SIOUX FALLS -- After the best season to date at NCAA DII, the University of Sioux Falls Football Team is ready, if not anxious, for the start of spring ball on March 25. The Cougars will host a mixture of early morning practices along with a 4 p.m. session on Mondays as part of the 15-practice schedule.
"We have had a very focused offseason," said USF head football coach Jed Stugart, who has guided the program to a 44-13 record and five straight winning seasons. "There is an intensity in our focus in that we feel like we will have to control our destiny in 2015. We have a chip on our shoulder and ready to go. I am proud of this team and how hard they have worked this offseason," he said.
This spring, the Cougars , which returns 45 letter winners and 18 starters (9, offense; 7, defense; 2 special teams), will have 14 spring practices before culminating with the final session - the annual spring game which is set for Friday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m., at Bob Young Field. In addition, on Saturday, April 11, the Cougars will host their popular Cougars Kids Day, which will include the team's first spring scrimmage at Bob Young Field. The team's second scrimmage is set for 6 a.m. on Friday, April. 17.
USF Spring Practice Schedule
Wednesday, March 25 -- 6 a.m.
Friday, March 27 -- 6 a.m.
Monday, March 30 -- 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 1 -- 6 a.m.
Thursday, April 2 -- 6 a.m.
Monday, April 6, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8, 6 a.m.
Friday, April 10, 6 a.m.
Saturday, April 11, 8 a.m. (Cougar Kids Day - Scrimmage)
Monday, April 13, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15, 6 a.m.
Friday, April 17, 6 a.m.
Monday, April 20, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22, 6 a.m.
Friday, April 24 -- Annual Spring Game, 7 p.m.
Season Review -- Cougars finish 2014 ranked #16/18
In 2014, USF put together an 11-1 record with top-20 recognition in both primary national polls for the first time at DII. The Cougars put a wrap on the 2014 season with a 42-10 win over Central Oklahoma in the Mineral Water Bowl on Dec. 6. The victory over the Bronchos, the third place team in the MIAA, enabled USF to record a win in their first ever DII postseason appearance. USF was ranked 18th in the final AFCA Poll and #16 in the D2football,com rankings.
While the season ended with a win, the dream of an NCAA DII championship ended without a playoff spot despite a 10-1 regular season mark. The Cougars lost only to DII runner-up and NSIC champion Minnesota State-Mankato on the road in a game USF led in the 4th quarter.
"We had a great season," said Stugart, whose team ended the season with three straight wins. "We stuck together. This team had more chemistry than I have ever seen in a team. They played for each other and with extraordinary heart," he said.
For the 21st straight season, including a fourth straight at the DII level, USF recorded a winning season. During that incredible run, the Cougars won four NAIA national titles, and compiled a 36-12 record in the playoffs. Since transitioning to DII in 2011, they have a 30-12 mark, including 25-8 in the NSIC. In 2014, USF opened with an 8-0 record, a first at the DII level. The last time the Cougars were 8-0 was in the 2010 campaign when USF finished 13-1 and national runner-up at the NAIA level.
"Undoubtedly we are proud of what we were able to accomplish in 2014," said Stugart. "We felt we deserved a shot at the NCAA DII playoffs but that didn't happen. Winning a championship remains our goal."
In 2014, the Cougars not only accumulated wins in bunches but they also had numerous players earn awards. Eight players were named NSIC All-League with 14 honored overall. Quarterback Luke Papilion became the first Cougar named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Year and a fourth team All-American while Solomon St. Pierre garnered six All-American honors, also a first by a Cougar individual at the DII level. Junior cornerback John Tidwell was named Academic All-District, Daktronics All-Region squad and honorable mention All-American.
Since the opening day of practice last fall, the Cougars followed one theme, "stay together and play for 1-0." When the season ended, the Cougars had put together an 11-1 record with only a loss to #1 Minnesota State-Mankato, 27-13. It was a game that USF led into the fourth quarter but missed opportunities cost the Cougars. In fact, USF trailed 17-14 with nine minutes to play with a second and two from the MSU 17 but consecutive losses on running plays to squelched their upset bid.
Yet, this is a team that didn't miss a lot of opportunities in 2014.
