What Is 2013 South Dakota Coyotes football

Overview

The 2013 South Dakota Coyotes football team represented the University of South Dakota during the 2013 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing as a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), the team was led by head coach Joe Glenn, who was in his fourth and final year at the helm.

The Coyotes played their home games at the DakotaDome, a 9,100-seat indoor stadium located on campus in Vermillion, South Dakota. Despite a winning record, the team did not qualify for the FCS playoffs, finishing the season with a 7–4 overall mark and a 5–3 conference record.

• Record: The team posted a 7–4 overall record, marking one of the better seasons during Joe Glenn’s tenure, though it fell short of postseason qualification.
• Conference: As a member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference, South Dakota faced strong competition from teams like North Dakota State and Southern Illinois.
• Home Venue: Games were held at the DakotaDome, an indoor facility opened in 1979 that has undergone multiple renovations to improve fan and player experience.
• Head Coach:Joe Glenn served as head coach from 2010 to 2013, compiling a 17–31 record before stepping down after the season.
• Postseason: The Coyotes did not earn a bid to the FCS playoffs in 2013, despite finishing above .500, due to strength of schedule and conference standings.

How It Works

The structure of NCAA Division I FCS football involves regular-season conference play, with teams vying for rankings and playoff eligibility based on win-loss records and strength of schedule. The 2013 South Dakota Coyotes operated within this framework, aiming for postseason qualification through consistent performance.

• Division I FCS: The FCS is the second tier of college football, below the FBS; it features a 24-team playoff to determine the national champion each year.
• Conference Play: The MVFC is one of the toughest FCS conferences; winning it often guarantees a high playoff seed or automatic qualification.
• Roster Size: South Dakota fielded approximately 105 players on its 2013 roster, including walk-ons and scholarship athletes across offense, defense, and special teams.
• Schedule Format: The Coyotes played an 11-game schedule, with 8 games against conference opponents and 3 non-conference matchups.
• Recruiting Pipeline: The team relied heavily on in-state and regional recruits, with players from South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa forming the core of the squad.
• Game Day Operations: Home games at the DakotaDome drew average crowds of 4,200 fans, reflecting steady community support despite the team’s modest national profile.

Comparison at a Glance

How did the 2013 South Dakota Coyotes stack up against key conference rivals in terms of performance and standings?

The table highlights that while South Dakota had a winning record, they trailed behind powerhouses like North Dakota State and South Dakota State in both conference performance and national recognition. Their 5–3 MVFC record placed them in the middle of the pack, not enough for an at-large playoff berth. This season underscored the growing competitiveness of the conference and the challenge mid-tier programs faced in breaking into the postseason.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a transitional moment for South Dakota football, reflecting both progress and the challenges of competing in a dominant conference. Though they missed the playoffs, the team laid groundwork for future development under new leadership.

• Program Development: The 7–4 record showed improvement from prior years, signaling potential for future success under incoming coaching staff.
• Coaching Change: Joe Glenn’s departure after 2013 led to the hiring of Josh Johnson as offensive coordinator, who later became head coach.
• Recruiting Impact: Strong performances helped boost visibility, improving in-state recruiting efforts for the 2014 class.
• Conference Prestige: Competing in the MVFC exposed players to high-level football, enhancing player development and national exposure.
• Facility Investment: Continued use of the DakotaDome emphasized the need for future upgrades to remain competitive.
• Foundation for Growth: The season contributed to a culture shift, culminating in South Dakota’s first FCS playoff appearance in 2017.

While the 2013 campaign did not end in postseason glory, it played a quiet but vital role in the long-term evolution of South Dakota football, setting the stage for future competitiveness in the FCS landscape.