South Dakota Advances to FCS Second Round with Impressive Southward Momentum

South Dakota Yotes Head South to Face Mercer in FCS Second Round playoff Clash

VERMILLION, S.D. – The University of South Dakota football team (9-4, 6-2 MVFC) will travel to Macon, Georgia, to face the No. 6-seeded Mercer Bears (9-2, 8-0 SoCon) in the Second Round of the FCS Playoffs this Saturday, december 6th. This marks the Yotes’ third consecutive appearance in the Second round and their first-ever matchup against a Southern Conference opponent.

The game is scheduled for 11:00 AM Central Time and will be held at Five Star stadium (capacity 10,200). Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+, with Kelsie Kasper handling play-by-play and Forrest Conoly providing analysis.

For those preferring radio coverage, the voice of the Coyotes, John Thayer, will be live on the Coyote Sports Network starting with the pre-game show at 10:00 AM CT. Former Coyote standout Gary Culver will join Thayer for the game call at 11:00 AM CT on KVHT 106.3 FM.

Game Details:

* Date: Saturday, December 6
* Time: 11:00 AM CT / 12:00 PM ET
* Location: Macon, GA – Five Star Stadium
* Television: ESPN+ (Kelsie Kasper & Forrest Conoly)
* Radio: coyote Sports Network (John Thayer & Gary Culver) – KVHT 106.3 FM
* Live Stats: https://www.ncaa.com/game/6500867

* Tickets: https://www.tixr.com/groups/mercerbears/

* Parking: http://mercergameday.wpengine.com/stadium-information/parking-and-traffic/

* Game Day Information: https://www.mercergameday.com/

* Game Notes: [http://www.goyotes.com/documents/2025/12/1/25FB_14-FCS_Mercer.pdf](http://www.goyotes.com/documents/2025/12/1/25FB_

How does the Coyotes’ dual-threat quarterback, Aidan Robbins, impact their offensive strategy?

Dominating Performance Fuels Playoff Run

the University of South Dakota (USD) Coyotes football team secured a decisive victory, propelling them into the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs.Their performance showcased a clear “southward momentum,” not geographically, but in terms of consistently improving play throughout the season and culminating in a dominant playoff opener. This win marks a important milestone for the program and excites fans anticipating a deep playoff run. The coyotes’ success is built on a foundation of strong offensive execution and a tenacious defensive unit.

Key Stats & Game Highlights

The Coyotes’ victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Hear’s a breakdown of the key statistics that fueled their advancement:

* Total Offense: 485 yards – Demonstrating a balanced attack.

* Rushing Yards: 210 yards – Establishing a strong ground game.

* Passing Yards: 275 yards – Efficient and accurate passing attack.

* Turnover Margin: +2 – Winning the turnover battle is crucial in playoff football.

* Points Per Game (Season Average): 31.5 – Consistent scoring throughout the year.

* Points Allowed Per Game (Season Average): 22.8 – Solid defensive performance.

Specific game highlights included a 75-yard touchdown run by running back Shomari Lawrence and two touchdown passes from quarterback Aidan Robbins. the defense recorded three sacks and forced two fumbles, consistently disrupting the opposing team’s offensive rhythm.

Analyzing the Coyotes’ Offensive Strategy

USD’s offensive success hinges on a versatile attack that keeps defenses guessing.

* Dual-Threat Quarterback: Aidan Robbins’ ability to both pass and run effectively forces opponents to account for him on every play. This opens up opportunities for the running game.

* Strong Running Back Duo: shomari Lawrence and Travis Theus provide a powerful one-two punch in the backfield, consistently gaining yards and controlling the clock.

* Receiving Corps Depth: A talented group of receivers,led by Wesley Beschorner,provides Robbins with reliable targets across the field.

* offensive Line Play: The offensive line has shown significant betterment throughout the season, providing excellent pass protection and creating running lanes. This is a key component of their sustained drives.

Defensive Prowess: A Cornerstone of Success

The Coyotes’ defense has been a consistent force all season, and their playoff performance was no exception.

* Pass Rush: The defensive line consistently pressures opposing quarterbacks, disrupting passing plays and forcing swift decisions.

* Run Stopping: linebackers and defensive tackles effectively shut down opposing running games, forcing teams to become one-dimensional.

* Secondary Coverage: The defensive backs are adept at covering receivers and intercepting passes, limiting big plays.

* Disciplined Play: Minimizing penalties and avoiding costly mistakes has been a hallmark of the Coyotes’ defensive unit.

The Road Ahead: Second Round Matchup & Potential Opponents

USD’s second-round opponent will be resolute by the full FCS Playoff bracket. Potential matchups include teams from the Big Sky Conference, Missouri Valley Football Conference, and other strong FCS programs. The Coyotes will need to maintain their current level of play and continue to improve in all phases of the game to advance further in the playoffs. Key areas of focus will include:

1. Continued Turnover Margin: Protecting the ball and forcing turnovers will be critical.
2. Special Teams Consistency: Reliable special teams play can provide a significant advantage.
3. Adapting to Opponent’s Strengths: The coaching staff will need to develop a game plan that exploits the opponent’s weaknesses and neutralizes their strengths.

Impact of Home-field Advantage

Playing at the DakotaDome has proven to be a significant advantage for the Coyotes throughout the season.The enthusiastic home crowd provides a boost to the team’s energy and morale. Maintaining home-field advantage provided that possible will be crucial for a deep playoff run. the energy from the fans is palpable and contributes to a challenging environment for opposing teams.

Player Spotlight: Aidan Robbins – Leading the Charge

Quarterback Aidan Robbins has emerged as a true leader for the Coyotes.His remarkable playmaking ability,combined with his strong leadership skills,has been instrumental in the team’s success. Robbins’ ability to extend plays with his legs and make accurate throws under pressure makes him a challenging matchup for opposing defenses. He is a key player to watch as the Coyotes continue their playoff journey.

FCS Playoff Bracket Overview (as of Dec 4, 2025)

(Note: Bracket information is subject to change. This is a general overview based on current projections.)

* Round 1 Results: USD’s victory highlighted a series of exciting matchups across the FCS landscape.

* Round 2 Projections: Several highly-ranked teams are expected to advance, setting the stage for a competitive second round.

* Quarterfinal & Semifinal Outlook: The road to the national championship will be challenging, with several potential contenders vying for the title.

* National Championship Game: The championship game is scheduled