously played with Oregon in the first week and then had a pretty dominant win last week against Memphis.”
The Coyotes game against Boise State is set for Saturday at 9 p.m., with the game being streamed on CBS Sports and the Coyote Sports Network.
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