SIOUX FALLS (Oct. 15 2015) -- The #4/5 USF Football Team (6-0, 2-0 NSIC South), hits the road for a key NSIC South game against Southwest Minnesota State (5-1, 1-1 NSIC South) at 6 p.m., on Saturday night at Mattke Field at the Schwan Region Event Center in Marshall, Minn.

The matchup pits two of the NSIC's best offenses against each other with USF leading the league with 45.5 points per game and 517.2 yards in total offense. USF is sixth nationally in scoring and eighth in total offense. Meanwhile SMSU ranks fourth in the league at 34.7 points per game. The Mustangs rebounded from a 48-23 loss to Augustana to roll past Wayne State, 61-3 in Wayne last Saturday. SMSU also has wins over Minot State (21-20), Bemidji State (34-30), St. Cloud State (21-20), and MSUM (48-9).

USF has won 18-of-19 games, including 17 by double digits. The Cougars have won nine straight games dating to a year ago and recorded an 11th straight win at Bob Young Field on Saturday with its 51-30 win over Winona State.

This season on the road, the Cougars stand 3-0 with a combined 132-41 margin. USF has a 45-21 win over Minnesota-Crookston, 28-10 over Northern State (Gypsy Days) and 59-10 at Wayne State. In fact USF has 13 wins in 19 league road games.

USF Head Coach Jed Stugart records 50th win

In the 51-30 win over Winona State, USF head coach Jed Stugart recorded his 50th win at the school. Stugart is 50-13 (.791) at USF and 76-20 in his career.

USF-SMSU Series Notes

USF owns a 4-3 lead in the all-time series with Southwest Minnesota State, but have won three straight in a series that started in 1968. A year ago, the Cougars defeated SMSU, 44-20, at Bob Young Field. In the win, USF forced seven turnovers, including three interceptions by Solomon St. Pierre, who had a pick six (35 yards). USF QB Luke Papilion threw for 282 yards and two TDs while rushing for 75 yards. In the first meeting (1968) between the schools, USF took a 13-6 win over SMSU 2012. Two years ago, the Cougars won a shootout with SMSU, 55-48, in a game that produced 1,446 yards in total offense. Three years ago, USF captured a 41-22 win. The last win by SMSU was a 24-6 decision on Oct. 20 1979.

Cougars ranked in top five in three major D2 polls/rankings

For the second straight week, the University of Sioux Falls Football Team has been ranked in the top five by three major D2 football polling organizations. This week, the Cougars retained the #4 spot in the D2Football.com poll, while moving up to #5 in the AFCA Coaches Poll. USF is also #4 in David Boyce's D2 power rankings at NCAA.com, The rankings are the highest ever by a USF football team in DII each of the polls. The last time USF was ranked in the top-five of a national poll occurred in 2010 when the #1 Cougars face #2 Carroll College in the NAIA national title game.

Where to Watch/Listen

The radio broadcast will be on KWSN 1230 AM at KWSN.com with veteran play-by-play announcer Tom Frederick, who is in his 18th year with the Cougars. Tim Hiatt is in his 15th year as the analyst on the USF game broadcasts. The Jed Stugart Pre-game Show airs 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Join Tom and Tim after the game for a wrap-up and interviews. Live stats are available at usfcougars.com with each game webcast through the NSIC's partnership with Stretch Internet. All USF games are available for live streaming at portal.stretchinternet.com/siouxfalls.

Seven to be inducted into USF Athletics Hall of Fame Oct. 23

Seven individuals with ties to the University of Sioux Falls will be inducted into the USF Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 23-24 during induction ceremonies at the McDonald's Center on campus. The 2015 Class of seven raises the USF Hall of Fame list to 35. Inductees will include Tim Dykstra, one of two 1,000-point, 1,000-rebound men's basketball performers in school history; Kalen DeBoer, who starred in baseball and football, winning national football championships both as a player and head football coach at USF; David Ruter, the career rushing yardage leader who played key role on the 1996 NAIA national championship football team; Bob Garry, one of the school's best ever defensive backs; Stephanie (Austin) Myers, who ranks among the best all-time women's basketball players; Misten Wassink Langenfeld, who set numerous records and ranks among the best volleyball players in school history; and the late Reed Beier, a two-time all-league football player, who later became one of the biggest USF supporters. The Hall of Fame dinner ceremony will begin with a social at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and the induction event at 7 p.m. Long-time play-by-play announcer Tom Frederick will serve as master of ceremonies. USF President Mark Benedetto will welcome attendees and inductees. In addition, USF Director of Athletics Josh Snyder will provide an update on USF Athletics and present Hall of Fame honorees with their induction gift. For those planning to attend Hall of Fame ceremonies, an induction dinner/game ticket package will be available for $35. Individuals choosing to attend only the game can purchase football game tickets for $15 for general admission and $20 for reserved. Others wishing to attend only the banquet, may purchase a ticket for $25 by calling the USF Athletics office at 605-670-6791.

