SIOUX FALLS (Nov. 10, 2015) -- The #17 University of Sioux Falls Football Team (8-2, 4-2 NSIC South), will look to bounce back from a home loss as they face Upper Iowa (6-4, 3-3 NSIC South) at noon Saturday at Bob Cunningham Field in Fayette, Iowa. The game is the regular season finale for both teams.

At Stake

The Cougars, which has won eight games for the third time in four seasons in the NSIC and NCAA DII, are in the hunt for one of seven playoff spots in NCAA DII Super Region 3. In the latest region rankings, USF is ranked #7 and was as high as #3 this year. USF, which is coming off a loss to Minnesota State, will look to rebound against Upper Iowa, which rallied to defeat Wayne State, 34-31, in overtime.

Series Notes

USF is 2-1 all-time vs. Upper Iowa. In 2012, USF won a shootout, 54-41, but lost, 30-28, in Fayette in 2013 before winning, 45-21, in 2014 at Bob Young Field.

Last Time in Fayette -- Upper Iowa 30 USF 28 in 2013

Peacock running back Chris Smith's record-breaking performance coupled with fourth-down miscues cost USF in a 30-28 loss to Upper Iowa 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 TDs 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 TD and one interception. USF's Wes Smith tallied a game-high 331 all purpose yard,  hauling in 10 catches for 180 yards and a TD. Josh Angulo had 12 catches for 124 yards. Thad Campbell paced an outstanding defensive effort, posting 14 tackles and a forced fumble.  Solomon St. Pierre, John Batinich and Carter Ahlers were credited with 10 tackles each while Grant Schindler (7 tackles) and Clint Wilson (6 tackles) both tallied sacks.

Last Time in Sioux Falls -- USF 45 Upper Iowa 21 in 2014

The #17 University of Sioux Falls Football Team seemingly always find another gear when they play at Bob Young Field. On a cool and windy Saturday afternoon, the Cougars shifted into high gear quickly as they rolled to a 45-21 win over Upper Iowa in a critical NSIC South contest before 1,193 in attendance. In recording the 50th win all-time (50-3) at Young Field, the Cougars shook off a low-scoring opening quarter to build a 45-7 lead over Upper Iowa. USF scored 21 points in the second quarter, 14 in the third and added seven in the final quarter to build an insurmountable lead.The 25-point victory margin was the ninth time in 10 outings when USF has won by double digits point margins. It was the seventh game that the Cougars have won by 20 points or more. ]USF, led by quarterback Luke Papilion, was hitting on all cylinders. For the second time this season, USF had over 600 yards in total offense (606), surpassing 400 yards in total offense for the ninth time in 10 games. Papilion completed 26-of-33 passes for 287 yards and three TDs. He also had 11 carries for 75 yards and a TD. A frequent target for Papilion was junior H-back Brady Rose who caught a career-best 10 catches for 90 yards and two TDs. Another Cougar standout was senior running back Nephi Garcia, who rushed for 100 yards (18-106-TD). USF had 324 passing yards and 282 yards rushing on 60 carries. USF, which had a 38:10 to 21:50 time of possession margin, had a season-high 100 plays on offense.

Seniors have led USF to great heights

Seventeen seniors for USF will play in their final regular season game on Saturday against Upper. It is a group that has helped lead the program to great heights. This group of seniors helped lead USF to an 11-1 record a year ago and the school's first-ever postseason win at the Mineral Water Bowl (42-10 win). In their four years, USF has a 34-10 record, including 8-2 this season. In 2015, the Cougars has earned its highest regional ranking (third) and national ranking (#5 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, #4 in the D2Football.com rankings and as high as #4 in the NCAA.com DII power rankings). The group has helped USF continue its long run of winning seasons, now at 22.

Those seniors include:

#2 Maurice Cannon, cornerback, 6 -2, 200, Sr., Woodbridge, Va.; son of Lisa Sensabaugh, social sciences major;

#4 David Clark, safety/kick returner, 6-1, 200, Sr., San Diego, Calif., won of David Clark, Jr., and Patrice Thibodeaux, business administration major

#12 Rotimi Oladejo, 6-3, 220, Sr., Sacramento, Calif., son of Victoria Gbodi and Rotimi Oladejo, Sr., accounting major

#18 Delontra Fields, H-Back, 6-4, 220, Sr., Abbeville, La., son of Kmeshia Davenport and Joseph Despanie, business major

#19 Solomon St. Pierre, cornerback, 5-11, 171, Sr., Wagner, S.D., son of Staycee St. Pierre, criminal justice major

#24 Garrett Shutt, wide receiver, 6-3, 193, Sr., Reno, Nev., son of Greg and Sheryl Shutt, business administration major

#26 John Tidwell,cornerback, 6-0, 191, Sr., Denver, Colo., son of John and Rita Tidwell, team captain, public accountancy/business administration major

#32 Cameron Ostrom, linebacker, 6-1, 215, Sr., Buffalo, Wyo., son of Bill and Lynda Ostrom, team captain, sports management major

#33 Clint Wilson, linebacker, 6-1, 228, Sr., Piedmont, S.D., son of Doug and Kelli Wilson, biology major

#36 Alexandre Marquignon, safety, 6-0, 197, Sr., Paris France, son of Bertrand and Marie Marquignon, business administration major

#48 Carter Ahlers, linebacker, 6-0, 209, Sr., Flandreau, S.D., son of Dave and Deb Ahlers, business administration

#57 Grant Schindler, defensive tackle, 6-2, 285, Sr., Chippewa Falls, Wisc., son of Wes and Dawn Schindler, pre-med/ROTC major

#56 Derek Delaney, right offensive tackle, 6-4, 272, Sr., Neligh, Neb., son of Beth Delaney, sports management major

#58 Wesley Bertoni, long snapper, 5-11, 230, Sr., Los Angeles, Calif., son of Carol Bertoni, exercise science major

#84 Jonathon Witt, tight end, 6-4, 250, Sr., Tacoma, Wash., son of Roy and Karen Witt, exercise science major

#94 Marco Naughton, defensive tackle, 6-2, 295, Sr., Mineola, Iowa, son of Ann Rigatuso and Marc Naughton, sports management major

#95 Mitchell Rosenbloom, defensive tackle, 6-1, 261, St. Paul, Minn.,son of Michelle and Maxie Rosenbloom.　

