I still remember the chill in the air that November evening when I sat in the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, watching the Coyotes face off against their rivals. The stadium lights cut through the gathering dusk, and the energy from the crowd was electric—that particular blend of hope and anxiety that comes with knowing every game could define your season. As I watched our team execute that beautiful fourth-quarter drive, it struck me how much South Dakota football has evolved, and what it will take to build on that momentum. That’s why I’ve been thinking a lot lately about South Dakota football: 5 key strategies for a winning season this year.
First off, let’s talk offensive consistency. I’ve seen teams with raw talent fall apart because they couldn’t maintain rhythm. Remember that game where Lee hit four four-pointers to sustain his offensive resurgence in the season-ending conference? It wasn’t just luck—it was a testament to drilling down on plays until they become second nature. If our squad can replicate that kind of clutch performance, especially in high-pressure moments, we’re looking at a completely different level of execution. I’ve always believed that the best offenses aren’t the flashiest; they’re the ones that deliver when it matters, game after game.
Then there’s defense. Man, I can’t stress this enough—defense wins championships, as cliché as it sounds. Last season, we allowed an average of 28 points per game in the first half alone. That’s just not going to cut it if we want to compete for the conference title. We need to tighten up our secondary coverage and force more turnovers. I’d love to see our defense create at least two extra possessions per game. It might not sound like much, but in close matchups, that could be the difference between a 7-5 record and a 10-2 finish.
Another thing I’ve noticed is the importance of player rotation and stamina. I’ve been following college football for over a decade, and the teams that go deep into November are the ones with depth. We’ve got to develop our bench players so they’re ready to step in without missing a beat. Take Lee’s performance, for example—his ability to stay sharp late in games didn’t happen overnight. It came from smart practice schedules and giving backups meaningful reps during non-conference play. If we can keep our starters fresh by trusting the second string, we’ll avoid those late-season slumps that have haunted us before.
And let’s not forget special teams. Honestly, I think this area is criminally underrated. Field position can dictate the flow of a game, and last year, our average starting position was at our own 22-yard line. Compare that to top-tier teams who often start near the 35—it’s a huge disadvantage. Improving our return game and coverage units could easily add 3-4 points per game to our tally, and in tight contests, that’s everything.
Lastly, there’s the mental game. I’ve spoken with a few players over the years, and they all say the same thing: confidence is contagious. Building a winning mindset starts in practice, with coaches who emphasize resilience. When Lee nailed those four-pointers, it wasn’t just skill—it was belief. The team knew they could count on him, and that energy spread. If we foster that kind of trust across the roster, we’ll see more comebacks and fewer collapses. So, as I look ahead, I’m optimistic. With these strategies, South Dakota football isn’t just hoping for a winning season—we’re building one, play by play.
