By The Northern State football team looks to rebound following its 45-3 season-opening loss at University of South Dakota.
And the stakes couldn’t be higher, according to NSU head coach Mike Schmidt.
The Wolves open their home campaign Saturday, Sept. 7 against Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference rival University of Sioux Falls. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Dacotah Bank Stadium.
Schmidt noted the importance of the home crowd on a Saturday night after the loss to USD.
MORE: USD scores 45 straight to upend Northern State in season opener
The Wolves hope to replicate the magic they created the last time the two teams met. That was on Sept. 25, 2021 — a Saturday night at Dacotah Bank Stadium — when Northern opened a 31-0 second-quarter lead and rolled to a 41-10 victory. It was among the most impressive couple of victories in Schmidt’s tenure.
While Northern lost its season opener against a Football Championship Subdivision team, the Cougars whipped St. Thomas of the FCS 34-13 in the Twin Cities. Sioux Falls racked up 393 total yards, including 204 on the ground.
Sioux Falls (1-0) was ranked eighth in the NSIC preseason coaches poll, while the Wolves (0-1) followed in ninth.
Here’s what to know about the home opener.
- Kickoff: 6 p.m., Dacotah Bank Stadium.
- By the numbers: In the 2021 game, Northern quarterback Hunter Trautman was 26 of 35 passing for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Trautman, however, is long gone, and last week against USD, the Wolves logged only 207 yards in offense. They also had a handful of special teams breakdowns that led to points for the 21 Coyotes. Those to be eliminated heading into conference play.
- How to watch: NSIC Network.
- How to listen: Fox Sports Radio 1420 AM, Aberdeen.