Where to Watch/Listen

The radio broadcast will be on KWSN 1230 AM at KWSN.com with veteran play-by-play announcer Tom Frederick, who is in his 18th year with the Cougars. Tim Hiatt is in his 15th year as the analyst on the USF game broadcasts. The Jed Stugart Pre-game Show airs 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Join Tom and Tim after the game for a wrap-up and interviews. Live stats are available at usfcougars.com with each game webcast through the NSIC's partnership with Stretch Internet. All USF games are available for live streaming at portal.stretchinternet.com/siouxfalls.

What to know about Upper Iowa

The Peacocks, led by veteran head coach Tom Shea, (28-48 in 7th year) opened the season with three straight wins, including a 17-6 season-opening decision over Northern State. After wins over U-Mary (34-16) and Minnesota-Crookston (45-3), the Peacocks dropped a late lead and fell to Minnesota-Duluth (28-24.) They then fell to Minnesota State, 38-10 before consecutive wins over Concordia St. Paul (52-20) and Winona State (35-21). In a 34-19 loss to SMSU, they lost starting quarterback Dimitri Morales. Then, they dropped a 41-20 decision to Augustana before the win in overtime (34-31) against Wayne State last Saturday. The Peacocks rank 10th in the NSIC in scoring at 29 points per game and sit sixth in scoring defense at 23.8 ppg. Upper Iowa is second in the league in passing at 302.6 yards per game. In rushing, the Peacocks are 13th in the league at120.6 yards per game. They also stand second in the NSIC in rushing defense, allowing just 87.4 yards per game. In total offense, they averaged 423.2 yards per game and allow 345.1 yards per game. Morales, who threw for 2,244 yards with 16 TDs and had 180 yards rushing and six TDs, was replaced by freshman Brent Lammers, who has completed 81-of-145 passes for 781 yards with six TDs and four interceptions. UIU's top receiver is Jalen Amis who leads the league with 95 receptions for 770 yards and seven TDs. On the ground, the Peacocks lean on Derrick Portis who has 488 yards and three TDs. Defensively all-league standout Alex Wahl leads the Peacocks with 97 tackles (2nd in the NSIC) and 17.5 TFLs (2nd in the NSIC).

Sioux Falls Notes

St. Pierre ranks #2 nationally in passes defended; 3rd in ints.

With an interception against Concordia U, St. Paul, Solomon St. Pierre increased to 21 his career-all-time interceptions record at USF. St. Pierre has a league-best (4th nationally) eight picks and now has 20 interceptions in the last 23 games. A six-time All-American cornerback from Wagner, S.D., St. Pierre ranks first nationally for career interceptions among active players in NCAA at all levels. St. Pierre has 21 passes (2.2 per game) defended in 2015 which ranks second nationally and in the NSIC. He sits fourth among active players in the NCAA with 50 passes defended. With his fifth pick-six of his career vs. Augustana on Oct. 24, St. Pierre moved into first all-time with five interception TDs. St. Pierre, who already has tied Porter for the season record at USF with 10 in 2014, was named the HERO National Defensive Preseason Player of the Year this summer. In his career, St. Pierre has appeared in 39 games, making 28 starts with 141 career tackles and 102 solo stops. On his 21 interceptions, he has 497 return yards, which ranks first all-time at USF.

Butler, Papilion, Groeneweg all earn NSIC Weekly Honors

Oct. 5 -- Kyle Groeneweg, NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week,

Oct. 12 -- Luke Papilion, NSIC Offensive Player of the Week,

Oct. 19 -- Josh Butler, NSIC Defensive Player of the Wee,

Nov. 2 -- Luke Papilion, NSIC Offensive Player of the Week

Player of the Week Notes

On Oct. 5, Kyle Groeneweg put together a big performance in a 59-10 win over Wayne State. Groeneweg, a 5-11, 175 wide receiver/kick returner from Inwood, Iowa, averaged 36.0 yards on four kick or punt returns and set a school-record with a 99-yard kickoff return in the first quarter of the win. After Wayne State took a 3-0 lead, Groeneweg took the ensuing kickoff back for a TD as he found a seam on the right side to provide the Cougars with a 7-3 lead, which they never relinquished. The return broke a 34-year old school record held by James Kennerly, who had a 98-yard kickoff return in 1981.

On Oct. 19, Josh Butler was the third straight USF football team member to be honored by the league as a Player of the Week. Butler, a computer science major from Aurora, Colo., had a game-high 13 tackles with nine solo stops in the win over SMSU. He also had two forced fumbles, a quarterback sack, TFL and three pass breakups. The sophomore safety played a key role in slowing down SMSU's rushing attack, limiting the Mustangs to 95 rushing yards on 40 carries. Butler's sack was one of a season-best six sacks for the Cougars' defense.

Papilion named D2Football.com National Player of the Week;

Twice this fall, junior QB Luke Papilion has been named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week. On Oct. 14, junior quarterback Luke Papilion was named the D2Football.com national Player of the Week after leading USF to a 51-30 win over Winona State. Papilion, who was also named NSIC Offensive Player of the Week, set a USF game record with 506 yards in total offense while putting up a career best 413 passing yards and six combined TDs (five passing). After USF recorded a 49-0 road win over Concordia U, Papilion was named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for a career-high six TD passes and 306 yards in less than three quarters of play.