Southwest Minnesota State Notes

About SMSU

The SMSU offense is off to a fast start in 2015. Averaging 34.7 ppg, the Mustangs are 5-1 and ranking fourth in the league (43rd nationally) in scoring while sitting sixth in scoring defense at 21.7 ppg. By allowing just three points at Wayne State last weekend, the Mustangs had the best showing on defense since shutting down Waldorf College in 2004. The offense is led by Blake Gimbel who is sixth in the league at 255.7 yards per game. He has completed 128-of-199 passes for 1,534 yards and 14 TDs. Senior running back Davontay Stevens is having a solid year, leading the league with 110 yards rushing per game (137-660-6 TDs). Backup Ashanti Payne is eighth in the NSIC at 75.7 yards per game (93-454-3 TDs). In rushing offense, SMSU ranks just behind USF (229.8 yards per game) at 220.0 with 13 rushing TDs. They sit fifth in the league in passing (275.3 yards per game). The receiving corps are led by junior Ty Steffensen with 33 catches for 328 yards and two TDs. Defensively, linebacker Tyler Flud lead the way with 44 tackles with 3.5 TFLs and a sack. Defensive end A.J. Page had 37 stops and 11.0 TFLs, which ranks second in the league and 19th in DII.

On SMSU HC Cory Sauter

SMSU's Cory Sauter is in his sixth season with an overall record of 26-36, including 25-34 in conference games. Sauter's 26 victories is tied for second with Eric Eidsness (2004-09) among 10 head coaches in program history. Gary Buer (1979-92) is the program leader with 70 victories. In March 2010, Sauter was promoted to head coach after two seasons as an assistant coach with the Mustangs. In 2009, Sauter was the offensive coordinator, after being hired as a quarterbacks coach in 2008.

Sioux Falls Notes

St. Pierre ranks in top-3 nationally in int., passes defended

Solomon St. Pierre, a senior cornerback from Wagner, S.D., has a league-best five picks, which ranks third nationally. With 17 interceptions in the last 19 games and 18 overall, he has drawn into a tie for first place all-time at USF. In addition, St. Pierre is tied for 1st nationally (Curt Pumphrey, Bowie State) for career interceptions among active players. St. Pierre, whose 15 passes defended in 2015 ranks second nationally and first in the NSIC, sits fifth among active players in the NCAA with 44 passes defended. With his fourth pick-six of his career vs. Wayne State (77 yards) on Oct. 3, 2015, St. Pierre tied USF"s all-time record of 18 interceptions held by John Fuller from 1982-85. St. Pierre, who already has tied Porter for the season record at USF with 10 in 2014, was named the HERO National Defensive Preseason Player of the Year this summer, nine tackles and three pass breakups with seven passes defended so far in 2015. St. Pierre has been selected to the 2015 Preseason Lindy's Sports Magazine Division II All-American first team defense at cornerback. He was also named to the Instant Scouting as well as the USA College Football preseason All-American teams in 2015. Last fall, he was selected to six All-American teams (AFCA, AP Little All-American, D2football.com, Daktronics, Don Hansen, BeyondSportsNetwork.com), All-NSIC, and to the Daktronics Super Region 3 Team in 2014. In his career, St. Pierre has appeared in 35 games, making 24 starts with 128 career tackles and 94 solo stops. On his 18 interceptions, he has 446 yards, which ranks first all-time at USF. His 10 interceptions in 2014 led NCAA DII and he ranked second for picks per game at .8. A year ago he had an NCAA DII best 214 interception return yards. He also had two interception returns for TD (76, 35), which was tied with four others with the most in DII. He has had five games with at least two interceptions, twice with three picks, St. Pierre has had four interception TD returns (76, 35, 70, 77) and had one called back due to a penalty in the win over NSU.

Papilion named D2Football.com National Player of the Week; Papilion, Groeneweg named NSIC POWs

On Oct. 14, junior quarterback Luke Papilion was named the D2Football.com national Player of the Week after leading USF to a 51-30 win over Winona State. Papilion, who was also named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week, set a USF game record with 506 yards in total offense while putting up a career best 413 passing yards and six combined TDs (five passing).

This year the Cougars have had a pair of players named NSIC Players of the Week. Aside from Papilion (Oct. 12), sophomore Kyle Groeneweg was named the NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week on Oct. 5 after putting together a big performance in a 59-10 win over Wayne State on Sept. 12. Groeneweg, a 5-11, 175 wide receiver/kick returner from Inwood, Iowa, averaged 36.0 yards on four kick or punt returns and set a school-record with a 99-yard kickoff return in the first quarter of the win against the Wildcats in Wayne, Neb. After Wayne State took a 3-0 lead, Groeneweg took the ensuing kickoff back for a TD as he found a seam on the right side to provide the Cougars with a 7-3 lead, which they never relinquished. The return broke a 34-year old school record held by James Kennerly, who had a 98-yard kickoff return in 1981. Groeneweg has had three punt returns for 55 yards, including a career-best 28-yard return that set up another USF TD on Saturday. He also hauled in a 29-yard reception.

