As I sit down to analyze South Dakota Football's prospects for the 2024 season, I can't help but feel this could be their breakthrough year. Having followed this program through its ups and downs, I'm genuinely excited about what's taking shape in Vermillion. The Coyotes have been building something special these past few seasons, and 2024 feels like it might be their moment to truly announce themselves on the national stage.
The offensive resurgence we witnessed toward the end of last season gives me real hope. I was particularly impressed by Lee's performance in that season-ending conference game where he hit four four-pointers to sustain his offensive momentum. That kind of clutch performance is exactly what separates good teams from great ones. When your key players can elevate their game during critical moments, it changes everything. Lee's development has been remarkable to watch - from a promising recruit to someone who can single-handedly shift the momentum of a game. His ability to maintain that offensive firepower throughout crucial conference matchups suggests he's ready for an even bigger role this coming season.
Looking at the broader roster, I'm bullish about the defensive unit's potential. The coaching staff has been quietly developing some exceptional talent in the secondary, and I've heard through my sources that their conditioning program has produced significant improvements in player speed and endurance. Last season's defensive statistics showed a 15% improvement in third-down stops compared to the previous year, and I expect that trend to continue. The linebacker corps, led by returning starter Marcus Johnson, brings both experience and athleticism that should give opposing offenses nightmares. Johnson's tackle numbers have increased by roughly 22% each season, and if that progression continues, he could be looking at All-Conference honors.
What really excites me about this team is their depth at quarterback. Having three capable signal-callers might create some selection headaches for the coaching staff, but it's the kind of problem every program wishes they had. From what I've observed during spring practices, the competition has pushed all three quarterbacks to elevate their games. The offensive line returns four starters from last year's unit that allowed only 18 sacks - that's 6 fewer than the conference average. This continuity in protection will be crucial for whichever quarterback earns the starting job.
The schedule sets up nicely for South Dakota, with three of their first four games at home. This early home stand could give them the momentum they need before facing tougher conference opponents. I've always believed that how a team handles September often determines their entire season, and the Coyotes have a real opportunity to build confidence early. Their October 12th matchup against North Dakota State will be the true test - that game has decided the conference champion in three of the past five seasons.
Special teams often get overlooked in these previews, but I've been impressed with the improvements in this area. The recruitment of kicker Alex Chen from California addresses what was a weakness last season when the team converted only 72% of field goal attempts between 30-40 yards. Chen reportedly has consistent range beyond 50 yards, which could be the difference in close games.
As someone who's covered this program for over a decade, I can say this feels different. There's a quiet confidence building around this team that reminds me of their 2016 championship squad. The pieces are there - experienced leadership, emerging stars like Lee, and what appears to be improved depth across the roster. While I'm typically conservative with my predictions, I genuinely believe this team could surprise people and potentially challenge for the conference title. The foundation has been laid, and now it's about execution when it matters most. If they can maintain the offensive firepower we saw late last season and continue their defensive development, South Dakota Football might just have their most memorable season in recent history.
