Tigers, Trojans set to renew rivalry

MITCHELL, S.D. – For the 69^th time in the rivalry's history, Dakota Wesleyan University and Dakota State University with meet on the football field, this time under the lights at Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell, S.D.

The Tigers hold a 37-30-1 all-time advantage in the series. In last year's matchup, DWU pulled out a 23-14 win on a cold and rainy night in Madison, S.D.

DWU heads into the game with a 3-1 overall and 2-1 Great Plains Athletic Conference record, while DSU, from the North Star Athletic Association, is 3-2 overall. Both teams are coming off close wins last week.

The DWU offense was forced to be one dimensional in the 2014 edition of the in-state rivalry. Fortunately for the Tigers, that one dimension was the legs of star running back Francois Barnaud. The Belle Fourche, S.D., native carried the ball 32 times for 272 yards and three scores, including a 47-yard scamper to secure the win late in the fourth quarter.

The Trojans successfully limited the DWU passing attack as the Tigers managed just 70 yards through the air. Despite being held to just 220 yards of total offense, DSU was able to hang with the Tigers late into the fourth quarter. Fumble recoveries set the Trojans up in good field position for scores.

If the game is close again in the fourth quarter, the Tigers should feel right at home. In the three wins for DWU this season, the score has been within one score late, with the Tigers needing to rally from behind twice.

In last week's win for DWU over Hastings College, the Broncos trailed the entire game until late in the fourth quarter. After Hastings took a three-point lead, the Tigers marched down the field for a game-winning score. The drive was capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass from true freshman quarterback Dillon Turner (Salem, Ark.) to sophomore wide receiver Dustin Livingston (Irene, S.D.). The score was the first through the air for the Tigers in 2014.

Last week also saw a come-from-behind win for the Trojans, who topped Concordia University (Neb.) 22-21 on the road. The Trojans took their only lead of the game on a 6-yard pass from Justin Summers to Brendon Waldner to cap a 12-play, 88-yard drive with 10 seconds remaining in the game.

Dakota State got back into the game after trailing 14-0 early with two touchdown runs from running back Jeremy Christner, who finished with 21 carries for 84 yards. Summers was 15-of-26 passing for 199 yards and threw one interception.

The Trojans were led defensively by Cole Potter, who finished with seven tackles, including two for a loss and one sack.

The Tigers are coming off their most complete offensive performance of the season last week against Hastings. Through the first three games, DWU relied heavily on the ground game to get the job done, with Barnaud and Turner carrying much of the load. Against the Broncos, DWU was able to find success in the passing game, as Turner completed 19-of-36 for a career-high 254 yards and one score. Barnaud contributed with 27 carries for 11 yards and two scores.

Barnaud ranks third in the NAIA in total rushing with 614 yards (153.5 per game). On defense, junior linebacker Brady Bonte (Garretson, S.D.) is sixth in the nation in tackles for loss per game at 2.4 and has added three sacks this season.

The Trojans have relied on the running game to get the job done this season. DSU ranks sixth in the NAIA in total rushing offense this season with 246.4 yards per game on the ground. Christner leads the DSU rushing attack with 436 yards, while Potter leads the DSU defense, averaging 3.1 tackles for loss per game.

Saturday's game is a "Black Out" for Tiger fans, who are encouraged to wear black apparel to Joe Quintal Field.