SPEARFISH, S.D. – USF Football (1-0, 0-0 NSIC) opened the 2025 season with a thrilling 27-21 victory over Black Hills State (0-1, 0-0 RMAC) tonight at Lyle Hare Stadium.

SCORING RECAP

1st Quarter
USF jumped ahead early with a powerful 34-yard rushing touchdown by Camden Dean to set the tone, supported by a smooth extra point to make it 7-0.

2nd Quarter
Black Hills State answered back, but the Cougars added to their lead with a one-yard plunge from Bubba Tann III, pushing the score to 13-7 heading into the half.

3rd Quarter
Dean broke through again with a 38-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Emanuel, extending the lead to 20-14. Defensive back Mauloa Wells then grabbed a timely interception, keeping the Cougars in control.

4th Quarter
Black Hills State closed within six, but USF's defense stiffened—anchored by Garret Hoffman (8 tackles) and London Kolb (6 tackles, 2 TFL)—and stopped the Yellow Jackets inside the 10-yard line on 4th down. The Cougars ran out the clock to seal the win.

STATS OF THE GAME

Camden Dean: 243 passing yards with 1 TD; plus 129 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs
Hank Brown Jr.: 8 receptions for 78 yards
Isaiah Emanuel: 48 receiving yards, including the 38-yard touchdown catch
Garret Hoffman: 8 tackles - 4 solo, 4 assisted - .5 TFL
London Kolb: 6 tackles - 4 solo, 2 assisted - 2.5 TFL of 10 yards
Mauloa Wells: 4 solo tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT returned 30 yards
Team Totals: 448 total yards of offense, controlled the ball for over 35 minutes, and converted on key 7-of-15 third- and fourth-down opportunities

UP NEXT

The Cougars improve to 1–0 and ride this momentum back home. Up ahead is their home opener: Saturday, September 6, at Bob Young Field as they host Northern State at 6:00pm.

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