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USD Faces Oregon First in 2014 Football Season

The University of South Dakota’s football team is starting the 2014 season with a challenge. The Coyotes’ first game is on the road at the University of Oregon August 30th. The schedule was released earlier Wednesday. USD Head Football Coach Joe Glenn says the team is working hard to get better every day. He says the Coyotes won’t prepare any differently for the Ducks.

“Go play the very best we can. You know and everybody knows we receive a big check that helps the athletic department in all areas, and we understand that. But at the same time, we know they put their pants on one leg at a time just like we are. I know this much, at the start of the game the score’s 0-0 and we’re gonna fight like dogs to win that game just like we do the other 11,” Glenn says.

Glenn says along with the tougher Oregon team, the Coyotes will also face Southern Illinois in Missouri Valley Conference this year. It’s the first meeting between the two teams and the Salukis finished in the top five of the conference last season.

But despite the two new challengers, Glenn says he’s most excited for the last game against SDSU. Glenn says there are many areas to improve on from last year’s 4-8 season.
 

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Glenn outlines areas the Coyotes need to improve upon from last season.

“We’ve got to make plays at the end of games. Two years ago we lost four games by three points. Then last year we lost to Montana by 4, Youngstown by 4, to Northern Arizona by 6. So with that said, I think we need to make plays with the game on the line. We’ve got to play on our toes and not on our heels. Make a play when we have a chance. Just those type of things that improve our athleticism so that when the game’s on the line in the last minute or two, our players are making plays to win the game and not lose close ones,” Glenn says.
 
Glenn says the Coyotes can’t make as many mistakes that turn into penalties, and need to improve their efficiency in the red-zone, both on offense and defense. Despite losing seniors like Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Year Tyler Starr, Glenn says younger players are stepping up and showing a desire to win.