University of South Dakota opens football season with road win at Illinois State
Feb. 27—NORMAL, Ill. — Seven forced turnovers from the University of South Dakota defense helped the Coyotes climb out of a 17-0 hole early and knock off No. 7 Illinois State 27-20 in the spring 2021 college football season opener for both teams.
Carson Camp, a true freshman who played his high school ball less than two miles from Hancock Stadium, got the start at quarterback and passed for 221 yards, ran for 20 and accounted for all three Coyote touchdowns. He became the first true freshman quarterback since 1999 to start a game for USD and the first to start a season opener in recorded history.
His touchdown pass 5 minutes into the third quarter to Carter Bell gave the Coyotes a 24-17 lead that they would not give back. Bell had 64 yards receiving in the victory.
Illinois State outgained USD 447-300, and led 17-0 before five consecutive turnovers helped the Coyotes turn the game around. It had a late chance to tie the game, driving to the USD 17-yard-line but quarterback Bryce Jefferson threw his fourth interception of the game to South Dakota's Elijah Reed. Myles Harden made two interceptions for USD, which was making its season debut after having last week's opening game vs. Western Illinois postponed due to COVID-19.
USD continues its season on the road in a Thursday, March 4 game at North Dakota, which defeated No. 3 South Dakota State 28-17 on Saturday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. in Grand Forks.
