SIOUX FALLS – The University of Sioux Falls Football Team, which moved to 5-2 after another dominating defensive performance in a win over No. 23 Minnesota Duluth on Oct. 19, is ranked second in total defense among seven top-10 defensive rankings in NCAA DII, according to statistics released Sunday by the NCAA.
Over the past five games, USF has allowed a combined 896 total yards with three games when they held an opponent 200 yards and two under 140. In total defense, USF ranked second in DII at 205.6 yards per game. USF has allowed 1,439 yards in 426 plays for 3.38 yards per play, which ranks best in DII. USF trails Colorado School of Mines by just two total yards but have defended nine more plays (417 for 1,437 yards).
The Cougars rank number one in DII in pass efficiency defense at 80.93 as the Cougars have 12 interceptions, which is sixth in DII, and 980 yards with the 140 yards per game ranking seventh nationally. USF is allowing just 4.73 yards per passing attempt and 10.21 yards per completion.
USF is also sixth nationally in rushing defense at 65.6 yards per game. In seven games, USF has allowed just 459 yards on 219 carries for 2.10 yards per carry. The Cougars also rank seventh in scoring defense at 13.90 per game but have allowed just one offensive touchdown over the past three games when they have outscored opponents, 125-to-17. USF is also seventh in first down defense as they have allowed just 90. In addition, USF is 12
th in DII in third down conversions defense at 26.7 percent as opponents have converted just 27 of 101.
On offense, USF ranks 30
th in DII (second in the NSIC) in total offense at 439.3 yards per game with 216.7 rushing yards per game for 28
th nationally. With 11 total TDs and 9.4 points per game, sophomore
Thuro Reisdorfer ranks 16
th in DII. He also ranks 11
th nationally with 66 total points. Senior quarterback
Caden Walters ranks 33
rd nationally in total offense at 254.0 yards per game. Both Reisdorfer, who had a career best 171 yards rushing and two TDs against UMD, and Walters lead the NSIC in their respective categories.
The Cougars will face Northern State in Aberdeen, S.D., at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 26.
