SIOUX FALLS -- With a playoff berth potentially hanging in the balance, the #17 University of Sioux Falls (8-1, 4-1 NSIC South, 2nd) will host Upper Iowa (6-3, 2-3 NSIC South) in a crucial NSIC football game at noon Saturday at Bob Young Field.
Last week, USF dropped a 27-14 decision to Minnesota State-Mankato as the Cougars lost a 14-10 lead in the fourth quarter. As a result, USF fell from #10 to #17 in the AFCA DII Poll and also dropped to seventh in the Super Region 3 rankings. The top ranked six teams qualify for the DII playoffs at the end of the regular season. Meanwhile, Upper Iowa score 29 points in the second quarter and defeated Wayne State, 58-29.
Super Region 3 Rankings
1. Minnesota State-Mankato (9-0)
2. Ouachita Baptist (8-0)
3. Minnesota-Duluth (9-0)
4. Pittsburg State (8-1)
5. Northwest Missouri State (8-1)
6. Azusa Pacific (8-1)
7. Sioux Falls (8-1)
8. Humboldt State (7-1)
9. Harding (7-1)
10. Henderson State (8-1)
Despite the loss to MSU, USF, which has won eight of nine games by double digit margins, has a 362-to-140 points per game margin. For the second time in three seasons, USF is 8-1.
At stake
While Upper Iowa is a long-shot for the playoffs, the Peacocks are battling for the second spot in the NSIC South. A USF win would keep the Cougars in playoff consideration. USF will try and go 5-0 at home this fall.
Cougars assured of 21st straight winning season
With an 8-1 mark, the Cougars are assured of a 21st straight winning season. The loss to #1 Minnesota State-Mankato dropped USF to 403-402-20 record in 96 years of football.
Start fast, finish strong is the Cougar way
So far this season, USF has allowed just five total TDs in the first and fourth quarter combined. In fact, USF has a 201-to-47 margin in the first and fourth quarters combined. In the fourth quarter, USF owns a 107-to-31 margin with a 94-to-16 ppg edge in the first quarter.
How USF stands in league stats
USF ranks sixth in total offense (461.2 yards per game) and third in scoring offense (40.2 ppg) in the NSIC. In addition, the Cougars, which forced three turnovers, rank first in the NISC in turnover margin (31-to-16) at 1.67 per game. In addition, the USF defense is second in scoring defense (16.7 ppg) and third in total defense (329.3 yards per game) in the league. Led by junior cornerback Solomon St. Pierre's league-best 10 interceptions (tied for 1st in NCAA DII), the Cougars have 20 interceptions as a team, which tops the NSIC by two picks. St. Pierre has tied a school record with his 10 picks and stands one away from tying the league mark.
Takeaway kings
For the fourth game (last Saturday vs. #1 MSU) this season, USF, which ranks third nationally in turnover margin, recorded three takeaways, including an interception and two fumble recoveries. The Cougars have six defensive scores this season.
Where to Listen/Watch
The radio broadcast will be on KWSN 1230 AM at KWSN.com with Tom Frederick on play-by-play and Tim Hiatt handling color. Player interview and the Jed Stugart pre-game show airs 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Join Tom and Tim with Coach Stugart and players immediately after the game for comments and wrap on the action. Live stats and video will be available at usfcougars.com.
USF and Upper Iowa Series
The Cougars are 1-1 all-time vs. Upper Iowa.
Series recaps - Upper Iowa 30 USF 28 in 2013
Peacock running back Chris Smith's record-breaking performance coupled with fourth-down miscue cost USF in a 30-28 loss to Upper Iowa tonight at Harms-Eischeid Stadium in Fayette, Iowa. In the game, Smith broke Upper Iowa's single season scoring mark in the third quarter and finished with 258 yards and three scores for the Peacocks. USF was 0-for-3 on fourth down attempts while
USF senior quarterback Carrington Hanna went 34-for-50 for 298 yards and two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Matt Young finished 2-for-2 for 81 yards and a score. Peacock junior quarterback Cole Jaeschke completed 23 of 30 attempts for 191 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Smith tallied a game-high 331 all purpose yards and led the Cougars' receiving corp, hauling in 10 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown. Josh Angulo had 12 catches for 124 yards. Campbell paced an outstanding defensive effort, posting 14 tackles and a forced fumble. St. Pierre, Batinich and Ahlers were credited with 10 tackles each while Grant Schindler (7 tackles) and Clint Wilson (6 tackles) both tallied sacks.