USF's "lightning fast" offense

In USF's spread offense, Harlon Hill candidate Luke Papilion and his teammates, directed by offensive coordinator Dusty Hovorka, have fashioned an offense that strikes lighting quick. In the last 18 games, USF has had 70 TD drives in three minutes or less. Of that, 42 TD drives have taken less than two minutes with 20 in under a minute. In 28 of those 72 drives, USF scored in four plays or less. In 2015, USF has 28 TD drives of three minutes with 18 in under two minutes and nine in one minute. The Cougars have two one-play drives.

TD Drives -- 3 minutes or less (plays, time, result)

U-Mary

~ Nick Stanke, 22 yd pass from Papilion, 7 plays 55 yards, 1:56,, 13:04 1st Q

~ Max Mickey, 1 yd. run, 7 plays, 34 yards, 2:10, 6:46, 1st Q

~ Brady Rose, 34 yd. pass from Papilion, 1 play, 34 yards, :06, TD, 5:39, 1st Q

~ Justin Fulks, 1 yd. run, 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:44, 3:05, 2nd Q

~ Josh Angulo 31 yd. pass from Papilion, 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:41, 9:13, 3rd

~ Justin Fulks 1 yd. run, 4 plays, 67 yards, 1:29, 6:14, 3rd Q

~ Jason Towns 12 yd. run, 6 plays, 57 yards, 1:51, 2:06, 3rd Q

Minnesota-Crookston

~ Garrett Shutt, 27-yd pass from Papilion, 2 plays, 36 yards, :12, 14:52, 2nd Q

~ Max Mickey 6 yd. run, 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:07, 12:31, 2nd Q

~ Garrett Shutt 15 yd. pass from Papilion, 7 plays, 63 yards, 1:52, 2:50 2nd Q

~ Josh Angulo 12 yd. pass from Papilion, 3 plays, 13 yards, :52, 11:48, 3rd Q

~ Brady Rose 10 yd. pass from Papilion, 4 plays, 26 yards, :51, 2:36, 3rd Q.

Minnesota-Duluth

~ Max Mickey 70 yd. run, 1 play, 70 yards, :13, :59 1st Q

~ Luke Papilion 17 yd. run, 3 plays, 61 yards, :45, 13:10, 2nd Q

~ Luke Papilion 56 yd. run, 2 plays, 71 yards, :18, 2:18, 2nd Q

~ Max Mickey 1 yd. run, 7 plays, 61 yards, 1:28, :18 2nd Q

Northern State

~ Garrett Shutt 44 yd. pass from Papilion, 3 plays, 53 yards, :55, :41, 1st Q

~ Garrett Shutt 15 yd. pass from Papilion, 6 plays, 48 yards, 2:24, 4:22 2nd Q

Wayne State

~Kyle Athmann 31 yd. pass from Papilion, 6 plays, 63 yards, 2:21, 8:31 1st Q

~ Luke Papilion 2 yd. run, 8 plays, 52 yards, 2:53, 1:05, 1st Q

~ Luke Papilion 8 yd. run, 8 plays, 77 yards, 2:55, :49, 2nd Q

~ Josh Angulo 19 yard pass from Papilion, 6 plays, 67 yards, 1:47, 13:07 3rd Q

~ Brady Rose 47 yd. pass from Papilion, 2 plays, 36 yards, :53, 2:42, 3rd Q

~ Jonathan Witt 4 yard run, 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:10, 2:42 3rd Q

Winona State

~ Brady Rose 20-yd. pass from Luke Papilion, 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:12

~ Brady Rose 3 yd. pass from Luke Papilion, six plays 77 yards, 2:18

~ Erik Albeck 16 yd. pass from Luke Papilion, eight plays, 58 yards, 2:55

~ Brady Rose 40-yd. pass from Luke Papilion, three plays, 45 yards, 1:02

USF sits 9-7 vs. ranked opponents

With the 35-31 win over #7 UMD, USF, Coach Jed Stugart teams are 9-7 against DII or NAIA foes in top 25 matchups.

2014: #1 Minnesota State 27 #10 USF 14, Blakeslee Stadium, Mankato, Minn., Nov. 1

2014: USF 36 #17 St. Cloud State 0, Bob Young Field, Sept. 19

2013: #11 Minnesota-Duluth 32 USF 7, Sept. 7, James Malovsky Stadium, Duluth, Minn.

2013: #1 Minnesota-Mankato 52 USF 17, Nov. 9, Bob Young Field 2012: USF 32, #16 St. Cloud State 19, Husky Stadium, St. Cloud, August 30

2012: #6 Minnesota State 27 #17 USF 13, Blakeslee Stadium, Mankato, Minn., Nov. 3

2011: #2 Northwest Missouri State 52 USF 17, Bearcat Stadium, Maryville, Mo., Sept. 10

2011: #18 Washburn University 33, USF 17, Bob Young Field, Sept. 1

At NAIA

2010: #2 Carroll College 10 #1 Sioux Falls 7, Dec. 18, Rome, Ga. (national title game)

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 38 Mid-America Nazarene 0, Dec. 4, Bob Young Field (national semifinals)

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 27 #12 McKendree 7, Nov. 27, Bob Young Field

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 33 Northeast Oklahoma State 14, Nov. 20, Bob Young Field

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 28 #4 Morningside 3, Oct. 16, Bob Young Field

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 34 #22 Hastings College 10, Sept. 25, Hastings, Neb.

