If you’ve ever sat in the stands at Memorial Stadium in Terre Haute or inside the DakotaDome in Vermillion, you know it’s not just about the final score. It’s about the grit. The Indiana State vs South Dakota matchup has turned into one of those sneaky-good rivalries in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) that doesn't always get the national spotlight, but definitely earns it on the field.
Honestly, some people think these "Valley" games are just footnotes. They're wrong. When the Sycamores and the Coyotes meet, it’s basically a collision of two programs trying to prove they belong at the top of the toughest conference in the FCS.
What Really Happened in the Recent Clash?
The last time these two met on October 11, 2025, things got weird. Not "bad" weird—just statistically bizarre. South Dakota walked away with a 19-14 victory, but the box score looked like a printing error. The Coyotes absolutely hogged the ball. We’re talking a time of possession of 45 minutes and 21 seconds. That left Indiana State with less than 15 minutes to actually do anything.
Imagine trying to win a game while only holding the ball for a quarter of the time. It’s nearly impossible.
South Dakota's L.J. Phillips Jr. was a human battering ram that day. He carried the rock 34 times for 187 yards. He didn't just run; he drained the clock and the Sycamores' spirit simultaneously. Indiana State’s quarterback Brock Riddle actually had a decent showing given the circumstances, throwing two touchdowns, including a 57-yard bomb to Keshon Singleton. But you can't score if you don't have the ball.
The History Nobody Talks About
While South Dakota has dominated lately, winning the last five matchups, this series hasn't always been a one-sided affair. Indiana State actually kicked things off with a bang back in 2012, winning the first-ever meeting 45-14.
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For a while, it was a back-and-forth slugfest.
Then came 2018. If you missed that game, you missed a classic. It was a triple-overtime thriller where Indiana State edged out a 51-48 victory. That game had everything: massive offensive numbers, lead changes, and the kind of tension that makes your stomach turn. Since then, however, the Coyotes have put a stranglehold on the series.
- Total Points: South Dakota has averaged about 32.9 points in these matchups.
- Defense: In 2024, the Coyotes delivered a brutal 49-0 shutout in Vermillion.
- The Trend: South Dakota is 8-2 in the last ten meetings.
Why the Indiana State vs South Dakota Matchup is a Stylistic Nightmare
It’s the classic clash of identities. South Dakota, under the leadership that has made them a consistent top-25 program, relies on a "suffocation" strategy. They want to run the ball, use Aidan Bouman’s precision passing when necessary, and let Will Leyland (who hit four field goals in the 2025 game) split the uprights.
Indiana State, led by Curt Mallory, is usually the "scrappy underdog" that refuses to go away. They specialize in the "big play." Even when they're getting out-gained, they find ways to hang around. Look at the 2025 game: they were being dominated in every category but were still a single drive away from winning it in the fourth quarter.
Surprising Details You Might Have Missed
People often confuse South Dakota (the Coyotes) with South Dakota State (the Jackrabbits). It’s a common mistake, but a big one. Interestingly, Indiana State pulled off one of the biggest upsets in program history in 2025 by beating #4 South Dakota State 24-12 just weeks after losing to the Coyotes.
It shows that in the MVFC, rankings are sort of a suggestion.
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Rashad Rochelle became a legend in that Jackrabbit game, but he was relatively quiet against the Coyotes. It highlights how South Dakota's defensive schemes are specifically designed to take away a team's primary weapon. They force you to beat them with your third or fourth option. Most teams can't.
The Numbers Game: Indiana State vs South Dakota
If you're a bettor or a hardcore stat-head, the "Under" has been a friend in recent years. While the 2018 game was a track meet, the last three games have seen scores of 17-3, 49-0, and 19-14.
The defense is getting better on both sides.
- The Sack Race: South Dakota's defensive line recorded 6 sacks in the 2024 meeting.
- Turnover Margin: In their wins, the Coyotes rarely turn the ball over.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Will Leyland has been a weapon, turning stalled drives into points, which is often the difference in these one-score games.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Series
The biggest misconception is that Indiana State can't compete. While the 2-8 record over the last ten games looks grim, many of those losses were within reach late in the game. The Sycamores have a knack for finding elite defensive talent—guys like Kimal Clark, who racked up 15 tackles in a single game.
The problem hasn't been talent. It’s been depth. When you play a team like South Dakota that rotates players constantly, the Sycamores tend to wear down in the fourth quarter.
Looking Ahead: What's Next?
If you're following the Indiana State vs South Dakota trajectory, watch the recruiting trail. South Dakota is successfully pulling talent from the FBS transfer portal, while Indiana State is leaning heavily on developing high school prospects.
This creates a gap in immediate impact but could lead to a more cohesive Sycamore unit in a year or two.
Key Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Time of Possession: If Indiana State keeps it close to 30 minutes, they usually win or cover the spread.
- The Phillips Factor: Until someone stops L.J. Phillips Jr., the Coyotes remain the favorites.
- Home Field: The DakotaDome is a nightmare for visitors due to the noise levels.
To truly understand where this rivalry is going, you have to look at the coaching stability. Bob Nielson has built a culture of consistency in Vermillion. On the other side, Mallory is constantly doing more with less.
Next Steps for Following the Rivalry:
Check the official MVFC standings and individual player stats on the GoYotes and GoSycamores websites to see how the rosters are shifting for the 2026 season. If the Sycamores can land a dual-threat quarterback in the portal, the 2026 matchup in Vermillion could be the year the streak finally snaps. Keep an eye on the injury reports leading up to game day, as depth remains the deciding factor in this specific matchup.