USF over Upper Iowa, 54-41 in 2012
On Oct. 26, 2012, USF won a shootout with the Peacocks, 54-41 at Bob Young Field. The Cougars had a solid day on the ground, as Kristian Porter racked up 108 rushing yards and two TDs. QB Taylor Perkins charted his sixth game with three or more passing TDs, finishing 15-of-25 for 230 yards and three TDs. He also added 50 yards on the ground. Jeremiah Oates recorded a career-high 162 yards and one TD, on just six receptions. Carrington Hanna finished with six catches for 63 yards and a TD, while Kendrick Celestine had two grabs for 36 yards and one score.On the defensive side, USF can take away both positive and negatives from today's game. The Cougars forced four interceptions, but they also allowed UIU quarterback Jaeschke to accumulate a NSIC record 606 passing yards and five touchdowns. Eric Anderson led USF with nine tackles, while Robert Virgil totaled eight stops and two interceptions, his fifth and sixth of the year. Bonte finished with six tackles, two for a loss, one sack, one interception and one touchdown.
Cougars own one of the best marks all-time in NSIC
Since moving to NCAA DII in 2011, USF has compiled a 23-8 record in NSIC play, which ranks first in percentage at .742. The Cougars are 10-6 in road NSIC games.
USF football began in 1902 vs. USD
In 1902, USF played the first football game in school history, a 33-0 loss to South Dakota. After that game, USF did not play again until 1911 when Huron took a 24-9 decision. USF actually lost their first three games ever played before a 41-0 win over the Pipestone Indians in 1915. The Cougars first winning season was a 3-2-2 mark in 1916, when they played city rival Augustana 'for the first time, recording a 46-0 win over the Vikings.
Cougars sit 49-3 all-time at Bob Young Field
With a 49-3 mark at Bob Young Field, the Cougars will try and win the 50th game at Bob Young FIeld. The Cougars won the first 32 games and have since taken 17-of-20 at the friendly confines of Young Field. Overall, including play at Howard Wood Field (through 2006), the Cougars have won 69 of the past 72 games and 59-of-61 home conference games, including 47 in the GPAC (NAIA) and 12 as an NSIC member in NCAA DII. Since 2000, USF is 87-8 at home.
USF rolling since 1996
Since the Cougars won their first-ever national title (NAIA), they have compiled a 199-33 mark.
By the numbers under Stugart
USF is 37-2 when leading at halftime in the Coach Stugart era. They are 3-9 when trailing at halftime. USF is 33-4 when scoring first and when opponents score first, the Cougars stand 9-10.
Scoring streak hits 111 games
USF is one of the most powerful offenses in the NSIC and continue to put up the points. Since moving to DII in 2011, the Cougars have scored 1,350 points in 38 games or 35.53 ppg. This year, USF is averaging 40.2 points per game with 362 total points in nine games. Twice, USF has gone over 50 points. In seven of nine games, they have scored at least 36 points. It has been 111 games since USF has failed to score. That game was a 55-0 loss to Carroll College in the final game of the 2005. USF had season-best 73 points vs. Minnesota State-Moorhead which is the most for the Cougars since moving to NCAA Division II in 2011. The previous high was in 2011 when the Cougars defeated the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 71-0. In the past 17 games, USF has scored over 50 points, four times..
NCAA Statistics -- Cougars lead nation in interceptions
USF leads the nation in pass interceptions as a team (20), and pass interceptions individually with Solomon St. Pierre recording 10 to this point. In addition, the Cougars are thirdin turnover margin at +15 (1.88 per game).