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 41 Northwestern College 24, Sept. 4, Korver Field, Orange City, Iowa (Northwestern campus)

Yards...Yards...Yards...Wins

In the DII era (since 2011), the Cougars are 13-1 when totaling more than 500 yards in total offense, including three times in six games this year. USF had season bests in total offense with 661 yards and plays with 98. This season, the Cougars have had three games of 246 yards or more rushing this season with a season-best 280 vs. Minnesota-Crookston. Through the air, USF has had 200 yards four times with a high of 338 in the win over U-Mary in the season opener.

Cougars own one of the best marks all-time in NSIC

Since moving to NCAA DII in 2011, USF has compiled a 31-8 record in NSIC play, which ranks first in percentage at .795. The Cougars are 13-6 in road NSIC games.

Cougars sit 54-3 all-time at Bob Young Field

With a 51-30 win over UMD on Oct. 10, USF improved their home record at Bob Young Field to 54-3 mark (.947). The Cougars, which have won 11 straight at home, were victorious the first 32 games at the stadium and have since taken 23-of-26 at the friendly confines of Young Field. Overall, including play at Howard Wood Field (through 2006), the Cougars have won 74 of the past 77 games and 64-of-66 home conference games, including 47 in the GPAC (NAIA) and 17 as an NSIC member in NCAA DII. Since 2000, USF is 92-8 at home.

By the numbers under Stugart

USF is 47-2 when leading at halftime in the Coach Stugart era. They are 3-9 when trailing at halftime. USF is 39-4 when scoring first and when opponents score first, the Cougars stand 13-9.

Scoring streak hits 120 games

Since moving to DII in 2011, the Cougars have scored 1,773 points in 47 games or 37.72 ppg. In 2015, USF is averaging 45.5 points per game for best in the league. In 15 of past 18 games, they scored at least 35 points. It has been 120 games since USF has failed to score, which was a 55-0 loss to Carroll College in the final game of the 2005. USF had a DII-best 73 points vs. Minnesota State-Moorhead (Sept. 27) in 2014. The previous high was in 2011 when the Cougars defeated the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 71-0. In the past 24 games, USF has scored over 50 points, eight times.

Cougars are 65-0 all-time when scoring 50

When the Cougars reach 50 points, they are 65-0 all-time and 25-0 when scoring over 60 points. They are 7-0 all-time when breaking the 70-point mark. When the Cougars have scored over 40, USF has a 150-1 mark, including 20-1 in DII. When they have scored over 30 points, USF is 222-8. The only time USF has lost when scoring over 40 points was a 45-40 setback to Winona State on Oct. 12, 2013 at Bob Young Field.

Offense lighting it up

With 785 points in the past 18 games (start of 2014 season), USF is averaging 43.61 points. The league's top scoring team in 2015, the Cougars lead the NSIC in total offense at 517.2 per game of which 229.8 comes on the ground and 287.3 through the air. In the past 18 games, the Cougars have scored 106 TDs or 5.9 per game. USF has averaged more than six yards a play in nine of the last 12 games, including seven yards or better in four of the past eight games. With 464 yards on 58 plays vs. UMD, USF registered a season-best 8.0 yards per play average. Last week vs. Wayne State, USF averaged 6.7 yards per play on 69 plays producing 466 yards. On Saturday, USF had season highs of 98 plays and 661 yards in total offense

Yardage - Game-by-Game

9-6-2014 -- Minot State -- 93 plays, 497 yards, 5.34 ypp

9-13-2014 -- Bemidji State -- 93 plays, 477 yards, 5.12 ypp

9-20-2014 -- St. Cloud State -- 87 plays, 417 yards, 4.79 ypp

9-27-2014 -- MSU-Moorhead -- 97 plays, 663 yards, 6.83 ypp

10-4-2014 -- Concordia, SP -- 72 plays, 428 yards, 5.94 ypp

10-11-2014 -- Augustana -- 82 plays, 451 yards, 5.5 ypp

10-18-2014 -- SMSU -- 70 plays, 453 yards, 6.47 ypp

10-25-2014 -- Winona State -- 82 plays, 438 yards, 5.3 ypp

11-1-2014 -- Minnesota State -- 74 plays, 327 yards, 4.4 ypp

11-8-2014 -- Upper Iowa -- 100 plays, 606 yards, 6.06 ypp

11-15-2014 -- Wayne State -- 60 plays, 538 yards, 8.96 ypp

12-6-2014 -- Central Oklahoma -- 70 plays, 503 yards, 7.18 ypp

9-5-2015 -- U-Mary -- 80 plays, 519 yards, 6.48 ypp

9-12-2015 -- Minnesota-Crookston, 79 plays, 562 yards, 7.11 ypp

9-19-2015 -- Minnesota-Duluth, 58 plays, 464 yards, 8.0 ypp

9-26-2015 -- Northern State, 74 plays, 431 yards, 5.8 ypp

10-3-2015 -- Wayne State, 69 plays, 466 yards, 6.7 ypp

10-10-2015 -- Winona State, 98 plays, 661 yards, 6.74 ypp

Harlon Hill Candidate Luke Papilion ranks in D2 top-10 in 3 categories; sits 11th in total offense

