Win Number One at Stake: Game Preview – Dakota State vs Mayville State
Dakota State (0-4 overall, 0-2 NSAA) are traveling to Mayville, ND for a matchup against Mayville State (0-5 overall, 0-3 NSAA) at Jerome Berg Field.
This is a game between a pair of teams searching for win number one on their season. Both teams have been in multiple games with a chance to win, but have yet to come out on top. Well today, someone will.
Mayville State
The Comets come in with some notable returning all-conference selections. First team selections consist of quarterback Tim Salmon and wide receiver Javeion Davison. Honorable Mentions include linebacker Devon Woods, Bailey Mullenberg on the defensive line and defensive back Will Flemons.
Salmon enters this game with as many touchdowns as interceptions (9), as many as he had all last season. They’re still willing to sling the ball and take those chances though with tons of confidence in their QB. Really like to toss the 50/50 jump balls and so far they win more than they lose on them. They’re a passing offense, but last week the run game worked against Valley City State so they may explore it again today.
Jordan Richardson leads the Comets in tackles and ranks second in tackles-for-loss on the team. He is one of the primary leaders on that defense.
Dakota State
The Trojans come into this game off their bye week feeling confident in the tweaks made over the break. That combined with the work players and coaches put in over the bye was evident in practice this week. Another start on the way for sophomore QB Joey Cole. He leads the team in passing now and is 28-for-53 passing.
This can serve as a breakout game for Cole as this is the game freshman Adin Jungers exploded onto the scene in last season. The more Cole’s feet hit the fire, the more he learns how to manage the heat. A key to him being able to show his stuff this week is by being protected in the pocket to have time to make the right decisions. Never ideal to rush a young quarterback so protection, as always, is of importance.
DSU’s rushing attack hasn’t been as potent without junior Tyce Ortman. They’ll need that phase of the game to be a threat to keep MSU on their heels. Senior Gavin Holland will lead the backfield, with additional touches for sophomore Gus Sanford.
The Trojan defense remains stout, especially in its rush defense. The secondary will be tested today and likely for most of this game unless the Comets establish the run. Dakota State has shuffled its secondary up a tad throughout this season to find the right combo that works. Junior safety Jay Skogerboe is the only player to maintain his starting spot all season.
Kickoff is set for 3pm today with pregame beginning at 2:30pm on Jammin Country 103.