Team
Interceptions, 1st, 20
Interception Returns for TDs, T-1st, 4
Defensive TDs, T-1st, 6 (Lincoln, PA)
Interception Return Yardage, 3rd, 346
Team Passing Efficiency Defense, 3rd, 87.90
Turnover Margin, 3rd, 1.67 pg (31-16 for plus 15)
Kickoff Returns, 5th, 25.81 avg. (21-542-TD)
Scoring Defense, 15th, 16.7 ppg (150)
Completion Percentage, 17th, 206-of-326, 63.2%
Scoring Offense, 17th, 40.2 ppg (362 points)
First Downs, 18th, 220
Red Zone Offense, 27th, 85.7 percent (42-of-49)
Total Offense, 32nd, 461.2 ypg
Total Defense, 38th, 329.3
Passing Offense, 42nd, 266.3
First Downs Defense, 44th, 163
Rushing Offense, 47th, 194.9 ypg
Rushing Defense, 50th, 133.3 ypg
Individual
Interceptions, Solomon St. Pierre, 1st, 10
Interceptions per game, Solomon St. Pierre, 1st, 1.1
Passes Defended, Solomon St. Pierre, 1st, 19, 2.1
Rushing TDs, Nephi Garcia, 12th, 13 TDs
Scoring, Nephi Garcia, 15th, 10.0 ppg; Bradley Hatfield, 37th, 8.7 ppg
TFLs, Evan Gentry, 22nd, 15.5 TFLs
Completion Percentage, Luke Papilion, 26th, 61.9%
Receiving TDs, Josh Angulo, 41st, 7
Papilion jumps into 11th all-time in USF career passing
In his second season as starter, USF starting quarterback Luke Papillion is 11-4 as a starter, including 8-1 this season. Papilion ranks 11th on USF's career passing chart. After throwing for 250 against #1 Minnesota State, the Denver, Colo., sophomore now has 2,863 career passing yards. He is 288 yards from the top-10 all-time.
USF Top-10 Career Passing Leaders
1. Dax Michelena (1997-2001), 7,665 yards, 72 TDs
2. Kurtiss Riggs (1993-96), 7,329, 85 TDs
3. Chad Cavender (2006-07), 7,083, 64 TDs
4. Ed Koester (1985-89), 6,915, 44 TDs
5. Jon Burckhardt (1999, 01-03), 5,559, 39 TDs
6. Lorenzo Brown (2008-09), 5,353, 65 TDs
7. Joe Wright (2003-05), 4,920, 43 TDs
8. Taylor Perkins (2011-12), 3,500, 37 TDs
9. Jon Eastman (2010), 3,465, 45 TDs
10. Jay Eidsness (1991-94), 3,149, 22 TDs
Papilion's rattling off numbers
He has 237 completions in 414 attempts and 21 TDs with 15 interceptions in his career. A year ago, he was 68-of-150 for 820 yards with six TDs and six interceptions. This season, he has completed 169 of 273 passes for 2,043 yards with nine interceptions and 16 TDs. A dual threat, Papilion has pushed his career rushing numbers to 232 attempts for 1,313 yards and 19 TDs. Papilion has moved in 13th all-time in seasonal passing yards. Papilion needs just 90 yards to take over 12th on the seasonal passing chart, which is now held by Jon Burckhardt with 1,814 yards in 2002.
USF's Top 20 Passing Seasons
1. Kurtiss Riggs (1996), 3,993
2. Chad Cavender (2006), 3,674
3. Jon Burckhardt (2003), 3,544
4. Jon Eastman (2010), 3,465
5. Chad Cavender (2007), 3,409
6. Lorenzo Brown (2009), 3,221
7. Kurtiss Riggs (1995), 3,017
8. Taylor Perkins (2012), 2,677
9. Joe Wright (2005), 2,637
10. Dax Michelena (2001), 2,564
11. Joe Wright (2004), 2,222
12. Lorenzo Brown (2008), 2,132
13. Luke Papilion (2014), 2,043
14. Ed Koester (1987), 1,907
15. Isaac Miller (1999), 1,863
16. Jon Burckhardt (2002), 1,814
17. Dax Michelena (2000), 1,805
18. Ed Koester (1985), 1,793
19. Dax Michelena (1997), 1,707
20. Ed Koester (1989), 1,624
More Papilion numbers
Papilion had his best career passing performance in the win over MSU-Moorhead (9/27/14) when he threw for 318 yards and also rushed for 125. It is the first time in his career when he has had 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing. With 230 yards passing and 121 yards rushing in a win over Winona State (10/25/14), Papilion has compiled over 200 yards passing and 100 yards rushing three times this season. Against the Warriors, Papilion recorded his sixth career 100-yard rushing game. In fact, it was Papilion's second straight 100-yard rushing game against Winona State in two seasons. In a victory over MSU, Moorhead, the sophomore tied a career-high with three TD throws and set career-bests in completions with 27 and attempts with 40. In his career, he now has rushed for 100 yards and thrown for 200 yards four times in his career. Papilion has thrown for 200 or more yards in a career-best five straight games in 2014 and recorded three TD passes twice this season.