USF starting quarterback Luke Papilion is 20-4 as a starter, including 6-0 in 2015. Papilion is the total offense leader in the NSIC (11th nationally) at 341.7 yards per game. Papilion sits fourth nationally in points responsible for with 138 while ranking seventh in points responsible per game (23.0 ppg) and seventh in DII with 18 passing TDs.

The Denver, Colo., sophomore now has completed 403-of-693 passes for 5,208 yards with 50 TDs in his career. This season, the junior has completed 108-of-182 passes for 268.2 yards per game and a league-best 18 TDs. Papilion ranks sixth in the league in passing and is 10th in rushing with 37 carries for a team-best 441 yards and five TDs. Among the league leaders, his 9.4 yards per carry is the best in the NSIC. Named the NSIC's Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 and selected the NSIC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, he sits seventh in career passing yards and ranks fifth in career pass TDs. Papilion's 2,779 yards in 2014 ranks 8th all-time in USF seasonal passing chart. He has accounted for 78 TDs, and 7,620 yards in total offense his career.

In two plus seasons Papilion already has 306 carries for 1,983 rushing yards, which ranks 11th all-time at USF. With 34 yards, Papilion can move into 10th in career rushing at USF (Kevin Moser, 1983-84, 2016). To this point in his career, Papilion has 25 TDs, which is tied for 16th all-time (Erik Cimpl, 25, 2005-08) at USF. He needs two rushing TDs to tie Glenn Thomas (1999-2002) for 15th on the career list with 27 rushing TDs. In addition, Papilion ranks second only Dax Michelena (2,779) in rushing yards by a quarterback.

In 2014, Papilion had 153 carries for 804 yards (2nd in NSIC) and six TDs. As a true freshman, Papilion completed 68-of-150 passes for 820 yards and six TDs. In 2013, he also recorded 108 carries for 738 yards and 14 TDs on the ground, the most by a Cougar since current CFL running back Chevon Walker had 14 in 2010.

USF Top-10 Career Passing Leaders

1. Dax Michelena (1997-2001), 7,665 yards, 72 TDs

2. Kurtiss Riggs (1993-96), 7,329, 85 TDs

3. Chad Cavender (2006-07), 7,083, 64 TDs

4. Ed Koester (1985-89), 6,915, 44 TDs

5. Jon Burckhardt (1999, 01-03), 5,559, 39 TDs

6. Lorenzo Brown (2008-09), 5,353, 65 TDs

7. Luke Papilion (2013--), 5,208, 50 TDs

8. Joe Wright (2003-05), 4,920, 43 TDs

9. Taylor Perkins (2011-12), 3,500, 37 TDs

10. Jon Eastman (2010), 3,465, 45 TDs

USF's Top 10 Passing Seasons

1. Kurtiss Riggs (1996), 3,993

2. Chad Cavender (2006), 3,674

3. Jon Burckhardt (2003), 3,544

4. Jon Eastman (2010), 3,465

5. Chad Cavender (2007), 3,409

6. Lorenzo Brown (2009), 3,221

7. Kurtiss Riggs (1995), 3,017

8. Luke Papilion (2014), 2,779

9. Taylor Perkins (2012), 2,677

10. Joe Wright (2005), 2,637

Top 11 -- Career Rushing Leaders

1. David Ruter (1995-98), 4,783

2. Mike Dvoracek (2003-06), 4,658

3. Nick Kortan (1999-2002), 4,331

4. Jim Pehringer (1987-90), 3,454

5. Ryan Lowmiller (2006-09), 3,137

6. Terry Austin (1992-95), 3, 115

7. Dax Michelena (1997-2001), 2,755

8. Erik Cimpl (2005-08), 2,254

9. Kristian Porter (2008-12), 2,077

10. Kevin Moser (1983-84), 2016

11. Luke Papilion (2013-), 1,983

Record-setting Saturday vs. Winona State

In a 51-30 win over Winona State on Oct. 10 at Bob Young Field, Luke Papilion set a school total offense record and set personal bests in passing and TDs. He had 506 yards in total offense, which established a new school game record and with 413 passing yards and six combined TDs set personal bests at USF. Papilion tied his career high with five TD passes, which he set earlier this year in a 45-21 win over Minnesota-Crookston on Sept. 12. In a 73-21 win overMSU-Moorhead last Sept. 27 (2014), Papilion had his first 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing game with 318 throwing and 125 on the ground. He had his second 300-yard passing game against Wayne State on Oct. 3, 2015 before adding a third against Winona, which was his first 400-yard passing game. Against UMD, Papilion had 125 yards rushing on seven carries with two TDs as he recorded his seventh career 100-yard rushing game. His career best completions mark of 27 was set against MSUM on Sept. 27, 2014. Against Winona State, he had a career-best 41 pass attempts (26 completions). With 125 yards rushing and 218 passing against UMD on Sept. 19 of this year, Papilion recorded his fifth 200-yard passing game, 100-yard rushing effort of his career. Papilion's streak of 10 straight 200 yards passing or more ended against Northern State on Sept. 26 when he had 157 yards. However, he has 14 games of 200 yards passing or more, including five times in six outings this year.

