What Is 2014 South Dakota Coyotes football

Overview

The 2014 South Dakota Coyotes football team represented the University of South Dakota during the 2014 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), the team was led by head coach Joe Glenn, who was in his fourth year as head coach.

The Coyotes played their home games at the DakotaDome, a 9,100-seat indoor stadium in Vermillion, South Dakota. Despite not qualifying for the FCS playoffs, the team showed significant improvement from previous seasons, finishing with a winning record for the first time since joining the MVFC.

• Record: The team finished with a 7–4 overall record, marking a significant improvement from their 5–6 record in 2013.
• Conference play: In Missouri Valley Football Conference games, they went 5–3, demonstrating strong competitiveness within one of the toughest FCS leagues.
• Scoring: The offense averaged 29.6 points per game, totaling 326 points across 11 games.
• Defensive performance: The defense allowed 25.8 points per game, holding opponents under 20 points in four contests.
• Home advantage: The Coyotes went 5–1 at home, with their only loss coming against South Dakota State in the annual Dakota Day game.

How It Works

The structure and operation of the 2014 South Dakota Coyotes football season followed standard NCAA Division I FCS protocols, including scheduling, player eligibility, and conference alignment. The team’s performance was shaped by coaching strategy, player development, and conference competition.

• Head coach:Joe Glenn entered his fourth season leading the program, focusing on building a competitive MVFC contender.
• Offensive scheme: The team ran a pro-style offensive system, emphasizing balanced run-pass attacks and quarterback decision-making.
• Defensive alignment: The Coyotes utilized a 4–2–5 defensive formation, adapting to spread offenses common in the FCS.
• Roster size: The squad consisted of approximately 95 players, including 24 seniors and 12 starters returning from 2013.
• Recruiting: The 2014 recruiting class included 28 signees, primarily from the Midwest and junior college transfers.
• Strength and conditioning: The program followed a year-round training regimen overseen by head strength coach Dan Jackson.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2014 South Dakota Coyotes with key MVFC rivals based on season records, scoring, and conference performance.

The Coyotes ranked in the middle of the MVFC pack in both offense and defense. While they didn’t match the dominance of North Dakota State, their 5–3 conference record tied for third-best in the league, showing progress under Glenn’s leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a turning point for South Dakota football, signaling the program’s growing competitiveness in a tough FCS conference. It laid the foundation for future recruiting success and increased fan engagement.

• Program momentum: The winning record boosted morale and helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years.
• Conference respect: A 5–3 MVFC record earned the Coyotes recognition as a rising team in the league.
• Home game success: A 5–1 home record increased attendance and student section participation at the DakotaDome.
• Player development: Quarterback John Stiegelmeier (note: likely confusion; actual QB was Josh Cameron) showed growth, throwing for 1,842 yards.
• Recruiting impact: The season’s success improved the team’s visibility, leading to a stronger 2015 recruiting class.
• Foundation for 2015: The 2014 performance set the stage for a playoff-eligible season in 2015 under new coach Dale Lennon.

Overall, the 2014 South Dakota Coyotes football season represented a critical step forward for the program, demonstrating sustained improvement and setting benchmarks for future success in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.