USF's "lightning fast" offense

In USF's spread offense, Harlon Hill candidate Luke Papilion and his teammates, directed by offensive coordinator Dusty Hovorka, have fashioned an offense that strikes lighting quick. In the last 22 games, USF has had 81 TD drives in three minutes or less. Of that, 51 TD drives have taken less than two minutes with 24 in under a minute. In 2015, USF has 39 TD drives of three minutes with 28 in under two minutes and 13 in one minute.

TD Drives -- 3 minutes or less (plays, time, result)

U-Mary

~ Nick Stanke, 22 yd pass from Papilion, 7 plays 55 yards, 1:56, 13:04 1st Q

~ Max Mickey, 1 yd. run, 7 plays, 34 yards, 2:10, 6:46, 1st Q

~ Brady Rose, 34 yd. pass from Papilion, 1 play, 34 yards, :06, TD, 5:39, 1st Q

~ Justin Fulks, 1 yd. run, 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:44, 3:05, 2nd Q

~ Josh Angulo 31 yd. pass from Papilion, 5 plays, 53 yards, 1:41, 9:13, 3rd

~ Justin Fulks 1 yd. run, 4 plays, 67 yards, 1:29, 6:14, 3rd Q

~ Jason Towns 12 yd. run, 6 plays, 57 yards, 1:51, 2:06, 3rd Q

Minnesota-Crookston

~ Garrett Shutt, 27-yd pass from Papilion, 2 plays, 36 yards, :12, 14:52, 2nd Q

~ Max Mickey 6 yd. run, 4 plays, 39 yards, 1:07, 12:31, 2nd Q

~ Garrett Shutt 15 yd. pass from Papilion, 7 plays, 63 yards, 1:52, 2:50 2nd Q

~ Josh Angulo 12 yd. pass from Papilion, 3 plays, 13 yards, :52, 11:48, 3rd Q

~ Brady Rose 10 yd. pass from Papilion, 4 plays, 26 yards, :51, 2:36, 3rd Q.

Minnesota-Duluth

~ Max Mickey 70 yd. run, 1 play, 70 yards, :13, :59 1st Q

~ Luke Papilion 17 yd. run, 3 plays, 61 yards, :45, 13:10, 2nd Q

~ Luke Papilion 56 yd. run, 2 plays, 71 yards, :18, 2:18, 2nd Q

~ Max Mickey 1 yd. run, 7 plays, 61 yards, 1:28, :18 2nd Q

Northern State

~ Garrett Shutt 44 yd. pass from Papilion, 3 plays, 53 yards, :55, :41, 1st Q

~ Garrett Shutt 15 yd. pass from Papilion, 6 plays, 48 yards, 2:24, 4:22 2nd Q

Wayne State

~Kyle Athmann 31 yd. pass from Papilion, 6 plays, 63 yards, 2:21, 8:31 1st Q

~ Luke Papilion 2 yd. run, 8 plays, 52 yards, 2:53, 1:05, 1st Q

~ Luke Papilion 8 yd. run, 8 plays, 77 yards, 2:55, :49, 2nd Q

~ Josh Angulo 19 yard pass from Papilion, 6 plays, 67 yards, 1:47, 13:07 3rd Q

~ Brady Rose 47 yd. pass from Papilion, 2 plays, 36 yards, :53, 2:42, 3rd Q

~ Jonathan Witt 4 yard run, 6 plays, 72 yards, 2:10, 2:42 3rd Q

Winona State

~ Brady Rose 20-yd. pass from Luke Papilion, 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:12

~ Brady Rose 3 yd. pass from Luke Papilion, six plays 77 yards, 2:18

~ Erik Albeck 16 yd. pass from Luke Papilion, eight plays, 58 yards, 2:55

~ Brady Rose 40-yd. pass from Luke Papilion, three plays, 45 yards, 1:02

Southwest Minnesota State

~ Garrett Shutt 38-yd pass from Luke Papilion, 5 plays, 73 yards, 1:44

~ Luke Papilion 1-yd run, 5 plays, 49 yards, 1:53

~ Josh Angulo 17 yd. pass from Luke Papilion, 8 plays, 50 yards, 2:50

~ Jonathon Witt 3 yd. run, 8 plays, 47 yards, 1:59

~ Justin Fulks 21-yd run, 4 plays, 42 yards, 1:15

Augustana

~ Max Mickey 6 yd. run, 6 plays, 80 yards, 1:40

Concordia St. Paul

~ Brady Rose 84 yd. TD pass from Luke Papilion, 2 plays, 95 yards, :35

~ Brady Rose 11 yd. TD pass from Luke Papilion, 1 play, 11 yards, :04

~ Nick Stanke 14 yd. TD pass from Luke Paplion, 3 plays, 66 yards, :56

~ Josh Angulo 7-yard TD pass from Luke Papilion, 3 plays, 5 yards, :46

~ Garrett Shutt 23-yard TD pass from Luke Papilion, 6 plays, 50 yards, 2:28

Minnesota State

~ None

 USF sits 9-8 vs. ranked opponents

USF Head Coach Jed Stugart's teams are 9-8 against DII or NAIA foes in top 25 matchups.

2015: #6 USF 35 #7 UMD 31, Bob Young Field, Sept. 19

2015: #6 Minnesota State 44 #7 USF 3, Bob Young Field, Nov. 7

2014: #1 Minnesota State 27 #10 USF 14, Blakeslee Stadium, Mankato, Minn., Nov. 1

2014: USF 36 #17 St. Cloud State 0, Bob Young Field, Sept. 19

2013: #11 Minnesota-Duluth 32 USF 7, Sept. 7, James Malovsky Stadium, Duluth, Minn.