100 yard rushing games

9-19-2015 -- Minnesota-Duluth, 7-125-2 TDs (career best 56, 17)

10-25-2014 -- Winona State, 21-121-2 TDs

10-11-2014 -- Augustana, 18-130-0 TDs

9-27-2014 -- Minnesota State-Moorhead, 17-125-2 TDs

9-14-2013 -- Northern State, 19-240-5 TDs

10-5-2013 -- Southwest Minnesota State, 27-194-3 TDs

10-12-2013 -- Winona State, 19-157-2 TDs

200 yard passing games

10-10-2015 -- Winona State, 26-41-413-5 TDs

10-3-2015 -- Wayne State , 20-31-311-3 TDs

9-19-2015 -- Minnesota Duluth, 15-28-218-0 TDs

9-12-2015 -- Minnesota-Crookston, 17-34-244-5 TDs (career-best)

9-5-2015 -- U-Mary, 15-26-266-3 TDs

11-15-2014 -- Wayne State, 13-22-225-4 TDs

11-8-2014 -- Upper Iowa, 26-of-33-287-3 TDs

11-1-2014 -- Minnesota State, Mankato, 21-32-250-2 TDs

10-25-2014 -- Winona State, 17-32-230-2 TDs

10-18-2014 -- SMSU, 22-38-2-282-0 TDs

10-11-2014 -- Augustana, 19-34-2-217-TD

10-4-2014 -- Concordia, St. Paul -- 23-33-0-247-3 TDs

9-27-2014 -- Minn. State-Moorhead, 27-40-1-318-3 TDs

10-12-2013 -- Winona State, 16-25-1-200-3 TDs

Sioux Falls sits 13-1 when going over 500 yards

During the D2 era, USF sits 13-1 record when gaining over 500 yards in total offense. Against U-Mary on Sept. 5, USF compiled 519 total yards offense and then added 562 vs. Minnesota-Crookston before generating 661 yards in the win over Winona State. The 661 yards in total offense ranks sixth best all-time at USF and third all-time in the DII era. USF had 680 yards in total offense vs. Minnesota Crookston on 9-28-2013 and 663 vs MSUM on 9-27-2014. When USF has 600 yards (five times in DII era), they stand 5-1. Here is a breakdown of the games over 500 yards.

Game-by-Game Breakdown

10-10-2015 -- Winona State (51-30), 661 (413 passing, 248 rushing)

9-12-2015 -- Minnesota-Crookston (45-21), 562 (280 rushing, 282 passing)

9-5-2015 -- U-Mary (55-7), 519 (182 rushing, 337 passing)

12-6-14 -- Central Oklahoma (42-10 win), 503 (210 rushing, 293 passing)

11-15-14 -- Wayne State (63-28 win), 538 (324 rushing, 225 passing)

11-8-14 -- Upper Iowa (45-21 win), 606 (282 rushing, 324 passing)

9-27-14 -- MSU-Moorhead (73-21 win), 663 (291 rushing, 372 passing)

9-14-2013 -- Northern State (45-37 win), 522 (411 rushing, 111 passing)

9-28-2013 -- Minnesota-Crookston (52-7 win), 680 (467 rushing, 213 passing)

10-5-2013 -- Southwest Minnesota State (55-48 win), 618 (424 rushing, 194 passing)

USF ranks 2nd in scoring defense, 3rd in total defense

The USF defense, directed by coordinator Tremaine Jackson, ranks second in the league in scoring defense (18.2 ppg) and third in total defense (320.0 ypg). The Cougars have held three teams to 10 points or less. The Cougars have held three opponents to 262 yards in total offense or less three times. USF is third in the league with 15 sacks and first in turnover margin at 1.0 with 16 gained and 10 lost for a plus six differential. USF is tied with MSU with a league-best 11 interceptions (12th nationally) and has five fumble recoveries.

Fast starts key for Cougars

The Cougars have used fast starts en route to a 6-0 start. USF has outscored opponents, 94-to-30 in the first quarter and 83-to-35 in the second quarter or 177-to-65 in the first half. In addition, the squad has started fast in the third quarter with a 76-to-20 edge. In six games, USF has allowed just 44 points in the second half.

