In a battle of the top offense and top defense in the North Central Conference, it was the USD defense that came out on top.
The USD Coyotes (6-3, 5-1 NCC) forced six turnovers en route to a 34-23 win over MSU-Mankato Saturday afternoon inside the DakotaDome.
It was the 23rd straight victory at home for USD, who overcame a 35-of-56, 480 yard passing performance from MSU quarterback Ben King.
"They're not going to give it to you; you've got to take it from them," USD coach Ed Meierkort said of the Mavericks (4-5, 2-4 NCC). "Our defense was valiant today. We've really improved a lot lately."
The USD defense intercepted King three times, recovered three fumbles and recorded seven sacks. Including last week's win at Augustana, the Coyote defense has now gotten 11 turnovers in its last two games.
"I think we were just hungry for a win," said USD sophomore defensive end Wayne Curry, who recorded 3.5 sacks. "We prepared all week for their offense and came out really strong."
On MSU-Mankato's second play from scrimmage, King was picked off by USD's Isiah Dixon, who returned the interception 35 yards for a touchdown.
USD quarterback Noah Shepard completed 14-of-25 passes for 269 yards and a touchdown. His only touchdown throw came on a 43-yard pass to senior wide receiver Jordan Murphy.
Coyote running back Amos Allen, the nation's leading rusher, ran for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Up next for USD is a nationally-televised road game against Nebraska-Omaha next Thursday night at 7 p.m. That game could very well decide the NCC conference championship.
Stay with volanteonline.com for further updates on Coyote football and other USD sports news.
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