Coyotes freeze Penguins

VERMILLION, S.D. (GoYotes.com) —South Dakota opened with four long touchdown drives and was never threatened in steamrolling Youngstown State 56-21 Saturday before nearly 5,000 fans on Military Appreciation Day inside the DakotaDome.

Running backs Kai Henry and Canaan Brooks led a Coyote ground effort that surpassed 300 yards for the second game in a row and for the third time this season. Henry, who carried 13 times for a game-high 130 yards, became the first USD back since Amos Allen in 2007 to surpass the century mark three games in a row. Brooks added a career-best 112 yards on 11 carries. The two combined for three touchdowns.

Austin Simmons provided balance through the air, completing 13 of 21 passes for 180 yards and four touchdowns in three quarters of work. It was the third time this season and fourth time in his career that he has thrown four scores. He also ran for 72 yards including a 10-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

The Coyote defense produced six sacks and held Youngstown State to 66 yards rushing and 312 yards total. The Penguins entered with the nation’s 22nd-ranked ground attack at 204 yards per game. Joe Alessi, YSU’s leading rusher entering play, ran just four times for six yards. Braxton Chapman gained 43 yards on 13 carries. The Penguins averaged less than two yards a run.

South Dakota (4-6, 3-3 MVFC) next takes on top-ranked and unbeaten North Dakota State (10-0, 6-0) next Saturday in a 2:30 p.m. kick inside the Fargodome. The Bison topped Western Illinois 57-21 Saturday in Fargo.