Venue & Game Info
Location: DakotaDome, Vermillion, South Dakota
Kickoff: 12:00 PM CT
Capacity: ~10,000 (indoor stadium, controlled climate)
Weather Forecast (outside): Cloudy, ~41°F, winds NW 10–12 mph, but game played indoors so conditions will be neutral.
Broadcast: ESPN+
Injury Report
Drake Bulldogs: No major injuries reported; roster healthy entering postseason.
South Dakota Coyotes: RB Nate Thomas (ankle) listed as questionable; WR Carter Bell cleared to play after minor hamstring strain.
Key Player Matchups
Quarterbacks:
Drake: Ian Corwin – 2,145 yards, 18 TD, 7 INT
South Dakota: Aidan Bouman – 2,987 yards, 21 TD, 6 INT
Running Backs:
Drake: Dorian Jackson – 812 yards, 9 TD
South Dakota: Nate Thomas – 1,102 yards, 12 TD (questionable)
Receivers:
Drake: Colin Howard – 612 yards, 6 TD
South Dakota: Carter Bell – 1,045 yards, 8 TD
Defensive Leaders:
Drake: LB Jack Lally – 92 tackles, 4 sacks
South Dakota: LB Brock Mogensen – 108 tackles, 3 INT
Recent Team Form
Drake Bulldogs:
W vs Butler (28-14)
W vs Davidson (31-21)
L vs San Diego (27-24)
W vs Valparaiso (35-10)
W vs Dayton (21-17)
South Dakota Coyotes:
L vs South Dakota State (34-17)
W vs North Dakota (26-21)
L vs Northern Iowa (27-20)
W vs Missouri State (38-14)
W vs Illinois State (31-24)
Series History
First-ever postseason meeting between Drake and South Dakota.
South Dakota leads all-time series 3–1 (last meeting in 2010, USD won 38–10).
Betting Trends:
South Dakota 6-2 ATS at home in 2025.
Drake 5-6 ATS overall, struggled against top-tier opponents.
MVFC teams historically cover spreads in first-round playoff games vs PFL opponents.
Historical Betting Results
Drake: First playoff appearance in program history.
South Dakota: 4th playoff appearance; 2023 run included upset win over Sacramento State.
Projected Score: South Dakota 31 – Drake 20
Reasoning: South Dakota’s balanced offense and MVFC-tested defense give them the edge. Drake’s passing game will keep them competitive early, but the Coyotes’ depth and home-field advantage inside the DakotaDome should secure the win.
Game Odds
Drake Bulldogs 46.5
South Dakota Coyotes – 20.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 28, 2025
