ST. LOUIS – South Dakota State has been named the preseason favorite for the first time in the Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason poll of coaches, media and sports information directors. SDSU joined the league in 2008.
The Jackrabbits, who lost to Sam Houston State in the FCS National Championship game in May, received 24 first-place votes, six more than North Dakota State, which came second in the poll.
South Dakota was picked eighth in the 11-team league. The Coyotes were able to play only half of their scheduled eight games in the spring due to COVID-19.
Six Jackrabbits were named to the MVFC Preseason First team, including running back Pierre Strong Jr., tight end Zach Heins, offensive lineman Garret Greenfield, defensive lineman Caleb Sanders, linebacker Logan Backhaus and defensive back Don Gardner.
Making the first team from USD are punter Brady Schutt and long snapper Dalton Godfrey.
Second team honorees include South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis, wide receiver Jaxon Janke, offensive linemen Wes Genant and Mason McCormick, and long snapper Bradey Sorensen; and South Dakota wide receiver Caleb Vander Esch and linebacker Brock Mogensen.
Four Coyotes earned honorable mention: offensive lineman Mason Scheiddgger, defensive lineman Jacob Matthew, linebacker Jack Cochrane and defensive back Myles Harden.
Both SDSU and USD will open their seasons on Friday, September 3, with the Jackrabbits playing at Colorado State and the Coyotes at Kansas.
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