VERMILLION, S.D. – Quarterback Josh Vander Maten rushed for a 3-yard touchdown in the second quarter and South Dakota held on to defeat UC Davis 10-7 Saturday in the season opener for both teams.
Vander Maten's touchdown capped a 10-play, 77-yard drive by the Coyotes. His score was set up by a 21-yard run by Terrance Terry.
Vander Maten finished 9 of 17 for 91 yards and had 35 yards rushing.
Down 10-0 after Miles Bergner's 39-yard fourth-quarter field goal, UC Davis drove 75 yards for the Aggies' only score. Gabe Manzanares carried the ball six times during the nine-play drive, scoring from 1-yard out with 3:41 to play.
The Coyotes won their twelfth consecutive home opener, spoiling Ron Gould's debut as UC Davis' head coach.
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