Receiving corps deep and talented

The Cougars' receiving corps ranks as one of the best in the league. A year ago, Josh Angulo, a SF Roosevelt High product, had 61 catches for a team-high 891 yards and a team-high 12 TDs. Brady Rose led USF in receiving with 62 for 772 yards and six TDs. Garrett Shutt of Reno, Nev., had 47 catches for 533 yards and three TDs The receiving trio combined 170 catches for 2,196 yards and 21 TDs. In 2015, the trio is back at it with 76 catches for 1,188 yards and 15 TDs.

Angulo ranks 9th in catches; 7th in career receiving yards

Junior Josh Angulo has 115 career receptions, which ranks ninth in school history and just two out of eighth all-time (Austin Van Hove, 2009-13). With eight catches for a career-best 145 yards (7-142-2 TDs vs Central Oklahoma, Mineral Water Bowl) and a TD against Winona State, Angulo increased his career receiving yardage mark to 1,659 yards or seventh all-time. With 93 yards receiving, Angulo, a junior from Sioux Falls, would move past Trey Erickson (2004-07, 1,751 yards) for sixth all-time at USF. He is 243 yards from fifth all-time (Josiah Fenceroy, 2004-07, 1,901 yards). Angulo has had at least three receptions in 15 of 18 games. Angulo's career-bests include 12 catches for 126 yards vs. Upper Iowa (30-28 loss) on Nov. 2, 2013. In 2015, Angulo has 28 catches for 463 yards and five TD. Angulo has a catch in 27 straight games, including 23 straight. The 145 yards receiving vs. Winona State gives Angulo four 100-yard receiving games.

USF Career Reception Leaders

1. Dusty Hovorka (2003-06), 291

2. Kalen DeBoer (1993-96), 234

3. Jon Ryan (2007-10), 199

4. Alex Anderson (2007-10), 193

5. Trey Erickson (2007-07), 151

6. Josiah Fenceroy (2004-07), 131

7. Carrington Hanna (2011-13), 119

8. Austin Van Hove (2009-13), 117

9. Josh Angulo (2013-), 115

10. Zach Rutten (1997-2001), 108

USF Career Receiving Yards Leaders

1. Dusty Hovorka (2003-06), 4,801

2. Jon Ryan (2007-10), 3,462

3. Kalen DeBoer (1993-96), 3,400

4. Alex Anderson (2007-10), 3,012

5. Josiah Fenceroy (2004-07), 1,901

6. Trey Erickson (2007-07), 1,751

7. Josh Angulo (2013-), 1,659

8. Zach Rutten (1997-2001), 1,642

9. Michael Warren (2003-06), 1,612

10. Travis Krant (1996-98), 1,524

Shutt reaches 70 career receptions - nearing 900 yards

As for senior Garrett Shutt, he has career totals of 71 receptions for 859 yards and seven TDs. This season, Shutt has 19 catches for 275 yards and four TDs. As for Shutt, he has had six receptions four times (Minot State, Bemidji State and CU) with a career-best 98 yards receiving against CU. He had a season best five catches for 84 yards and two TDs vs. NSU. Twice this season, Shutt has had two TD receptions in a game.

Rose needs one catch for 100 in career

H-back Brady Rose, who had seven catches for a career-best 123 yards and a career best 3 TD vs. Winona State, has 99 catches for 1,263 yards and 12 TDs in his career. With those totals, he is just nine catches for moving into a tie for 10th in career catches at USF. With one catch vs. SMSU, he would crack 100 career catches and become the second Cougar receiver (Josh Angulo, 115) to go over the century mark in career catches this year. This year, he has accumulated a team-best 29 catches and 450 receiving yards along with six TDs. Rose ranks 18th on the career receiving chart but is just 67 yards from 15th (Randy Lang, 1979-82, 1,329 yards). Rose, who had a career-best 10 catches (90 yards, 2 TDs) against Upper Iowa in 2014, has set career game yardage marks in consecutive weeks. He has extended his streak of two or more catches in a game to 17.

Newcomers Jackson and Johnson making impact

On the defensively front, Drew Jackson and Westly Johnson have made an impact. Jackson has nine tackles, 2.5 TFls and 2.5 sacks with a pass breakup while Johnson has 12 tackles, eight solo stops, 4.5 TFLs and a team-high four sacks. He has two quarterback hurries, a pass breakups and two forced fumbles.

Tidwell a leader on defense

Tidwell, a two-time all-NSIC selection and honorable All-American, started 37 straight games until sitting out the NSU game Saturday. He has accumulated 185 tackles, including seven in 2015. He has 7.5 TFLs and 46 passes defended, including 10 interceptions. He has his 10th pick in the game vs. Minnesota-Crookston on Sept. 12. He also had a blocked field goal against U-Mary. In addition, Tidwell has been one of the league's top return specialists. He has 32 punt returns for 573 yards and three TDs in his career. Named Mineral Water Defensive MVP, Tidwell averages 17.9 yards per punt return and 24.89 on kickoff returns. He has returned 19 kicks for 473 yards including one for 69 yards.