100 yard rushing games
10-25-2014 -- Winona State, 21-121-2 TDs
10-11-2014 -- Augustana, 18-130-0 TDs
9-27-2014 -- Minnesota State-Moorhead, 17-125-2 TDs
9-14-2013 -- Northern State, 19-240-5 TDs
10-5-2013 -- Southwest Minnesota State, 27-194-3 TDs
10-12-2013 -- Winona State, 19-157-2 TDs
200 yard passing games
10-25-2014 -- Winona State, 17-32-230-2 TDs
10-18-2014 -- SMSU, 22-38-2-282-0 TDs
10-11-2014 -- Augustana, 19-34-2-217-TD
10-4-2014 -- Concordia, St. Paul -- 23-33-0-247-3 TDs
9-27-2014 -- Minn. State-Moorhead, 27-40-1-318-3 TDs
10-12-2013 -- Winona State, 16-25-1-200-3 TDs
Garcia approaching 1,900 career rushing yards
Nephi Garcia, who ranks sixth in the league in rushing per game at 86.3 yards per game, has 170 carries for 777 yards and 13 TDs (2nd, NSIC). He now has 370 carries for 1,845 yards and 21 TDs in his career. Garcia has recorded nine 100-yard rushing games in his career at USF. With those 1,845 career yards, he has moved move into 12th place on USF's career rushing chart and ahead of Andrew McWell (1994-95), who had 273 carries for 1,801 yards. With 51 yards, he will move past Nelson Cumana (1981-82), who recorded 408 carries for 1,895 yards. Garcia has rushed for at least 80 yards in 14-of-18 career games and has totaled over 100 yards in three games this season. Garcia, who is the 26th member of the 1,000-yard rushing club at USF, recorded the 15th best 1,000-yard season a year ago when he had 1,068 yards. He is looking to become the fourth USF rusher with two 1,000 yards seasons joining David Ruter (1996, 1998, 1997), Mike Dvoracek (2004-06), and Nick Kortan (2001-02). With 155 yards, Garcia will become the 11th player to reach 2,000 career rushing yards in Cougar history.
100-yard rush games by Garcia
2013
Sept. 14 -- Northern State, 22-159-TD
Sept. 21 -- U-Mary, 24-111-0 TDs
Sept. 28 -- Minnesota-Crookston, 18-167-TD
Oct. 5 -- Southwest Minnesota State, 28-146-2 TDs
Oct. 12 -- Winona State, 24-122-0 TDs
Oct. 19 -- Concordia-St. Paul, 22-104-2 TDs
Oct. 26 -- Augustana, 29-159-3 TDs
2014
Sept. 13 -- Bemidji State, 25-134-3 TDs
Sept. 20 -- St. Cloud State, 30-121-2 TDs
Oct. 4 -- Concordia, St. Paul, 24-146-TD
USF's All-time Rushing Leaders
1. David Ruter (1995-98), 677-4,783 yards
2. Mike Dvoracek (2003-06), 866-4,658 yards
3. Nick Kortan (1999-2002), 762-4331
4. Jim Pehringer (1987-90), 847-3,454
5. Ryan Lowmiller (2006-09), 557-3,137
6. Terry Austin (1992-95), 488-3,115
7. Dax Michelena (1997-2001), 589-2,755
8. Erik Cimpl (2005-08), 447-2,254
9. Kristian Porter (2008-12), 352-2,077
10. Kevin Moser (1983-84), 431-2,016
11. Nelson Cumana (1981-82), 408-1,895
12. Nephi Garcia (2013-), 408-1,895
13. Andrew McWell (1994-95), 273-1,801
14. Trey Erickson (2004-07), 252-1,755
15. Roger Guge (1972-73), 323-1,639
16. Lorenzo Brown (2008-09), 290-1,629
Defense leads nation with 20 interceptions- 6 Def. TDs
USF leads NCAA DII with 20 interceptions, and have also collected 11 fumble recoveries for 31 total takeaways and a plus margin of +15 (1.67), a total which leads the NSIC and ranks third in DII. USF has six defensive TDs, which is the best in NCAA DII. A year ago, USF had just nine total turnovers forced against opponents which means the Cougars have already more than tripled the takeaways with games still on the docket. Against both MSUM and SMSU, the Cougars recorded five interceptions. USF forced a season-high seven turnovers against SMSU.