"This has been a remarkable season in a lot of ways," said Stugart, whose team just missed out on the NCAA DII playoffs (ranked 7th in Super Region 3). "They exhibited extraordinary focus and picked each other up at every turn. It didn't matter what side of the ball, a teammate, a friend picked each other up. I was impressed with their character and integrity plus a resiliency that is uncommon."
USF, which began the season unranked, moved into the national rankings at #24 on Sept. 24. By Oct. 27, the team was ranked #10 nationally in the AFCA Coaches Poll. Then, the Cougars moved to #16 at the end of the regular season and #18 in the final poll. As for the D2football.com, USF also was unranked at the start of the year and moved into the top 20 in early October. At the end, the Cougars were #16 in the D2football.com poll.
In total, USF had 11 wins by double digit margins with nine by 20 points or more. The 11 wins represented the most in the DII era (since 2011).
The Cougars were 9-2 two years ago but did not advance to the playoffs. At the NAIA level, USF made 16 postseason appearances with a record of 36-12 (.750). In playoff competition, USF has compiled a 24-3 mark at home, 8-6 away and 4-3 in NAIA title games. The Cougars advanced to the NAIA playoffs for the first time in 1988 with their first win in 1995. A 10-7 loss to Carroll College in the 2010 NAIA title game ended an 11-game winning streak in the playoffs.
The Cougars, which finished 6-0 at home and stand 51-3 all-time at Bob Young Field, had a league-best and the nation's 7th best scoring offense (42.7 ppg) and the 12th ranked scoring defense (17.4) ppg. In total offense, USF was second in the league and 17th in the nation at 483.2 yards per game.
USF's defense, which had just nine interceptions a year ago, had 26 this year, which ranked second nationally. Those interceptions combined with 14 fumble recoveries provided USF with a turnover margin of 1.67 (40-to-20), which ranked third in the nation. The Cougars, which had a nation best 10 defense/special teams TDs (seven on defense, four by interception), racked up a 316-to-110 margin in points off turnovers.
Overall, the Cougars was ranked in 44 of the top 50 team or individual statistical categories. They finished in the top 25 in 28 stats categories and in the top 10 of 11. The Cougars were ranked in 10 top-five categories, including leading the nation (tied with CSU-Pueblo) with seven defensive TDs.
USF had a 4-1 road record in which they had a 203-to-107 points differential. At home, USF was 6-0 with a 267-to-92 margin. USF was 1-0 on a neutral field with 42-10 points edge. USF dominated in the 1st and 4th quarters. They recorded a 139-to-26 point edge in the 1st quarter and a 128-to-45 margin in the fourth quarter. In fact, they did not allowed a fourth quarter TD until week seven. In the second quarter USF had a 145-to-55 margin and owned a 100-to-83 edge in
Offense brings wins
In the DII era (since 2011), the Cougars are 10-1 when totaling more than 500 yards in total offense. The 606 yards vs. Upper Iowa was the second-best performance this year as USF had 673 yards in total offense against MSU-Moorhead. In their first-ever DII playoff game (Mineral Water Bowl), USF had 503 yards. Since the moving to DII in 2011, USF has compiled 18 games of 40 points or more. They are 17-1 in those games.
Offense scores quickly
On 42 TD drives in 2014, USF scored in three minutes or less. They had 24 TD drives under two minutes and 11 of 1:00 or less. On 15 of those 42 scoring drives, USF took four plays or less to put the ball into the end zone.
Cougars own one of the best marks all-time in NSIC
Since moving to NCAA DII in 2011, USF has compiled a 26-8 record in NSIC play, which ranks first in percentage at .758. The Cougars are 10-6 in road NSIC games.
Cougars sit 51-3 all-time at Bob Young Field
USF owns a 51-3 mark at Bob Young Field. The Cougars won the first 32 games at the stadium and have since taken 19-of-22 at the friendly confines of Young Field. Overall, including play at Howard Wood Field (through 2006), the Cougars have won 71 of the past 74 games and 61-of-63 home conference games, including 47 in the GPAC (NAIA) and 15 as an NSIC member in NCAA DII. Since 2000, USF is 89-8 at home.
By the numbers under Stugart
USF is 40-2 when leading at halftime in the Coach Stugart era. They are 3-9 when trailing at halftime. USF is 36-4 when scoring first and when opponents score first, the Cougars stand 9-10.
