A big game on the field turned into a big day off the field for a pair of University of South Dakota football players.

Offensive lineman Nile Banks and defensive end Drew Iddings both capturing Missouri Valley Conference player of the week honors for their roles in the Coyotes 28-21 win over #23 Northern Arizona.

Banks, playing left guard, anchored an offensive line that paved the way for a 304 yard day on the ground for the USD running game, while not allowing a sack of Coyote quarterback Ryan Saeger.

Northern Arizona at University of South Dakota Football
VERMILLION, SD - SEPTEMBER 20: Kyren Poe #2 from Northern Arizona University scrambles away from Drew Iddings #94 from the University of South Dakota in the first half of their game Saturday afternoon at the DakotaDome in Vermillion. (Photo by Dave Eggen/Inertia)
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Iddings had four tackles for loss as the Coyote defense limited the Lumberjacks to 73 yards rushing.

I asked head coach Joe Glenn about the victory, which came with USD wearing uniforms honoring the Coyote teams of the 1960's:

South Dakota now has a break in the schedule before opening conference play.  Coach Glenn says the time away won't get them Kevin Earl (hand) back at quarterback, but will get some other players time to heal:

The Coyotes next game is the Missouri Valley Conference opener at Southern Illinois, Saturday, October 4th.

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