South Dakota Coyotes vs Youngstown St. Penguins Predictions
South Dakota's big-play offense makes the Coyotes interesting at even money, but Youngstown State's experienced quarterback leaves little room for confidence.
Matchup overview
South Dakota brings the strongest season-long offensive indicator into this September 26, 2026 college football matchup: 23 plays covering at least 20 yards, including 12 touchdowns. That production supports a slight lean toward the visiting Coyotes, although Youngstown State offers a substantial challenge behind quarterback Beau Brungard. Both teams arrive after road losses, South Dakota at Boise State and Youngstown State at South Dakota State. The Coyotes open their Missouri Valley Football Conference schedule, while the Penguins seek their first conference victory.
At a glance
Kickoff: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 1 p.m. Central / 2 p.m. Eastern.
Venue: Stambaugh Stadium, Youngstown, Ohio.
Broadcast: ESPN+ and Midco Sports 2.
Records: South Dakota 3-1, 0-0 MVFC; Youngstown State 2-2, 0-1 MVFC.
Quarterbacks: South Dakota's Austyn Modrzewski; Youngstown State's Beau Brungard, scheduled for his 29th consecutive start.
SportsJaw moneylines: South Dakota +100; Youngstown State -128. Spreads: South Dakota +1.5 (-106); Youngstown State -1.5 (-120). Total: over 61.5 (-113); under 61.5 (-113).
South Dakota Coyotes outlook
South Dakota's 38-24 defeat at Boise State ended a 3-0 start, but the final margin misses how competitive the game remained. The teams were tied 24-24 with just over 10 minutes left. The Coyotes subsequently reached a red-zone opportunity before turning the ball over on downs with 1:44 remaining. That sequence supports their ability to stay involved on the road, while also illustrating the difference between generating an opportunity and finishing it.