VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) — No. 4 USD advanced to the FCS quarterfinals with a 42-31 win over No. 13 Tarleton State at DakotaDome Saturday afternoon. The Coyotes scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to prevail.
Travis Theis tied the game at 28 with his third TD of the game in the opening minute of the quarter. After the Texans retook the lead with a field goal, South Dakota took its first lead of the game on an end-around play that resulted in Carter Bell finding the endzone. Just four minutes later, Quaron Adams reeled off a 70-yard run to extend the advantage to double figures.
The two teams traded touchdowns in the first half, and the Texans took a 21-14 lead into halftime with a TD with 38 seconds left.
In the third, Keyondray Jones-Logan made a highlight reel play as a pass to the endzone was intended for Hayden Erickson, but it was tipped and the sophomore caught it for a touchdown to tie the game at 21.
South Dakota (10-2) outgained Tarleton State 509-477, including 296-98 on the ground.
Aidan Bouman finished 18-of-22 for 213 yards and two passing TDs. Theis racked up 130 rushing yards and three touchdowns, tying the program’s rushing touchdown record. Bell tallied 98 receiving yards and one score on five catches.
USD is now set to face UC Davis in the quarterfinals next weekend.
