2024 Season

[captaincoyote]

Jul 24, 2024 6:47:30 GMT -6 Yotes said:

I'm not sure what to expect with some big names on defense gone. We absolutely have to make the playoffs and sustain success as a program though.

Looking down the schedule, I think we had better have 8 wins in hand when we head to UND. Otherwise we are going to be on pins and needles about a playoff berth.

We’re a long road from UND. As long as Travis Johansen, Elijah Hodge, and Steve Ferentz are collaborating to coach our defense, I won’t be too worried. Steven Hillis went from 13 tackles in 2021 to 115 in 2022.

[captaincoyote]

Weights have been updated on the roster. As with every season, I enjoy monitoring our growth along the lines. Last year, 8 defensive linemen were listed as 270+ with 4 of those 8 being over 300. Now we have 9 270+ linemen with 4 of the 9 being over 300. So, similar to last year, but with what I can only assume to be more strength after another year of development. I also notice the addition of Bradley McGannon an unannounced transfer reserve lineman from FBS runner-up University of Washington!

Last year our average offensive lineman was 6'5" 308. Now our average offensive lineman is 6'5.5" and 306. Our lightest lineman is four star Jacob Arop (up significantly from his high school weight!). Our heaviest lineman is Sam Kohls now that Isaac Erbes has departed and Bryce Henderson has dropped 5 pounds.

All in all, we're about the same along the lines size-wise, but likely stronger. Other noticeable big gainers are Lenard Hill, Reed Rus, and George Williams who are all up 20-30 pounds each, as well as Jesse Miller and Teven McKelvey who are each up 15 pounds.

[yote18]

My thoughts are similar to those already said. We’ve yet to string successful seasons together so that’s what I want to see. I don’t expect a conference championship but I do expect us to continue on the path we started down last season. So for me that’s the first step, follow up last season with another winning season and a trip to the playoffs and then we’ll talk about building on that next year.

[Yotes]

theanalyst.com/sport/american-football/fcs/

Ranked 5th in the preseason poll here. Only behind both Montanas and xDSUs. Starting to think this core could move up and be on par with the Mountain West.

[captaincoyote]

We’re going to need to be ready to contain Portland State’s QB. He’s made Bruce Feldman’s annual cfb freaks list.

89. Dante Chachere, Portland State, quarterback
The younger brother of Cardinals safety Andre Chachere is one of the fastest quarterbacks at any level of college football. The 6-3, 200-pounder has started 22 straight games and amassed almost 5,000 yards throwing and rushing with 35 passing TDs and 19 more on the ground. The younger Chachere clocked a 4.39 40 this offseason and vertical-jumped 40 inches and broad-jumped 10-6.

[easmus]

The Portland State game has been moved to the afternoon. No clue if that will affect the game, but should make the travel home and return time better.

SIU always seems to play us well in the dome, but we need to be able to win that game. This also needs to be the year we win at YSU and UND. We have better rosters than both and need to go prove it.

I also think a win at Wisconsin isn’t impossible. They weren’t stellar last season, and if our offense can be dynamic and the defense can be opportunistic, there’s a chance there.

[GoYotes]

The Mitchell Republic has a good season preview article ($$). The currently have a special subscription offer of $2 total for 6 months. They do a decent job of covering Coyote football (with little to no coverage of any other sports at USD).

Article includes this:

Realistic goal: With the amount of returning production and overall consistency from last season, the Coyotes should be able to at least match last year’s success. With a favorable schedule as well, competing with SDSU and NDSU for a Missouri Valley title is within reach. If everything comes together, a deep run in the FCS Playoffs to either the semifinals or even the FCS Championship is not out of the question.

[GoYotes]

goyotes.com has a Football Media Center page that includes links to a lot of great information, including the game notes.

[easmus]

I didn’t see a link to game notes with a 2 deep.

[Yotes]

Aug 26, 2024 15:17:04 GMT -6 easmus said:

I didn’t see a link to game notes with a 2 deep.

I also don't see it yet. That first game notes with the 2 deep is always a special moment. Really gets me set for some football.

[sdyotefan]

There is 2 deep on Coyotes game day info.