USF finishes fast
After the 27-14 loss to then #1 Minnesota State-Mankato on the road, the Cougars outscored three opponents, 150-to-59.
Scoring streak hits 113 games
Since moving to DII in 2011, the Cougars have scored 1,500 points in 41 games or 36.58 ppg. In 2014, USF averaged 42.7 points per game with 512 total points in 12 games. Three times, USF score more than 50 points. In 10 of 12 games, they scored at least 36 points. It has been 114 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 season-best 73 points vs. Minnesota State-Moorhead which is the most for the Cougars since moving to NCAA Division II in 2011. The previous high was in 2011 when the Cougars defeated the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 71-0. In the past 20 games, USF has scored over 50 points, five times.
NCAA Statistics - Cougars finished 1st in defensive TDs; 2nd in interceptions
- USF ranked second in the nation in pass interceptions as a team (27) but first in defensive TDs (6). Junior cornerback Solomon St. Pierre had 10 interceptions, the most in NCAA DII. The Cougars finished third +20 (40-to-20, 1.67 per game). USF also finish seventhin the nation in scoring offense. Here is a breakdown of national stats.
Team --
Interceptions, tied for 2nd, 26
Defensive TDs, T-1st, 7
Interception Returns for TDs, T-2nd, 4
Interception Return Yardage, 2nd, 474
Turnover Margin, T-4th 1.67 pg (40-20 for plus 20)
Team Passing Efficiency Defense, 4th, 90.47
Scoring Offense, 7th, 42.7 ppg (512 points)
Red Zone Offense, 17th, 86.4 percent (50-of-57)
Kickoff Returns, 20th, 23.0 avg. (30-749-TD)
Completion Percentage, 14th, 227-of-361, 62.9%
First Downs, 13th, 292
Scoring Defense, 12th, 17.4 ppg (181)
Total Offense, 17th, 483.2 ypg
Rushing Offense, 32nd, 213.3 ypg
Passing Offense, 40th, 269.9
Team Passing Efficiency, 26th, 145.14
Individual
Interceptions, Solomon St. Pierre, 1st, 10
Interceptions per game, Solomon St. Pierre, 2nd, 0.9
Passes Defended, Solomon St. Pierre, 2nd, 23, 1.9; John Tidwell, 16th, 19, 1.58
Rushing TDs, Nephi Garcia, 11th, 18 TDs
Scoring, Nephi Garcia, 18th, 10.0 ppg; Bradley Hatfield, 37th, 8.5 ppg
Completion Percentage, Luke Papilion, 23rd, 62.9%
TFLs, Evan Gentry, 20th, 20.5, TFLs, 1.71
NSIC Player of the Year Papilion jumps into 10th all-time in USF career passing
USF starting quarterback Luke Papilion is 13-4 as a starter, including 11-1 this season. Papilion ranks 8th (3,599) on USF's career passing chart. The Denver, Colo., sophomore now has completed 295-of-511 passes for 3,599 career passing yards with 32 TDs. Papilion's 2,779 yards this season ranks 8th all-time in USF seasonal passing chart. Papilion, who was named first team All-NSIC and the league's Offensive Player of the Year, has accounted for 52 TDs, and 5,116 yards in his career.
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. Joe Wright (2003-05), 4,920, 43 TDs
8. Luke Papilion (2013--), 3,599, 32 TDs
9. Taylor Perkins (2011-12), 3,500, 37 TDs
10. Jon Eastman (2010), 3,465, 45 TDs
USF's Top 20 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
11. Dax Michelena (2001), 2,564
12. Joe Wright (2004), 2,222
13. Lorenzo Brown (2008), 2,132
14. Ed Koester (1987), 1,907
15. Isaac Miller (1999), 1,863
Papilion had his best career passing performance in the win over MSU-Moorhead (9/27/14) when he threw for 318 yards and also rushed for 125. It is the first time in his career when he has had 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing. Against the Warriors, Papilion recorded his sixth career 100-yard rushing game. In fact, it was Papilion's second straight 100-yard rushing game against Winona State in two seasons. In a victory over MSU, Moorhead, the sophomore tied a career-high with three TD throws and set career-bests in completions with 27 and attempts with 40. In his career, he now has rushed for 100 yards and thrown for 200 yards four times in his career. Papilion has thrown for 200 or more yards in a career-best seven straight games in 2014 and recorded three TD passes three times this season. He had a career-high four TDs in a 63-28 win over Wayne State in the season finale.