2013: #1 Minnesota-Mankato 52 USF 17, Nov. 9, Bob Young Field 2012: USF 32, #16 St. Cloud State 19, Husky Stadium, St. Cloud, August 30

2012: #6 Minnesota State 27 #17 USF 13, Blakeslee Stadium, Mankato, Minn., Nov. 3

2011: #2 Northwest Missouri State 52 USF 17, Bearcat Stadium, Maryville, Mo., Sept. 10

2011: #18 Washburn University 33, USF 17, Bob Young Field, Sept. 1

At NAIA

2010: #2 Carroll College 10 #1 Sioux Falls 7, Dec. 18, Rome, Ga. (national title game)

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 38 Mid-America Nazarene 0, Dec. 4, Bob Young Field (national semifinals)

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 27 #12 McKendree 7, Nov. 27, Bob Young Field

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 33 Northeast Oklahoma State 14, Nov. 20, Bob Young Field

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 28 #4 Morningside 3, Oct. 16, Bob Young Field

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 34 #22 Hastings College 10, Sept. 25, Hastings, Neb.

2010: #1 Sioux Falls 41 Northwestern College 24, Sept. 4, Korver Field, Orange City, Iowa (Northwestern campus)

 Yards...Yards...Yards

In the DII era (since 2011), the Cougars are 14-1 when totaling more than 500 yards in total offense, including four times in nine games this year. USF has season bests in total offense with 661 yards and plays with 98 against Winona State. This season, the Cougars have had four games of 246 yards or more rushing this season with a season-best 280 vs. Minnesota-Crookston. Through the air, USF has had 200 yards eight times with a high of 413 in the win over Winona State.

Cougars own one of the best marks all-time in NSIC

Since moving to NCAA DII in 2011, USF has compiled a 32-10 record in NSIC play. The Cougars are 14-6 in road NSIC games, incluidng 5-0 in 2015.

Cougars sit 54-5 all-time at Bob Young Field

Despite a loss at home on Oct. 24, USF has a home record at Bob Young Field of 54-5 (.915). The Cougars, which has won 9-of-11home games, were victorious the first 32 games at the stadium and have since taken 23-of-28 at the friendly confines of Young Field. Overall, including play at Howard Wood Field (through 2006), the Cougars have won 74 of the past 79 games and 64-of-68 home conference games, including 47 in the GPAC (NAIA) and 17 as an NSIC member in NCAA DII. Since 2000, USF is 92-10at home. USF is 3-2 at home this season.

USF records 22nd straight winning season

At 8-2, USF has cinched a 22nd consecutive winning season, a run which began with an 8-3 record in 1994 season with legendary head coach Bob Young. This is the sixth consecutive winning season for the Cougars under the direction of head coach Jed Stugart.

By the numbers under Stugart

USF is 50-3 when leading at halftime in the Coach Stugart era. They are 1-10 when trailing at halftime and 1-2 when tied at halftime. USF is 41-5 when scoring first and when opponents score first, the Cougars stand 14-10.

Scoring streak hits 124 games

Since moving to DII in 2011, the Cougars have scored 1,887 points in 53 games or 35.60 ppg. In 2015, USF is averaging 38.7 points per game for third in the league and 24th nationally. In 17 of past 22 games, they scored at least 34 points. It has been 124 games since USF has failed to score, which was a 55-0 loss to Carroll College in the final game of the 2005. USF had a DII-best 73 points vs. Minnesota State-Moorhead (Sept. 27) in 2014. The previous high was in 2011 when the Cougars defeated the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 71-0. In the past 27 games, USF has scored over 50 points, eight times. USF's high point total this year is 59 vs. Wayne State on the road. At home, the Cougars' high mark is 55 points in the opener vs. U-Mary.

Cougars are 65-0 all-time when scoring 50

When the Cougars reach 50 points, they are 65-0 all-time and 25-0 when scoring over 60 points. They are 7-0 all-time when breaking the 70-point mark. When the Cougars have scored over 40, USF has a 151-1 mark, including 21-1 in DII. When they have scored over 30 points, USF is 224-8. The only time USF has lost when scoring over 40 points was a 45-40 setback to Winona State on Oct. 12, 2013 at Bob Young Field.

Offense lighting it up

With 899 points in the past 22 games (start of 2014 season), USF is averaging 40.86 points. The league's top scoring team in 2015, the Cougars rank third in the NSIC in total offense at 475.2 per game of which 202.0 comes on the ground and 273.2 through the air. In the past 22 games, the Cougars have scored 122 TDs or 5.5 per game. USF has averaged more than six yards a play in 11 of the last 16 games, including seven yards or better in four of the past 12 games. With 464 yards on 58 plays vs. UMD on Sept. 19, USF registered a season-best 8.0 yards per play average.