2014 Defensive scores
Bemidji State
~ David Clark 40-yard interception return
~ Cameron Ostrom, 88-yard interception return
~ Devin Flesher, fumble recovery in end zone
Minnesota State-Moorhead
~ Solomon St. Pierre, 76-yard interception
Southwest Minnesota State
~ Solomon St. Pierre, 35-yard interception return
Winona State
~ Cameron Ostrom, 35-yard fumble return
St. Pierre ties season record; ranks 10th all-time in career interceptions
Solomon St. Pierre of Wagner, S.D., had two interceptions against Winona State on Oct. 25 and as a result tied a school record for interceptions in a season with 10 (Phil Porter, 1995). In addition, he has tied Chuck Morrell (1995-97) and Nick Casiello (1988, 1990-91) for 10th on the career interceptions with 13. With 308 career interception return yards, St. Pierre, who has 76-yard and 35-yard interception returns, has set a school record and bettered the mark of Trevor Holleman who had 16 picks for 282 yards from 2006-09. St. Pierre is just one away from tying from the conference record of 11 by Jack Moro of St. Cloud State (2011).
USF Career Interception Leaders
1. John Fuller (1982-85), 18
2. Trevor Holleman (2006-09), 16
2. Phil Porter (1994-97), 16
2. Brian Brooks (1989, 1991-93), 16
5. Leo Fenceroy (2001-02), 15
5. D.J. Edman (1975-78), 15
7. Bob Garry (1969-72), 14
7. Dennis Cleveland (1969-72), 14
7. Tony Rowe (1986-89), 14
10. Solomon St. Pierre (2012-), 13
10. Chuck Morrell (1995-97), 13
10. Nick Casiello (1988, 1990-91), 13
Tidwell increases career tackle numbers
Tidwell, who was selected NSIC All-Conference in 2013, is one of the leaders of a defense, ranked second in total defense. Tidwell is fourth on the team with 43 tackles and also has two interceptions, nine pass breakups, fumble recoveryand a forced fumble. In his career, Tidwell has 160 tackles with 7.5 TFLs and 38 passes defended, including seven interceptions. In addition, Tidwell is fourth in the NSIC in punt return with a 12.1 average (14-170).
Gentry 2nd in NSIC with 15.5 TFLs
Sophomore defensive lineman Evan Gentry, a 6-3, 250 pound sophomore, is second in the NSIC and ranks 22nd nationally with 15.5 tackles for loss (1.72 per game) and also has 4.5 sacks (10th, NSIC) and 31 tackles, including 21 solo stops. In his career, Gentry has quickly gathered 68 tackles, including 44 solo tackles. He has also accumulated 24.5 TFLs and 9.5 sacks in his second season in Cougar gear.
Campbell piling up numbers at free safety
Thad Campbell, a senior free safety from Platte, S.D., is piling up the numbers in his senior season. Campbell, who earned Academic All-NSIC honors a year ago, has 50 tackles, including 35 solo stops in 2014. In his career, he now has 138 total tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recovery and an interception.
Cougars successful with big yardage totals
During the D2 era, USF has a 7-1 record when gaining over 500 yards in total offense. When they go over 600 (four times), they stand 3-1. Here is a breakdown of the games over 500 yards total offense.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
9-27-14 -- MS-Moorhead (73-21 win), 663 (291 rushing, 372 passing), 73-21 win
9-14-2013 -- Northern State (45-37 win), 522 (411 rushing, 111 passing)
9-28-2013 -- Minnesota-Crookston (52-7 win), 680 (467 rushing, 213 passing)
10-5-2013 -- Southwest Minnesota State (55-48 win), 618 (424 rushing, 194 rushing)
10-12-2013 -- Winona State (45-40 loss), 616 (348 rushing, 268 passing)
10-19-2013 -- Concordia-St. Paul (47-7 win), 628 (195 rushing, 433 passing)
9-29-2012 -- Southwest Minnesota State (41-22 win), 537 (220 rushing, 317 passing)
10-1-2012 -- William Jewell (35-10 win), 502 (285 rushing, 217 passing)
Cougars are 61-0 all-time when scoring 50
When the Cougars reach 50 points, they are now 61-0 all-time and 24-0 when scoring over 60 points. They are 7-0 all-time when breaking the 70-point mark. When they have scored over 40, USF has a 143-1 mark. When they have scored over 30 points, USF is 214-8.
Offense lighting it up
With 362 points, USF ranks second in the league in scoring at 40.2 points per game. They have scored 47 TDs and converted 43-of-45 extra points while scoring one two-point conversion and converting 11 field goals. In passing offense, the Cougars average 266.3 yards per game and generate 194.9 yards rushing. In eight of the nine games this season, the Cougars have generated over 400 yards. USF has had a high of 97 plays vs. Moorhead and a low of 70 in a win over Southwest Minnesota State (44-20) at home.