Schindler clogs the middle for USF

In his three plus seasons with the Cougars, defensive tackle Grant Schindler (Chippewa Falls, Wisc.) has recorded 121 tackles with 63 solo stops. He has uncanny ability to knock down passes with nine pass breakups in his career. He also has forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 9.5 sacks in his career along with 27 TFLs. Of note, Schindler, a two-time Academic All-NSIC performer and 2014 All-NSIC selection, has had at least one tackle in 28 of 29 games. In 2015, Schindler ranks fifth on the team in tackles from his defensive tackle slot. He has 26 stops, 12 solo tackles, seven TFLs and three sacks.

Linebacking group makes impact

The University of Sioux Falls has a trio of linebackers, who have been a staple in the defense for the Cougars dating back to 2012. As a group, seniors Cameron Ostrom (Buffalo, Wyo.), Carter Ahlers (Flandreau, S.D.) and Clint Wilson (Sturgis, S.D.) have a combined 308 solo tackles, 217 assisted stops and 522 total tackles. Also they accumulated 49 TFLs, four sacks, seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries. All three senior linebackers have twice been named Academic All-NSIC. Ostrom, who has made 32 career starts, owns 150 tackles, including 97 solo stops to go with 18 tackles for loss and four interceptions. He also has a pair of defensive scores, including an 88-yard score vs. Bemidji State (9/13/14) in 2014. Ostrom, an honorable mention All-NSIC pick in 2014, has 38 tackles (tied for 2nd on the team), 19 solo stops, 3.0 TFLs and an interception.

As for Ahlers, he has played in 33 games with 220 career tackles, including 117 solo stops. Ahlers, a two-time Academic All-NSIC performer, has also 17 TFLs, three interceptions, three sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He had a standout game vs. U-Mary with four tackles, including three solo stops, a fumble recovery, interception, forced fumble and pass deflection and has 30 tackles in the past three games. On his fumble recovery, he rumbled 53 yards on the final play of the first half vs. U-Mary but came up a little short of the end zone. Ahlers has 44 tackles with 22 solo stops, with 4.5 TFLs, pass breakup, fumble recovery and interception.

Wilson, who has appeared in 36 games, has 161 career stops with 88 solo stops, 12 TFLs, and a fumble recovery. This season, he has 45 tackles (tied for 2nd on team) with 21 solo stops and 1.5 TFls. In the win over Winona State last Saturday (Oct. 10), he had a forced fumble and fumble recovery on the same play in the second half.

Offensive line leads nation in sacks allowed

The Cougars offensive front is led by all-league junior guard Antonio Green and junior center Trevor Westcott. Add in junior Terry Huber and sophomore Jesse Springer, both named honorable mention all-league last year, plus 2013 All-NSIC performer Derek Delaney, and USF has a talented front for the league's most productive offense with 45.5 points per game and 517.2 yards in total offense. In addition, junior Durant Foote and sophomore Trey Pipkins and others provide top of the line depth for a group that has allowed just two sacks in six games, which is best in the NSIC and nationally. They also have led the way for USF to average 229.8 yards rushing, which is third in the league. That total is 16.6 yards better per game than the 213.2 yards in 2014.

Gentry continues solid play upfront on D

Evan Gentry, a junior defensive end and media studies major, is continuing to make an impact after an All-NSIC season a year ago as a sophomore. This season, Gentry has 18 tackles, 2.5 TFLs and two sacks to go with a fumble recovery. Those totals push his career numbers to 102 career stops, including 64 solo tackles. Gentry has 32 TFLs for a -73 yards and has 12.5 sacks with two fumble recoveries. With his 12.5 career sacks, he is tied for 15th all-time with Duane Lunne (2000-03), Dominic Studzinski (2007-10) and Nick Bonte (2009-12). He needs 1.5 sacks to tied Ed Osborne (1985-87) and Jeff Folkers (1986-89) for 13th all-time at USF. He has led USF in sacks two straight years and has two or more TFLs seven times in his career. Gentry has earned Academic All-NCC honors and received the "Outstanding Leadership, College Week" Award from the Media Studies Program last spring.

Safety Josh Butler leads USF in tackles

Sophomore strong safety Josh Butler continues to make an impression through four games. He has a team-high 46 tackles. Of those stops, he has 28 solo stops and 1.5 tackles for loss along with four pass breakups. Twice this season Butler has had career-highs of 10 tackles (UMC, 9/12; UMD, 9/19).

Mickey set to return to action this week

The USF Cougars, which rank third in the league in rushing at 229.8 yards per game and have 17 rushing TDs, has been highly productive on the ground. Sophomore running back Max Mickey who has missed the last two games, will return vs SMSU. He is fifth in the league with 87.8 yards per game. Mickey is averaging 5.6 yards per carry (based on 50 carries or more), which ranks second in the NSIC. He has 79 carries for 439 yards and six TDs. On per average, QB Luke Papilion is best in the league with 9.4 yards per rush on 47 carries for 441 yards, including a career-best 56-yard jaunt vs. Minnesota Duluth, and five TDs. Newcomer Justin Fulks has added 76 carries for 353 yards (4.6 avg.) and two TDs. He had a season-career best 31 carries for 119 yards. Jason Towns has added 30 carries for 105 yards and a TD.