The Sioux Falls Cougars, a Division II team, secured a 34-13 victory in their season opener against St. Thomas-Minnesota. Dylan Rudningen scored two rushing touchdowns for the Cougars, who effectively contained the St. Thomas offense and put an end to their 31-game home winning streak.

Sioux Falls, previously renowned for their four NAIA national championships before transitioning to Division II in 2012, dominated the game with 393 total offensive yards compared to St. Thomas’ 172. The Cougars held St. Thomas to only three first downs through three quarters and a mere 1 for 13 on third-down conversions.

Camden Dean’s 1-yard run and a successful two-point conversion, along with a 30-yard field goal by Nick Hernandez, contributed to Sioux Falls’ 11-7 halftime lead. Matt Grzybowski extended the lead to 18-7 with a 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Despite a strip sack and 5-yard fumble return by C.J. Warren narrowing the score to 18-13, the Cougars capitalized on a fumble recovery by Brendan Holt who returned it 90 yards for a defensive two-point conversion. Rudningen later sealed the victory with two short touchdown runs in the fourth quarter, totaling 67 yards on 23 carries.

Dean recorded 189 passing yards and one interception, completing 17 of 29 passes. On the other hand, two St. Thomas quarterbacks combined for 14 of 35 passes, accumulating 150 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

St. Thomas initially took a 7-0 lead with an interception by Branden Smith setting up a 25-yard touchdown pass from Tak Tateoka to Jacob Wildermuth.