100 yard rushing games
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
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
Garcia finishes USF career 8th in career rushing
Nephi Garcia, who ranked fifth in the league in rushing per game at 99.2 yards per game, rushed 227 times for 1,190 yards and 18 TDs. He finished his career with 465 carries for 2,258 yards and 28 rushing TDs. Garcia, a second team All-NSIC selection, recorded 12, 100-yard rushing games in his career at USF. With 2,258 career yards, he moved into 8th place on USF's career rushing chart. Garcia rushed for at least 80 yards in 17-of-22 career games and totaled over 100 yards in five games this season. Garcia, was the 26th member of the 1,000-yard rushing club at USF, recording two of the top 15 1,000-yard seasons. A year ago, he had 1,068 and with 1,190 this year, Garcia was the fourth player in school history with back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons, joining David Ruter (1996, 1998, 1997), Mike Dvoracek (2004-06), and Nick Kortan (2001-02). He had 42 catches for 372 yards and three TDs in his career, including 29 reception for 259 yards and two TDs in 2014.
100-yard rush games
2013
Sept. 14 -- Northern State, 22-159-TD
Sept. 21 -- U-Mary, 24-111-0 TDs
Sept. 28 -- Minnesota-Crookston, 18-167-TD
Oct. 5 -- Southwest Minnesota State, 28-146-2 TDs
Oct. 12 -- Winona State, 24-122-0 TDs
Oct. 19 -- Concordia-St. Paul, 22-104-2 TDs
Oct. 26 -- Augustana, 29-159-3 TDs
2014
Sept. 13 -- Bemidji State, 25-134-3 TDs
Sept. 20 -- St. Cloud State, 30-121-2 TDs
Oct. 4 -- Concordia, St. Paul, 24-146-TD
Nov. 8 -- Upper Iowa, 18-106-TD
Nov. 15 -- Wayne State, 21-225-3 TDs
USF's All-time Rushing Leaders
1. David Ruter (1995-98), 677-4,783 yards
2. Mike Dvoracek (2003-06), 866-4,658 yards
3. Nick Kortan (1999-2002), 762-4331
4. Jim Pehringer (1987-90), 847-3,454
5. Ryan Lowmiller (2006-09), 557-3,137
6. Terry Austin (1992-95), 488-3,115
7. Dax Michelena (1997-2001), 589-2,755
8. Nephi Garcia (2013-), 465-2,258
9. Erik Cimpl (2005-08), 447-2,254
10. Kristian Porter (2008-12), 352-2,077
10. Kevin Moser (1983-84), 431-2,016
12. Nelson Cumana (1981-82), 408-1,895
13. Andrew McWell (1994-95), 273-1,801
14. Trey Erickson (2004-07), 252-1,755
15. Roger Guge (1972-73), 323-1,639
16. Lorenzo Brown (2008-09), 290-1,629
Defense racked up nation best seven defensive TDs in 2014
USF ranked tied for second in NCAA DII with 26 interceptions, and also collected 14 fumble recoveries for 40 total takeaways and a plus margin of +20 (1.60), a total which leads the NSIC and ranks tied for fourth in DII. USF has seven defensive TDs, which is tied with Colorado-Pueblo for the best in NCAA DII. A year ago, USF had just nine total turnovers forced against opponents which means the Cougars have already more than quadrupted the takeaways with games still on the docket. Against both MSUM and SMSU, the Cougars recorded five interceptions. USF forced a season-high seven turnovers against SMSU. Three players, David Clark, Solomon St. Pierre and Cameron Ostrom each recorded two defensive TDs this season.