Yardage - Game-by-Game
9-6-2014 -- Minot State -- 93 plays, 497 yards
9-13-2014 -- Bemidji State -- 93 plays, 477 yards
9-20-2014 -- St. Cloud State -- 87 plays, 417 yards
9-27-2014 -- Minn. State-Moorhead -- 97 plays, 663 yards
10-4-2014 -- Concordia, St. Paul -- 72 plays, 428 yards
10-11-2014 -- Augustana -- 82 plays, 451 yards
10-18-2014 -- SW Minnesota State -- 70 plays, 453 yards
10-25-2014 -- Winona State -- 82 plays, 438 yards
11-1-2014 -- Minnesota State -- 74 plays, 327 yards
Cougars's three-headed receiving monster
This season, the Cougars' receiving corps is led by a trio of receivers that have very similar numbers. Sophomore Josh Angulo, a SF Roosevelt High product, has 48 catches (9th, NSIC) for 627 yards (9th, NSIC) and a team-high seven TDs. Junior Garrett Shutt of Reno, Nev., has 42 catches for 472 yards and two TDs while H-back Brady Rose of Cumberland, Wis., has grabbed 43 catches for 553 yards and three TDs. The receiving trio has combined 134 catches for 1,683 yards and 12 TDs. As for his career, Angulo has 74 catches for 932 yards and eight TDs. Shutt has career totals of 48 receptions for 524 yards and two TDs while Rose has 51 catches and 594 yards with three TDs. Rose had a career-best eight catches against CU and a career best 99 yards (seven catches) against Minot State. He has had at least two catches in every game. As for Shutt, he has had six receptions four times (Minot State, Bemidji State and CU) with a career-best 98 yards receiving against CU. Angulo has had at least three receptions in eight of nine games. His season-best performance is nine catches for 120 yards and a TD vs. MSU-Moorhead. Angulo's career-bests include 12 catches for 124 yards in a win over Upper Iowa on Nov. 2, 2013.
Mickey steps up in running game
Against Winona State (10/25/14), 5-9 175 pound redshirt freshman Max Mickey stepped up with a career-high 18 carries and 49 yards. Mickey, originally from Holden, Mo., added eight carries for 27 yards vs. #1 MSU and now has 63 carries for 274 yards and three TDs. He has a career-high 113 yards on 12 carries with a TD vs. MSU Moorhead. Three times he has had at least 12 carries and has gone 49 yards or better three times. Mickey also has four catches for 57 yards.
What you need to know about Upper Iowa
Smith, Jaeschke lead the offense
After a 5-0 start to the season, Upper Iowa has suffered three straight losses before righting the ship last weekend with a dominating win over Wayne State. Leading the way for the Peacocks (6-3) is senior quarterback Cole Jaeschke who is averaging over 300 yards passing and two touchdowns per game. Leading rusher Chris Smith was lost for two games due to injury, but the senior retuned last week to total 148 yards and three scores. As a whole, UIU ranks in the top half of the conference, scoring 38.2 points per game while allowing 28.6 points per contest. Senior quarterback Cole Jaeschke is putting together an impressive campaign in 2014, his final year as the focal point of the UIU offense. In nine games this season, Jaeschke is nearing 3,000 yards passing and has tossed 18 touchdowns. Against Concordia-St. Paul two weeks ago, Jaeschke threw for 445 yards and added four touchdowns in last week's win over Wayne State. Pairing well with his quarterback, senior running back Chris Smith's spectacular season was slightly derailed due to injury, but he has returned to his top-rushing ways. In every game he has played in this season, Smith has rushed for over 100 yards, tataling 1,089 in just seven games. Smith also has a nose for the end zone, reaching pay dirt 19 times in 2014. In consecutive wins over Bemidji State and St. Cloud State, Smith amassed over 200 yards in each game and scored three touchdowns in each.
Shea leads Peacocks
Upper Iowa head coach Tom Shea is in his sixth season at the helm of the Peacock football team. In his tenure, UIU owns a 22-43 record, but the Peacocks are guaranteed a winning record in 2014 for the first time during his stay in Fayette. Previous head coaching stops for Shea included Dakota State and Peru State where he won an NAIA Division II national title in 1990. Overall, Shea owns a 108-84-3 record in his 19 years of coaching.