Yardage - Game-by-Game

9-6-2014 -- Minot State -- 93 plays, 497 yards, 5.34 ypp

9-13-2014 -- Bemidji State -- 93 plays, 477 yards, 5.12 ypp

9-20-2014 -- St. Cloud State -- 87 plays, 417 yards, 4.79 ypp

9-27-2014 -- MSU-Moorhead -- 97 plays, 663 yards, 6.83 ypp

10-4-2014 -- Concordia, SP -- 72 plays, 428 yards, 5.94 ypp

10-11-2014 -- Augustana -- 82 plays, 451 yards, 5.5 ypp

10-18-2014 -- SMSU -- 70 plays, 453 yards, 6.47 ypp

10-25-2014 -- Winona State -- 82 plays, 438 yards, 5.3 ypp

11-1-2014 -- Minnesota State -- 74 plays, 327 yards, 4.4 ypp

11-8-2014 -- Upper Iowa -- 100 plays, 606 yards, 6.06 ypp

11-15-2014 -- Wayne State -- 60 plays, 538 yards, 8.96 ypp

12-6-2014 -- Central Oklahoma -- 70 plays, 503 yards, 7.18 ypp

9-5-2015 -- U-Mary -- 80 plays, 519 yards, 6.48 ypp

9-12-2015 -- Minnesota-Crookston, 79 plays, 562 yards, 7.11 ypp

9-19-2015 -- Minnesota-Duluth, 58 plays, 464 yards, 8.0 ypp

9-26-2015 -- Northern State, 74 plays, 431 yards, 5.8 ypp

10-3-2015 -- Wayne State, 69 plays, 466 yards, 6.7 ypp

10-10-2015 -- Winona State, 98 plays, 661 yards, 6.74 ypp

10-17-2015 -- SMSU, 80 plays, 483 yards, 6.05 ypp

10-24-2015 -- Augustana, 76 plays 411 yards, 5.4 ypp

10-31-2015 -- Concordia, St. Paul, 516 yards, 77 plays, 6.7 ypp

11-7-2015 -- Minnesota State, 240 yards, 68 plays, 3.5 ypp

Harlon Hill Candidate Luke Papilion ranks 11th nationally in total offense

USF starting quarterback Luke Papilion is 22-6 as a starter, including 8-2 in 2015. Papilion ranks first in the NSIC and 11th nationally in total offense at 328.9 yards per game. Papilion's 506 yards in total offense three weeks ago vs. Winona State is the 10th best single game performance this season. Papilion sits eighth nationally in points responsible for with 198 while ranking tied for eighth in DII with 33 combined TDs. He is 8th in passing TDs with 27. He has 96 carries for a team-high 714 yards with 6 TDs and an 7.4 average per rush.

The Denver, Colo., junior now has completed 487-of-839 passes for 6,173 yards with 59 TDs in his career. This season, the junior has completed 192-of-328 passes for 257.4 yards per game and a league-high 27 passing TDs. Named the NSIC's Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 and selected the NSIC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, he sits fifth in career passing yards at USF (6,173) and ranks fifth (59) in career pass TDs. Papilion's 2,779 yards in 2014 ranks 8th all-time in USF seasonal passing chart. He has accounted for 88 TDs, and 8,429 yards in total offense in his career. In fact Papilion has 17 career games of 300 yards in total offense (27 total games) with two over 400 and the career best, school record of 506 vs. Winona State on Oct. 10.

In two plus seasons Papilion already has 340 carries for 2,256 rushing yards, which ranks 9th all-time at USF. With three yards, Papilion can move up to 8th all-time among USF rushers. To this point in his career, Papilion has 25 TDs, which is tied for 16th all-time (Erik Cimpl, 25, 2005-08) at USF. He needs two rushing TDs to tie Glenn Thomas (1999-2002) for 15th on the career list with 27 rushing TDs. In addition, Papilion ranks second only Dax Michelena (2,779) in rushing yards by a quarterback. He has seven 100-yard rushing games with a high of 240 yards and 5 TDs in his first home start in 2013 vs. Northern State. He also has 16 games of 75 yards rushing or more with nine games of 90 yards rushing or more. I

In 2014, Papilion had 153 carries for 804 yards (2nd in NSIC) and six TDs. As a true freshman, Papilion completed 68-of-150 passes for 820 yards and six TDs. In 2013, he also recorded 108 carries for 738 yards and 14 TDs on the ground, the most by a Cougar since current CFL running back Chevon Walker had 14 in 2010.

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. Luke Papilion (2013--), 6,173, 59 TDs

6. Jon Burckhardt (1999, 01-03), 5,559, 39 TDs

7. Lorenzo Brown (2008-09), 5,353, 65 TDs

8. Joe Wright (2003-05), 4,920, 43 TDs

9. Taylor Perkins (2011-12), 3,500, 37 TDs

10. Jon Eastman (2010), 3,465, 45 TDs

USF's Top 10 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. Luke Papilion (2014), 2,779

9. Taylor Perkins (2012), 2,677

10. Joe Wright (2005), 2,637

Top 10 -- Career Rushing Leaders

1. David Ruter (1995-98), 4,783

2. Mike Dvoracek (2003-06), 4,658

3. Nick Kortan (1999-2002), 4,331

4. Jim Pehringer (1987-90), 3,454

5. Ryan Lowmiller (2006-09), 3,137

6. Terry Austin (1992-95), 3, 115

7. Dax Michelena (1997-2001), 2,755

8. Nephi Garcia (2013-14), 2,258

9. Luke Papilion (2013-), 2,256

10. Erik Cimpl (2005-08), 2,254

Papilion Has Record-setting Saturday vs. Winona State

In a 51-30 win over Winona State on Oct. 10 at Bob Young Field, Luke Papilion set a school total offense record and set personal bests in passing and TDs. It is the 10th best total offense game in the nation and the single best in the NSIC this year. He had 506 yards in total offense, which established a new school game record and with 413 passing yards and six combined TDs set personal bests at USF. Papilion tied his career high with five TD passes, which he set earlier this year in a 45-21 win over Minnesota-Crookston on Sept. 12. He has had 20 or more comletions and at least 30 pass attempts in five straight games.

In a 73-21 win over MSU-Moorhead last Sept. 27 (2014), Papilion had his first 300 yards passing and 100 yards rushing game with 318 throwing and 125 on the ground. He had his second 300-yard passing game against Wayne State on Oct. 3, 2015 before adding a third against Winona, which was his first 400-yard passing game. He had his 4th 300-yard passing game vs. Concordia U on Oct. 31, 2015.

Against UMD, Papilion had 125 yards rushing on seven carries with two TDs as he recorded his seventh career 100-yard rushing game. His career best completions mark of 27 was set against MSUM on Sept. 27, 2014. Against Winona State, he had a career-best 41 pass attempts (26 completions). With 125 yards rushing and 218 passing against UMD on Sept. 19 of this year, Papilion recorded his fifth 200-yard passing game, 100-yard rushing effort of his career. Papilion's streak of 10 straight 200 yards passing or more ended against Northern State on Sept. 26 when he had 157 yards. However, he has 17 games of 200 yards passing or more, including eight times in nine outings this year.

