South Dakota Coyotes football: Non-conference briefings

The college football season is still a ways away, but it's not too early to start digging into South Dakota's 2019 schedule. Here is a look at the team's non-conference slate, which features four games, two on the road (Oklahoma, Northern Colorado) and two at home (Montana, Houston Baptist). While it's extremely difficult to see an upset in Norman, Okla. (obviously), the other three are certainly winnable for the Coyotes, who as of now, should probably be 3-1 entering conference play on Oct. 5 against Indiana State.

Here is a quick glance at USD's non-conference foes. 

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Montana Grizzlies

2018 RECORD: 6-5

HISTORY: Montana leads 12-6

GAMEDAY: Aug. 31, 2 p.m.

BRIEFING: The Grizzlies return starting quarterback Dalton Sneed, who led the team in passing and rushing, and their top receiver, Samuel Akem, who caught 59 balls for 879 yards and 13 touchdowns. On defense, Jesse Sims has appeared in every game since 2016 and anchors a front line that will have a couple new faces in sophomore Braydon Deming and Alex Gubner. Elsewhere, linebackers Dante Olson and Jace Lewis (special teams) both garnered first team preseason All-American honors from HERO Sports.

Oklahoma Sooners

2018 RECORD: 12-2, Big 12 champion

HISTORY: First meeting

GAMEDAY: Sept. 7, 6 p.m. in Norman, Okla.

BRIEFING: Playing under the lights in Norman will be a really, really cool experience for the Coyotes. Boomer Sooner, which lost to Alabama in the Orange Bowl, will hand the offensive reigns to Alabama transfer Jalen Hurts, who owns school records in career rushing touchdowns, is second in career rushing yards and touchdowns scored, and is third all-time in total offense and touchdown passes. If you're looking for a silver lining, my earliest (and likely best) offering: There will be wi-fi access throughout the stadium and all seats have been widened to 18 inches.

Houston Baptist Huskies

2018 RECORD: 1-10

HISTORY: First meeting

GAMEDAY: Sept. 14, 2 p.m. 

BRIEFING: HBU returns all but two starters on both sides of the ball. It was out-scored by an average of 16 points per game last season and only one of its 10 losses were within eight points. The Huskies' offense racked up nearly 400 total yards per game. 

Northern Colorado Bears

2018 RECORD: 2-9

HISTORY: Northern Colorado leads 14-20

GAMEDAY: Sept. 21, 3 p.m. in Greeley, Colo.

BRIEFING: UNC's new offensive coordinator, Nick Fulton, likes to play up-tempo and will have a trio of solid receivers at his disposal: Willie Fairman, Noah Sol and Dontay Warren. This Week 4 matchup shall also serve as the Bears' home opener following trips to San Jose State, Washington State and Sacramento State. 

Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.