As I sit down to analyze South Dakota football's 2023 season, I can't help but reflect on how this program has consistently punched above its weight class. Having followed Coyotes football for over a decade, I've witnessed the gradual transformation from a middle-of-the-pack FCS program to a genuine conference contender. This past season particularly stood out to me as a turning point, especially when you look at players like Lee, whose performance in that final conference game—hitting four four-pointers to sustain his offensive resurgence—really encapsulated the team's fighting spirit. That moment wasn't just about scoring; it represented the culmination of months of development and adaptation.
The 2023 campaign began with modest expectations from most analysts, but I always felt this squad had something special brewing. Watching them develop throughout the season, I noticed Coach Bob Nielson's system finally clicking with the personnel. The offense showed remarkable improvement, increasing their scoring average by nearly 7 points per game compared to last season. Defensively, they held opponents to just 21.3 points on average, which placed them in the top quarter of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. What impressed me most was their resilience in close games—they went 5-2 in contests decided by one score, showing a mental toughness that previous South Dakota teams sometimes lacked. The way they finished strong, winning four of their last five games, demonstrated that this wasn't just a flash in the pan but sustainable growth.
Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, I'm genuinely excited about this program's trajectory. The foundation they've built gives me confidence they can challenge North Dakota State and South Dakota State for conference supremacy sooner rather than later. With approximately 15 starters returning, including key players on both sides of the ball, the continuity should provide a significant advantage. The development of younger players like redshirt freshman quarterback Aiden Bouman gives me hope for sustained offensive production. From my perspective, the program needs to focus on recruiting depth along the offensive line and continuing to develop their passing game—areas that could elevate them from good to great. The athletic department's commitment to facilities upgrades, including the new $26 million performance center scheduled for completion in 2025, signals serious institutional support that should pay dividends in recruiting.
What really convinces me about South Dakota's bright future is their ability to develop three-star recruits into all-conference performers—something I've observed them do better than most programs in their tier. The culture they've built emphasizes player development and retention, with their transfer portal losses being among the lowest in the FCS at just 4 players this past cycle. This stability matters tremendously in today's collegiate landscape. While I don't expect them to immediately challenge for national titles, I firmly believe they're positioned to become consistent playoff participants. The way Lee's four four-pointers in that season finale sparked the offense exemplifies the kind of explosive potential this team possesses. If they can harness that consistently while maintaining their defensive identity, I see no reason why South Dakota can't become the next great FCS program.