100 yard rushing games (7)

9-19-15 -- Minnesota-Duluth, 7-125-2 TDs (career best 56, 17)

10-25-14 -- Winona State, 21-121-2 TDs

10-11-14 -- Augustana, 18-130-0 TDs

9-27-14 -- Minnesota State-Moorhead, 17-125-2 TDs

9-14-13 -- Northern State, 19-240-5 TDs

10-5-13 -- Southwest Minnesota State, 27-194-3 TDs

10-12-13 -- Winona State, 19-157-2 TDs

200 yard passing games (17)

10-31-15 -- Concordia U, St. Paul, 20-33-306-6 TDs

10-24-15 -- Augustana, 23-36-269-TD

10-17-15 -- Southwest Minnesota State, 20-34-225-2 TDs

10-10-15 -- Winona State, 26-41-413-5 TDs

10-3-15 -- Wayne State , 20-31-311-3 TDs

9-19-15 -- Minnesota Duluth, 15-28-218-0 TDs

9-12-2015 -- Minnesota-Crookston, 17-34-244-5 TDs

9-5-15 -- U-Mary, 15-26-266-3 TDs

11-15-14 -- Wayne State, 13-22-225-4 TDs

11-8-14 -- Upper Iowa, 26-of-33-287-3 TDs

11-1-14 -- Minnesota State, Mankato, 21-32-250-2 TDs

10-25-14 -- Winona State, 17-32-230-2 TDs

10-18-14 -- SMSU, 22-38-2-282-0 TDs

10-11-14 -- Augustana, 19-34-2-217-TD

10-4-14 -- Concordia, St. Paul -- 23-33-0-247-3 TDs

9-27-14 -- Minn. State-Moorhead, 27-40-1-318-3 TDs

10-12-13 -- Winona State, 16-25-1-200-3 TDs

Papilion's Games with 300 yards total offense

9-5-15 -- U-Mary, 34 plays, 331 yards (266 pass, 65 rush), 3 TDs (all passing)

9-12-15 -- Minnesota-Crookston, 38 plays, 306 yards (244 passing, 62 rushing), 5 TDs (all passing)

9-19-15 -- #7 Minnesota-Duluth, 35 plays, 343 (125 rushing, 218 passing), 2 TDs (both by rushing

10-3-15 -- Wayne State, 34-330 (19 rushing, 311 passing), 5 TDs (3 by pass, 2 by rush)

10-10-15 -- Winona State, 54 plays, 506 yards (413 passing, 93 rushing), 6 TDs (five by pass, one by rush)

10-17-15 -- Southwest Minnesota State, 51 plays, 317 yards, 3 TDs (2 by pass, 1 by rush)

10-24-15 -- Augustana, 38 plays, 356 yards, 1 TD (1 by pass)

10-31-15 -- Concordia St. Paul, 36 plays, 344 yards, 6 TDs (6 by pass)

2014

9-27-14 -- MSU, Moorhead, 57 plays, 443 yards (318 passing, 125 rushing), 5 TDs (three by pass, two by rush)

10-11-14 -- Augustana, 52 plays, 34y yards, TD (TD pass)

10-18-14 -- 52 plays, 357 yards (75 by rushing, 282 by pass), 2 TDs (2 by pass)

10-25-14 -- Winona State, 53 plays, 351 yards (121 rushing, 230 passing)

11-8-14 -- Upper Iowa, 44 plays, 363 yards (76 rushing, 287 passing), 4 TDs (three by pass, one by rush)

12-6-14 -- Central Oklahoma (Mineral Water Bowl), 43 plays, 309 yards (85 rushing, 224 passing).

2013

9-14-13 -- Northern State, 44 plays, 334 yards, 5 TDs (all by rush)

10-5-13 -- Southwest Minnesota State, 48 plays, 362 yards, 5 TDs (3 by rush, 2 by pass)

10-12-13 -- Winona State, 44 plays, 357 yards, 5 TDs (3 by pass, 2 by rush)

Sioux Falls sits 14-1 when going over 500 yards

During the D2 era, USF sits 14-1 record when gaining over 500 yards in total offense. Against U-Mary on Sept. 5, USF compiled 519 total yards offense and then added 562 vs. Minnesota-Crookston before generating 661 yards in the win over Winona State and 516 yards vs. CSP on 10-31-15. The 661 yards in total offense ranks sixth best all-time at USF and third all-time in the DII era. USF had 680 yards in total offense vs. Minnesota Crookston on 9-28-2013 and 663 vs MSUM on 9-27-2014. When USF has 600 yards (five times in DII era), they stand 5-1. Here is a breakdown of the games over 500 yards.

Game-by-Game Breakdown

10-31-15 -- Concordia U, St. Paul, (49-0), 516 (167 rushing, 349 passing)

10-10-15 -- Winona State (51-30), 661 (413 passing, 248 rushing)

9-12-15 -- Minnesota-Crookston (45-21), 562 (280 rushing, 282 passing)

9-5-15 -- U-Mary (55-7), 519 (182 rushing, 337 passing)

12-6-14 -- Central Oklahoma (42-10 win), 503 (210 rushing, 293 passing)

11-15-14 -- Wayne State (63-28 win), 538 (324 rushing, 225 passing)

11-8-14 -- Upper Iowa (45-21 win), 606 (282 rushing, 324 passing)

9-27-14 -- MSU-Moorhead (73-21 win), 663 (291 rushing, 372 passing)

9-14-13 -- Northern State (45-37 win), 522 (411 rushing, 111 passing)

9-28-13 -- Minnesota-Crookston (52-7 win), 680 (467 rushing, 213 passing)

10-5-13 -- Southwest Minnesota State (55-48 win), 618 (424 rushing, 194 passing)

