Indiana St. Sycamores vs South Dakota Coyotes Predictions October 3, 2026
South Dakota will beat Indiana State, with a projected score of South Dakota 38, Indiana State 24. Austyn Modrzewski’s touchdown production and passing efficiency give the Coyotes the strongest winning argument. The supplied South Dakota -18.5 (-115) spread asks for more separation than this forecast anticipates, however, and neither side nor the 60.5 total offers a compelling wager. The official recommendation is Pass.
Indiana St. Sycamores vs South Dakota Coyotes prediction and best bet
South Dakota gets the pick because its quarterback has delivered across several starts. Modrzewski threw multiple touchdown passes in four of his first five starts, and South Dakota’s current preview lists his 180.3 quarterback rating third in the FCS. That sustained production is the clearest reason to expect the Coyotes to lead the scoring.
Winning and covering 18.5 points are different demands. Indiana State brings an efficient runner in Aaron Ball and a receiving threat in Jayden Reed, whose September 26 performance gives the underdog a credible scoring route. South Dakota is the forecast winner, but the official best-bet decision is Pass. Neither spread side earns a recommendation at its supplied price.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Kickoff: Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 2 p.m. CT, 3 p.m. ET.
Venue: The DakotaDome, Vermillion, South Dakota.
Broadcast: ESPN+ and Midco Sports 2, according to South Dakota’s preview.
Records: South Dakota is 3-2; Indiana State is 2-3. Both are 0-1 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference entering this 2026 college football matchup.
SportsJaw spreads: Indiana State +18.5 (-141); South Dakota -18.5 (-115).