2014 Defensive scores
Bemidji State
~ David Clark 40-yard interception return
~ Cameron Ostrom, 88-yard interception return
~ Devin Flesher, fumble recovery in end zone
Minnesota State-Moorhead
~ Solomon St. Pierre, 76-yard interception
Southwest Minnesota State
~ Solomon St. Pierre, 35-yard interception return
Winona State
~ Cameron Ostrom, 35-yard fumble return
Wayne State
~ David Clark, 27-yard fumble return
Three defensive TDs vs. Bemidji State first since 2001
When the Cougars scored three defensive TDs in week two against Bemidji State, it was the first time that has been accomplished since Oct. 13, 2001. In that 2001 game, the Cougars rolled to a 61-6 win over Northwestern. In that game at Orange City, Iowa, USF scored their first two TDs on interception returns, including Ganna Mboob's 25-yard interception return and Mike Hockett's 65-yard interception return in the first quarter. Then in the third quarter Darin Martyna had a 37-yard interception return. In fact USF, which had three interceptions total in the game, also had a fourth TD on Chris Binker's 22-yard blocked punt return for a score. Interesting, both times USF scored three defensive TDs in a game occurred on the road.
St. Pierre ties season interception record; ranks 10th all-time
Named 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…has appeared in 29 games, making 18 starts…has a career total 110 tackles including 84 solo tackles… accumulated 13 career interceptions for a total 308 yards…his 13 interceptions rank 10th all-time for a career in USF history with Chuck Morrell (1995-97) and Nick Casiello (1988, 1990-91)…his 308 career interception return yards is a school record, bettering the mark of Trevor Holleman, who had 16 interceptions for 282 yards from 2006-09…tied the school record of Phil Porter (1995)…led NCAA DII with a total of 10 interceptions, ranked second for picks per game at .8 and had an NCAA DII best 214 interception return yards…had two interception returns for TD (76, 35), which was tied with four others with the most in DII…had a career-best three interceptions for 76 yards against MSU Moorhead (9/27/14)…has had at least one tackle in 22 straight games…has had four games with at least two interceptions, twice with three picks…has had three interception TD returns (76, 35, 70). A standout at Wagner (S.D.) high school, St. Pierre now has 35 interceptions including his time as a high school and college football player. He set a South Dakota record with 22 picks in high school. At the University of Sioux Falls, St. Pierre has 13 career interceptions, including 10 this season. Twice this season – Sept. 27 vs. MSU-Moorhead and Oct. 18 vs. Southwest Minnesota State, he had interception returns for a TD. He had a 76-yard pick-six vs. Moorhead and a 35 yard TD return of an interception against SMSU. Through seven games, he had eight picks and has added two more for 10.
USF Career Interception Leaders
1. John Fuller (1982-85), 18
2. Trevor Holleman (2006-09), 16
2. Phil Porter (1994-97), 16
2. Brian Brooks (1989, 1991-93), 16
5. Leo Fenceroy (2001-02), 15
5. D.J. Edman (1975-78), 15
7. Bob Garry (1969-72), 14
7. Dennis Cleveland (1969-72), 14
7. Tony Rowe (1986-89), 14
10. Solomon St. Pierre (2012-), 13
10. Chuck Morrell (1995-97), 13
10. Nick Casiello (1988, 1990-91), 13
Tidwell increases career tackle numbers
Tidwell, a two-time all-NSIC selection, has started 34 straight games, finished fourth on the team with 60 tackles (45 solos) and recorded four interceptions, 15 pass breakups, fumble recovery and a forced fumble. In his career, Tidwell has 178 tackles with 7.5 TFLs and 46 passes defended, including nine interceptions. In addition, Tidwell is fourth in the NSIC in punt return with a 14.8 average (23-341-2 TD) and fifth in kick returns at 24.8 (13-322) yards per return.
Cougars successful with big yardage totals
During the D2 era, USF has a 10-1 record when gaining over 500 yards in total offense. When they go over 600 (four times), they stand 4-1. Here is a breakdown of the games over 500 yards total offense.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
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 rushing)
10-12-2013 -- Winona State (45-40 loss), 616 (348 rushing, 268 passing)
10-19-2013 -- Concordia-St. Paul (47-7 win), 628 (195 rushing, 433 passing)
9-29-2012 -- Southwest Minnesota State (41-22 win), 537 (220 rushing, 317 passing)
10-1-2012 -- William Jewell (35-10 win), 502 (285 rushing, 217 passing)'
Cougars are 62-0 all-time when scoring 50
When the Cougars reach 50 points, they are now 62-0 all-time and 25-0 when scoring over 60 points. They are 7-0 all-time when breaking the 70-point mark. When they have scored over 40, USF has a 146-1 mark. When they have scored over 30 points, USF is 217-8.