Fast starts key for Cougars

The Cougars have used fast starts en route to a 8-2 start. USF has outscored opponents, 143-to-44 in the first quarter and 103-to-62 in the second quarter or 246-to-106 in the first half. In addition, the squad has started fast in the third quarter with a 107-to-60 edge. I

Angulo ranks top-six all-time in both catches and yards

Junior Josh Angulo has 132 career receptions, which ranks sixth in school history. With three catches for 41 vs. MSU, Angulo increased his career receiving yardage mark to 1,898 yards or sixth all-time. He is just four yards from fifth all-time (Josiah Fenceroy, 2004-07, 1,901 yards). Angulo has had at least three receptions in 18 of 21 games. Angulo's career-bests include 12 catches (126 yards) vs. Upper Iowa (30-28 loss) on Nov. 2, 2013. He had a career-best 145 yards receiving vs. Winona State on Oct. 10, 2015. This season, he has 45 catches for 702 yards and seven TDs.,The 145 yards receiving vs. Winona State gave Angulo his fourth career 100-yard receiving games.

USF Career Reception Leaders

1. Dusty Hovorka (2003-06), 291

2. Kalen DeBoer (1993-96), 234

3. Jon Ryan (2007-10), 199

4. Alex Anderson (2007-10), 193

5. Trey Erickson (2004-07), 151

6. Josh Angulo (2013-), 132

7. Josiah Fenceroy (2004-07), 131

8. Brady Rose (2013-), 129

9. Carrington Hanna (2011-13), 119

10. Austin Van Hove (2009-13), 117

USF Career Receiving Yards Leaders

1. Dusty Hovorka (2003-06), 4,801

2. Jon Ryan (2007-10), 3,462

3. Kalen DeBoer (1993-96), 3,400

4. Alex Anderson (2007-10), 3,012

5. Josiah Fenceroy (2004-07), 1,901

6. Josh Angulo (2013-), 1,898

7. Trey Erickson (2007-07), 1,751

8. Brady Rose (2013-), 1,661

9. Zach Rutten (1997-2001), 1,642

10. Michael Warren (2003-06), 1,612

 Shutt goes past 1,000 yards in receiving

As for senior Garrett Shutt, he has career totals of 84 receptions for 1,013 yards and 10 TDs. This season, Shutt has 31 catches for 432 yards and five TDs. As for Shutt, he has had six receptions three times (seven State, Bemidji State and CU) with a career-best 98 yards receiving against CU. He tied a season best five catches (78 yards) vs. CSP. He also had five catches for 84 yards and two TDs vs. NSU. Three times this season, Shutt has had two TD receptions in a game.

Rose moves into eighth all-time in receptions, yardage

H-back Brady Rose has caught 28 passes in the past three games and leads USF in receiving with 59 receptions for 828 yards and 10 TDs, which leads the league. His 59 catches ranks fourth in the league with his receiving yards fifth in the NSIC. He set a career high with 159 yards receiving and had his second three-TD receiving game this year vs. Concordia St. Paul on Oct. 31 in St. Paul, Minn. He also had 10 catches for Upper Iowa in the regular season finale in 2014 and 10 catches for 117 yards and a TD vs. Augustana three weeks ago. He has had four 100-yard receiving games in the past six contests. He also had an 84-yard TD reception against CSP. To this point, he has 129 career catches for 1, 661 yards (8th all-time) and 16 TDs. He is the second Cougar receiver (Josh Angulo, 132) to go over the century mark in career catches this year. In fact, Rose and Angulo have both moved into the top-10 in career receptions, joining three other Cougar tandems in history to meet that mark. He has extended his streak of two or more catches in a game to 21 and all four of his 100 yard receiving games have come in the 2015 season.

Offensive line leads nation in fewest sacks allowed

The Cougars offensive front is one of the top units in NCAA DII. Led by all-league and Gene Upshaw Award nominee junior guard Antonio Green and junior center Trevor Westcott, the Cougars have allowed just four sacks this season, which ranks best in the nation and in the NSIC. They have allowed no sacks in eight of 10 games. Along with Westcott, a team captain, and Green, the unit includes junior Terry Huber and sophomore Jesse Springer, both named honorable mention all-league last year, plus 2013 All-NSIC performer Derek Delaney. In addition, junior Durant Foote and sophomore Trey Pipkins have provided great support and play. The offensive front has played a large role in a USF offense, which is averaging 475,2 yards per game

 USF ranks 5th in total defense

The USF defense, directed by coordinator Tremaine Jackson, ranks fifth in the league in total defense (360.5 ypg). The Cougars have held four teams to 10 points or less while recording one shutout, vs. Concordia U, St. Paul. The 49-0 shutout by CSP was USF's first since a 36-0 home blanking against St. Cloud State on Sept. 20, 2014, some 17 games ago. It is the first road shutout since 2009 when the Cougars, which won its fourth NAIA championship that year, recorded a 49-0 shutout of Dordt on Nov. 6, 2010. The Cougars have held three opponents to 262 yards in total offense or less three times. USF, which had a season-high six sacks against SMSU on Oct. 17, five more against Augustana on Oct. 24 and three against MSU, leads the league with 32.

