Second half surge lifts Cougar football over SMSU

· Yahoo Sports

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (USF) ---USF football used a strong second-half performance and a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns to secure a 28-14 victory over Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday afternoon at the USF Athletic Complex. The Cougars improved to 4-3 overall and 4-2 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play.

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Quarterback Tate Schafer led the Sioux Falls offense, completing 26-of-43 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns, while Hank Brown Jr. hauled in two touchdown receptions. Adonis Hutchinson turned in a standout performance with nine receptions for 149 yards, and Bubba Tann III delivered the finishing blow with a 63-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.

The Cougars finished with 462 yards of total offense while holding Southwest Minnesota State to 280 yards. After entering halftime tied at 7-7, Sioux Falls outscored the Mustangs 21-7 over the final two quarters to secure the victory.

First Half Recap

Sioux Falls created an early opportunity when Garret Hoffman intercepted a pass made by his younger brother, Tommy Hoffman, on the Mustangs' opening possession, returning it 12 yards to the SMSU 43-yard line. The Cougars moved the ball into scoring position but were unable to capitalize after a fumble ended the drive.

The Mustangs struck first with 3:10 remaining in the opening quarter, connecting on a 37-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead.

USF answered with a methodical 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive that carried into the second quarter. Schafer capped the possession with a five-yard touchdown pass to Brown Jr., and JT Frieders converted the extra point to tie the game at 7-7 with 11:17 remaining before halftime.

Neither team found the end zone again in the opening half, sending the teams into the locker room tied at seven.

Second Half Recap

The Cougars came out of halftime with renewed offensive momentum, marching 80 yards on 10 plays during their opening possession of the third quarter. Schafer connected with Dahlton Wood for an 11-yard touchdown pass, giving Sioux Falls its first lead of the afternoon at 14-7 with 9:21 remaining in the period.

Southwest Minnesota State responded with an eight-play, 72-yard touchdown drive, tying the game at 14-14 with 5:28 left in the third quarter.

With the game hanging in the balance, Sioux Falls took control in the fourth quarter.

Schafer found Brown Jr. for a toe tap score, their second touchdown connection of the afternoon, this time from nine yards out, to cap a six-play, 40-yard drive. Frieders added the extra point to put the Cougars ahead 21-14 with 11:10 remaining.

The Sioux Falls defense held the Mustangs scoreless in the final quarter, giving the offense an opportunity to extend its advantage.

Tann III delivered the decisive play with 4:56 remaining, breaking loose for a 63-yard touchdown run on the first play of the possession. The explosive run extended the USF lead to 28-14 and helped put the game out of reach.

The Cougars closed out the contest with a 14-point victory, earning their fourth conference win of the season.

Key Standouts

  • Tate Schafer: Completed 26-of-43 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns, directing a Sioux Falls offense that produced 462 total yards.
  • Hank Brown Jr.: Recorded seven receptions for 49 yards and two touchdowns, including the fourth-quarter score that gave USF the lead for good.
  • Adonis Hutchinson: Led the Cougars with nine receptions for 149 yards, averaging 16.6 yards per catch.
  • Bubba Tann III: Rushed for 94 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries, highlighted by a 63-yard fourth-quarter scoring run.
  • Dahlton Wood: Hauled in an 11-yard touchdown reception to give Sioux Falls its first lead of the game.
  • Garret Hoffman: Recorded an interception with a 12-yard return, adding four tackles.
  • Cade Morse: Finished with six tackles, an interception and a pass breakup.
  • Andy Henson: Added four tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack.

By the Numbers

  • 462: Total offensive yards for Sioux Falls, compared to 280 for Southwest Minnesota State.
  • 355: Passing yards for Tate Schafer, who threw three touchdowns.
  • 149: Receiving yards for Adonis Hutchinson on nine catches.
  • 94: Rushing yards for Bubba Tann III on 13 carries.
  • 63: Yards on Tann III's fourth-quarter touchdown run, the longest scoring play of the afternoon for USF.
  • 3: Passing touchdowns for the Cougars, including two to Hank Brown Jr. and one to Dahlton Wood.
  • 2: Interceptions recorded by the Sioux Falls defense, courtesy of Garret Hoffman and Cade Morse.
  • 3: Sacks recorded by the Cougars, with Andy Henson, Denim Blackstad and Dawson Raabe each collecting one.
  • 21-7: Sioux Falls' scoring advantage in the second half.
  • 4-2: The Cougars' NSIC record following Saturday's victory.

Up Next

Sioux Falls will enter their bye week before hosting Minot State on October 24th for Military Appreciation and Junior Cougar Club Day. Kickoff is slated for 1pm at Bob Young Field.

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