VERMILLION, S.D. — In a thrilling second-round FCS playoff encounter, the fourth-seeded South Dakota Coyotes overcame the 13th-seeded Tarleton State Texans, winning 42-31. Aidan Bouman played a pivotal role, delivering a crucial touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, while Quaron Adams contributed with an impressive 70-yard scoring run on a reverse play, allowing South Dakota to pull ahead decisively as the game drew to a close.
The Coyotes, now boasting a record of 10-2, are set to face the winner of the matchup between fifth-seeded UC Davis and 12th-seeded Illinois State in the upcoming third round.
Throughout the match, South Dakota found itself trailing by seven points on four occasions. However, Bouman turned the tide when he connected with Keyondray Jones-Logan for a 12-yard touchdown, putting the Coyotes ahead 35-31 with just under ten minutes left in the game. Following this, Tim White intercepted Tarleton State quarterback Victor Gabalis, giving South Dakota possession on their own 15-yard line. Adams swiftly capitalized on the opportunity, sprinting into the end zone just three plays later for his first career rushing touchdown, sealing the Texans’ fate in their inaugural postseason appearance.
During the first half, Gabalis was effective, throwing three touchdown passes that allowed Tarleton State to establish leads of 7-0, 14-7, and 21-14 at the half. South Dakota managed to respond, with Travis Theis scoring two short touchdowns, helping the Coyotes to level the score. In a pivotal moment, Theis scored again just 51 seconds into the fourth quarter, tying the game at 28.
Tarleton State took its last lead of the game when Corbin Poston successfully kicked a 23-yard field goal with 11:23 remaining on the clock.
In terms of statistics, Bouman had an efficient game, completing 18 of 22 passes for a total of 213 yards, which included a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jones-Logan that was confirmed after a video review, tying the game at 21 earlier in the match. Theis stood out in the running game, carrying the ball 25 times for 130 yards.
Gabalis finished the game with a total of 379 yards through the air, completing 23 of his 31 attempts, with four touchdown passes but also threw three interceptions. Among his receivers, Darius Cooper had a standout performance with nine catches for 161 yards and three touchdowns, while Cody Jackson contributed with one touchdown reception.