Offense lights it up
With 512 points, USF finished first in the NSIC in scoring at 42.7 points per game. They scored 68 TDs and converted 64-of-66 extra points while scoring one two-point conversion and converting 12-of-22 field goals. In passing offense, the Cougars average 269.9 yards per game and generate 213.2 yards rushing. In 11 of the 12 games this season, the Cougars have generated over 400 yards. USF has had a high of 100 plays vs. Upper Iowa and a low of 60 in a win over Wayne State at home. With the 538 yards in 60 plays vs. Wayne State, the Cougars generated a season best 8.96 yards per play.
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
Cougars's three-headed receiving monster
This past season, the Cougars' receiving corps was led by a trio of receivers that posted similar numbers. Sophomore Josh Angulo, a SF Roosevelt High product, had 61 catches for a team-high 891 yards and a team-high 12 TDs. Junior Brady Rose led USF in receiving with 62 for 772 yards and six TDs. Junior Garrett Shutt of Reno, Nev., has 47 catches for 533 yards and three TDs The receiving trio has combined 170 catches for 2,196 yards and 21 TDs. As for his career, Angulo has 87 catches for 1,196 yards and 13 TDs. Shutt has career totals of 53 receptions for 584 yards and three TDs while Rose has 70 catches and 813 yards with six TDs. Rose had a career-best 10 catches (90 yards, 2 TDs) against Upper Iowa and a career-best 99 yards (seven catches) against Minot State. He has had at least two catches in every game. 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. Angulo has had at least three receptions in 11 of 12 games. His season-best performance is nine catches for 120 yards and a TD vs. MSU-Moorhead. Angulo's career-bests include 12 catches for 124 yards in a win over Upper Iowa on Nov. 2, 2013.
Rushmen make big contributions
One of the big reasons for the vast improvement this season in the USF defense, which ranked third in the NSIC in total defense (356.8 yards per game), was the group upfront known as "Rushmen." It was a group that included senior Michael Tolkamp, senior Jarett Grabbe, junior Grant Schindler and sophomore Evan Gentry. Add Marco Naughton, Brock Murdock and Devin Flesher and USF was deep and solid. As a group, they had 15 pass breakups, including seven by Grabbe, while accumulating 19 sacks, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and a defensive TD (Flesher).
All-NSIC - Sioux Falls has 13 honored
First Team
Luke Papilion, Quarterback, 6-5, 220, So., NSIC Offensive Player of the Year, 2,553 passing yards, 719 rushing yards, 29 combined TDs; Harlon Hill Award Nominee
Antonio Green, Right Guard, 6-3, 290, So., paved way for NSIC's #2 offense, 481 yards per game
Solomon St. Pierre, Cornerback, 5-11, 171, Jr., Led DII with 10 picks; ranked #2 nationally with 23 passes defended; Cliff Harris Award nominee; named to six All-American teams
John Tidwell, Cornerback, 6-0, 191, Jr., two-time All-NSIC selection; 53 tackles, 2 int., 13 pass breakups, ranked 2nd in NSIC; third in punt return avg. at 13.9 with TD; fourth in NSIC in KOR
Second Team
Nephi Garcia, Running Back, 5-7, 185, Sr., ranked 5th in NSIC with 100.7 yards per game; 2,176 career yards, 12 career 100-yard rushing games
Josh Angulo, Wide Receiver, 6-0, 200, So., had 54 receptions for 749 yards and nine TDs.
Grant Schindler, Defensive Tackle, 6-2, 255, Jr., recorded four pass breakups, 36 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks
Evan Gentry, Defensive End, 6-3, 250, So., Gene Upshaw Award nominee, ranked second in NSIC and 10th nationally with 20.5 TFLs, 42T, 4.5 sacks
Honorable Mention
Cameron Ostrom, LB, 6-1, 210, Jr., led team with 69 tackles, with 8.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 FR, 2 int., 2 TD returns (88, 35)
Carter Ahlers, LB, 6-0, 209, Jr., recorded 68 tackles, second on the team, with two interceptions, seven TFLs, two sacks, and forced fumble.
Jarrett Grabbe, DL, 6-2, 295, Sr., had 26 tackles, 5 TFLs, six pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Jesse Springer, 6-4, 250, Rfr., key member of o-line that ranked first in the league in scoring; third in total offense.
