When the South Dakota Coyotes storm into Jack Trice Stadium to face the Iowa State Cyclones this Saturday (3:30 PM ET), they’ll bring more than just FCS grit—they’ll carry the weight of a program hungry to prove it can hang with Power 5 competition. For Iowa State, this Week 1 showdown isn’t just the start of a new season; it’s a chance to set the tone under the bright lights of Ames, where the Cyclones have built a reputation for stifling defenses and explosive offensive bursts. The Coyotes, fresh off a 2024 campaign that saw them flirt with playoff contention, won’t be intimidated—this is the kind of David-vs-Goliath clash that could define their season before it truly begins.

The intrigue lies in the contrast: Iowa State’s disciplined, physical brand of football against South Dakota’s scrappy, high-tempo attack. Can the Coyotes’ offense, which thrived on turnover creation and quick strikes last year, exploit early-season rust in the Cyclones’ secondary? Or will Iowa State’s defensive line—always a strength—overwhelm the FCS visitors with relentless pressure? With both teams eager to erase the offseason doubts, this opener promises fireworks from the first snap. For the Cyclones, it’s about avoiding the upset bug that’s bitten Power 5 teams in Week 1 before. For the Coyotes? It’s about etching their name into the national conversation before most fans have even filled out their fantasy rosters.