All through the first month of the 2015 football season we've been hearing about how much the University of South Dakota Coyotes have improved. This weekend, we'll know a lot more about the state of the USD program as they open Missouri Valley Conference play with #10 Youngstown State.

The Coyotes come in rested after a bye week and with some momentum after winning their last two.

The Penguins are also 2-1 and playing some very stingy defense - especially against the pass. In their last two games, YSU has only allowed three completions, 12 total on the season. That translates into the top pass defense in the nation, #4 in the nation in total defense.

It all starts up front will pre-season all-conference defensive end Derek Rivers, who leads YSU with 35 tackles, and appears headed to the NFL next season. Safety LeRoy Alexander has three interceptions in as many games. USD quarterback Ryan Seager will have one of his toughest tests yet trying to throw the ball against this defense.

The Coyotes will try to establish a running game that has seen Trevor Bouma average 106 yards per game, among the Top 13 in the nation.

The Penguins have a 100-yard runner of their own, with Jody Webb averaging triple digits on the ground and veteran Martin Ruiz adding another 75 per game. New head coach Bo Pelini's team has also converted tight end Shane Kuhn to fullback and he's carried 18 times for two scores. YSU is averaging 217 rushing yards per game.

Sophomore quarterback Hunter Wells hasn't thrown an interception this season, and has two receivers, Andrew Williams and Andre Stubbs, who each average 100 yards a game.

I talked with USD Coach Joe Glenn about Youngstown State match-up:

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