Team Sacks at USF since 2002

2002 -- 43

2006 -- 37

2008 -- 35

2010 -- 34

2009 -- 33

2005 -- 33

2015 -- 32

2004 -- 32

2014 -- 30

2003 -- 29

2007 -- 22

2012 -- 21

2011 -- 20

2013 -- 16

Interception - Returns since 2002

2014 -- 26 -474

2009 -- 24-305

2012 -- 23 - 296

2002 -- 22 -- 337

2010 -- 21- 274

2005 -- 21 -231

2008 -- 20-288

2004 -- 20 -- 247

2015 -- 16 -- 278

2006 -- 16 -- 148

2003 -- 16 -- 175

2011 -- 15 -- 258

2007-- 14 -- 162

2013 -- 9 -- 105

Westly Johnson ranks 2nd in NSIC, 22nd nationally in sacks

Through 10 games, USF defensive end Westly Johnson has had a standout season as one of the league's elite pass rushers. Johnson ranks 22nd nationally and second in the NSIC with 8.0 sacks, which is a team-high. In fact, Johnson's total ranks fifth best in past 14 years. He has tied Kyle Dreckman's total of eight in 2004 and sits behind Dominic. Studzinski, 2009, 8.5; Adam Paulson, 2006, 9; and Darin Martyna, 15 (school record), 2002. Johnson's 8.0 sacks has helped USF generate 32, which ranks first in the league and 12th nationally. Johnson has had a sack in seven of the 10 games played. His total of 2.5 sacks vs. Augustana is a career best. This season, he has had 26 tackles, eight TFLs, two forced fumbles, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup in his standout first season.

Tidwell a leader on defense

Tidwell, a two-time all-NSIC selection and honorable All-American, started 37 straight games until sitting out the NSU game. Since then, he has started six straight games, including recording a season-high nine tackles.. In 2015, the team captain has 26 tackles, two interceptions, two pass breakups and a blocked kick. Over his stellar career, Tidwell has accumulated 204 tackles. He has 7.5 TFLs and 48 passes defended, including 11 interceptions. He has his 11th pick in the game vs. Augustana on Oct. 24. In addition, Tidwell has been one of the league's top return specialists. He has 32 punt returns for 573 yards and three TDs in his career. Named Mineral Water Defensive MVP, Tidwell averages 17.9 yards per punt return and 24.89 on kickoff returns. He has returned 19 kicks for 473 yards including one for 69 yards.

Schindler clogs the middle for USF

In his three plus seasons with the Cougars, defensive tackle Grant Schindler (Chippewa Falls, Wisc.) has recorded 134 tackles with 72 solo stops. He has uncanny ability to knock down passes with nine pass breakups in his career. He also has forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and 11 sacks in his career along with 28 TFLs. Of note, Schindler, a two-time Academic All-NSIC performer and 2014 All-NSIC selection, has had at least one tackle in 31 of 32 games. In 2015, Schindler ranks fifth on the team in tackles from his defensive tackle slot. He has 40 stops, 21 solo tackles, a team-high 8.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks.

Linebacking group makes impact

The University of Sioux Falls has a trio of linebackers, who have been a staple in the defense for the Cougars dating back to 2012. As a group, seniors Cameron Ostrom (Buffalo, Wyo.), Carter Ahlers (Flandreau, S.D.) and Clint Wilson (Sturgis, S.D.) have a combined 333 solo tackles, 236 assisted stops and 569 total tackles. Also they accumulated 54 TFLs, four sacks, seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries. All three senior linebackers have twice been named Academic All-NSIC. Ostrom, who made 32 career starts before being sidelined for the season, owns 150 tackles, including 97 solo stops to go with 18 tackles for loss and four interceptions. He also has a pair of defensive scores, including an 88-yard score vs. Bemidji State (9/13/14) in 2014. Ostrom, an honorable mention All-NSIC pick in 2014, has 38 tackles (tied for 2nd on the team), 19 solo stops, 3.0 TFLs and an interception. He is out with injury. As for Ahlers, he has played in 37 games with 255 career tackles, including 135 solo stops. Ahlers, a two-time Academic All-NSIC performer, has also 20.5 TFLs, three interceptions, three sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Ahlers ranks 11th in the league with 79 tackles this season, including 65 in the past seven games. Also this season, he has 8.0 TFLs, a sack, interception, pass breakup, fumble recovery and forced fumble. In On his fumble recovery vs. U-Mary in the season opener, he rumbled 53 yards on the final play of the first half but came up a little short of the end zone. Wilson, who has appeared in 38 games, has 170 career stops with 94 solo stops, 13.5 TFLs, and a fumble recovery. This season, he has 54 tackles (third on team) with 27 solo stops and 3.0 TFls. In the win over Winona State Oct. 10, he had a forced fumble and fumble recovery on the same play in the second half. Wilson did not play vs. SMSU but returned against Augustana with three tackles.

Gentry continues solid play upfront on D

Evan Gentry, a junior defensive end and media studies major, is continuing to make an impact after an All-NSIC season a year ago as a sophomore. With 3.0 sacks in the past three games, he now has 5.5 on the season, which ranks seventh in the league and second on the team. This season, Gentry has 38 tackles, 6.0 TFLs and 5.5 sacks to go with two fumble recoveries. Those totals push his career numbers to 122 career stops, including 74 solo tackles. Gentry has 36 TFLs for -95 yards and has 16.0 sacks with three fumble recoveries. With his 16 career sacks, he ranks12th all-time. Gentry has earned Academic All-NCC honors and received the "Outstanding Leadership, College Week" Award from the Media Studies Program last spring.

USF ranks fourth in NSIC and 46th nationally in rushing

USF which ranks fourth in the league and 46 th in DII at 202.0 yards per game and 21 rushing TDs, is led by a trio of running backs, including leading rusher Luke Papilion with 96 carries for 714 yards, six TDs and a league-best 7.4 avg. Sophomore Max Mickey has 115 carries for 576 yards and seven TDs while Justin Fulks has added 108 carries for 486 yards and three TDs. Mickey, who had 403 yards a year ago, has 979 for his career, just 21 away from 1,000 yards.

Sophomore Butler making impact

Sophomore safety Josh Butler is making a huge impact for the Cougars, ranking 8th in the league with a team-best 84 tackles. He has a team-high 54 solo stops (2nd in the league) with 2.5 TFLs, a sack, eight pass breakups and a team-best three forced fumbles. Butler has had double digit tackle totals in five games, including a career best 13 against SMSU on Oct. 17.