The Cougars couldn't have chosen a more appropriate time for an offensive explosion, scoring a season high 71 points infront of a homecoming crowd of 3,020 Saturday night at Bob Young Field. Tonight's win put USF back in the winning column at 4-3 on the season and extends their win streak to four.
USF pounced on the Hardrockers early in the first quarter, forcing two SDSM&T fumbles. The second recovered fumble resulted in the game's first score. Taylor Perkins called his own number from nine yards out to give the Cougars an 7-0 lead with 12:06 left in the first quarter.
On the ensuing SDSM&T possession, Kolten Jelden boomed a 58 yard punt to dangerous USF returnman Michael Hicks. Hicks made him pay, covering nearly 130 yards on a 90 yard punt return for a touchdown. Hicks' return tied for the longest punt return in USF history (90 yards1960) and marked his second consecutive game with a touchdown return.
The second quarter would only get worse for the Hardrockers as USF scored two on the ground and two through the air for 28 points in the quarter and a 42-0 lead at half. Perkins hooked up with his favorite targets, Hicks for a 20 yard score and Jeremiah Oates for a 52 yard completion, while Jordan Taylor added runs of 25 yards and nine yards for scores.
The Cougars continued to lay it on the Hardrockers in the second half, where they would find the endzone four more times. The third quarter was the Perkins-Oates show as Perkins ran for a score and tossed two more touchdowns to Oates.
In his first home start under center, Perkins finished with 169 yards and career high four TD's completing nine of his 16 passes. He also added 66 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns.
At receiver Jeremiah Oates had a big day, snagging three TD receptions to tally a team high eight on the year. He finished with just shy of the century mark with 99 yards on four catches.
Jordan Taylor recorded his third consecutive 100 yard game today. He finished with 137 yards and two TD's.
The Cougar defense that held SDSM&T to only 70 total yards was led by Matt White. He finished with 10 tackles and one interception. Chipping in for USF was Brandon Andersen, he recorded a season high four tackles for a loss.
USF looks to continue their win streak next Saturday (Oct.29) as they host Minot in their final home game of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
