University of South Dakota Coyotes football schedule set for 2019

VERMILLION — For the first time since 2013, the South Dakota football team will open its season in Vermillion.

The 12-game schedule, which has been posted to GoYotes.com, opens with a 2 p.m. kickoff against Montana on Aug. 31. The Grizzlies are coming off a 6-5 finish, but return starting quarterback Dalton Sneed, who led the team in passing and rushing and averaged 308.9 yards of offense per game (9th most nationally), and receiver Samuel Akem, who had 13 touchdown catches last season (6th most nationally). USD, which last opened its season at home in 2013 vs. UC Davis, is 6-12 all-time vs. Montana. 

IN SPORTS: South Dakota State announces 2019 football schedule

This year's FBS game will take South Dakota to Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to take on the Sooners on Sept. 7. Oklahoma, which is expected to have Alabama transfer Jalen Hurts running its offense, will play at UCLA a week later. 

The Coyotes will close out their non-conference slate ahead of a Week 5 bye, hosting Houston Baptist (1-10) and visiting Northern Colorado (2-9). They beat UNC 43-28 last season in Vermillion.

The annual Dakota Days game is set for Oct. 5 vs. Indiana State, after which USD will play three of its next four on the road before closing out the regular season with home games against Youngstown State (Nov. 9) and South Dakota State (Nov. 23) sandwiched around a trip to North Dakota State (Nov. 16). 

The Coyotes finished 4-7 last season and return their starting quarterback, Austin Simmons, and leading receiver, Dakari Allen. With the DakotaDome currently undergoing renovations, there will be no spring game this year. However, Saturday's scrimmage (2:30 p.m.) will be open to the public. 

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SOUTH DAKOTA 2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 31: Montana, 2 p.m.

Sept. 7: at Oklahoma, TBA

Sept. 14: Houston Baptist, 2 p.m.

Sept. 21: at Northern Colorado, 3 p.m.

Oct. 5: Indiana State, 2 p.m.

Oct. 12: at Missouri State, 2 p.m.* 

Oct. 19: at Northern Iowa, TBA

Oct. 26: Southern Illinois, 4 p.m.

Nov. 2: at Western Illinois, TBA

Nov. 9: Youngstown State, 2 p.m.

Nov. 16: at North Dakota State, 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 23: South Dakota State, 2 p.m.

*-Listed on opposing team's website

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.