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First-Year Head Coaches:: Travis Johansen (South Dakota) and Joe Woodley (Drake) will face off, having previously coached together at Grand View University.
Series History:: South Dakota holds a 4-0 all-time record against Drake.
Drake's Offense:: Drake's wide receiver Hank Foley has been a standout, with 8 receptions for 181 yards and 3 touchdowns. Quarterback Xavier Washington leads the passing game.
South Dakota's Focus:: Coach Johansen emphasizes improving execution and starting fast to prevent Drake from gaining momentum.
Why This Matters:: This game is crucial for both teams as they look to solidify their strategies and build confidence before entering conference play. For South Dakota, it's about honing their skills, while Drake aims to prove their mettle against a Missouri Valley Conference opponent.
South Dakota is coming off a win against Northern Colorado, while Drake is looking to rebound from a loss against South Dakota State. Drake showed resilience against SDSU, with freshman quarterback Logan Inagawa stepping up due to an injury to Xavier Washington. However, their defense struggled against SDSU's rushing attack.
For South Dakota, the key will be to start strong and maintain momentum throughout the game. Coach Johansen is focused on improving execution and ensuring the team doesn't allow Drake to gain confidence early on. The Coyotes will need to contain Drake's passing game, particularly Hank Foley, and capitalize on their own offensive opportunities.
Drake's Joe Woodley is looking for his first win against a Missouri Valley Conference team since 2007. With a strong passing attack led by Washington and Foley, the Bulldogs have the potential to challenge South Dakota's defense. However, they will need to improve their run defense to slow down the Coyotes' offense.
What is the series history between South Dakota and Drake?
South Dakota leads the all-time series 4-0.
What is unique about the coaches in this game?
Both South Dakota's Travis Johansen and Drake's Joe Woodley are in their first year as head coaches and previously coached together at Grand View University.
What are the key offensive players to watch for Drake?
Wide receiver Hank Foley and quarterback Xavier Washington.
This game features two first-year head coaches with a prior coaching connection, adding a personal dynamic to the contest.
South Dakota has historically dominated Drake, but Drake's offense, led by Hank Foley, poses a threat.
Both teams are using this game to prepare for their respective conference schedules, making execution and momentum crucial.
Do you think Drake can overcome their historical struggles against South Dakota? Share your predictions below!
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