The University of Sioux Falls clicked on all cylinders Saturday afternoon, pouring a season high 44 points on Black Hills State University at Bob Young Field. Today's meeting was the in-state rival's first meeting since 1999 and their 32nd all-time. The Yellow Jackets lead the series 19-12-1.
USF moved the ball well on their first drive, cruising 60 yards on 11 plays, where they showed early offensive balance calling six run plays and five passes. Although the Cougars started with a 1st and goal from the BHSU 10 yard line, they were held to a 25 yard Braden Wieking field goal, following a costly offensive pass interference in the redzone.
Following a three and out, Levi Milikin set up for a punt on his own 9 yard line. USF brought pressure and Angelo Pree slipped through to record his second blocked kick of the season. He would then go on to return his block for a score to give USF a 10-3 lead. Pree's return marks his second defensive touchdown on the season.
The two teams traded field goals in the second quarter, two from Wieking and one from Devin Rounds gave USF a 16-3 lead at the break.
The Cougars proved the two quarterback system can work, bringing in Taylor Perkins for the second half after starting Carrington Hanna. Perkins took full advantage on his first drive back from injury; connecting with Jeremiah Oates on a 25 yard pass with 12:45 left in the third quarter. Oates' catch ended his two game scoring drought as he started the year with a TD catch in each of the first three games.
"Hick's for six" also ended his scoring drought as he found the end-zone twice today. First Hicks made the Yellow Jackets pay for kicking to him, returning a punt 85 yards for his second return for a touchdown this season, coming just five yards short of breaking the USF single return record. Next Hicks displayed his deep threat ability as a wide receiver, hauling in a 28 yard pass from Hanna for his first touchdown reception of the year.
With the large lead USF played the possession game in the fourth quarter and ran the ball. Jordan Taylor punched one in late with 2:48 left in the game to ends the Cougars' scoring. BHSU's Ryan Fagerstrom and Reed Rauman each recorded a receiving touchdown in the fourth quarter.
On offense Jordan Taylor broke the century mark for the second week in a row, rushing for 148 of the Cougars 176 yards on the ground. At quarterback, Hanna finished 6-13 for 96 yards, while Perkins went 5-8 for 101 yards and two TDs. Saturday marked the first time USF has not thrown an interception this season.
Robert Virgil and Michael Frericks each swiped one interception for USF's eighth interception in three wins. Virgil's was his third in three games and Frericks marks his second on the season. Nick Bonte led the Cougars with six tackles, two for a loss.
USF, continues their homestand next Saturday (Oct. 22) when they host South Dakota Tech for homecoming week. Kickoff is scheduled for 6p.m.
