University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota football team recorded the 500th win in its program's history with a 52-0 rout of William Penn in the Coyotes' season opener Thursday night in

Vermillion.

USD's 500th win came as a result of a dominant defensive performance, plus big plays from the offense and special teams.

Also in the game, USD receiver Dan Skelly tied the all-time touchdown receptions record at 18 with two scoring catches.

USD dominated the first half statistically, outgaining the Statesmen 270-40. USD had 12 first downs compared to three for William Penn. The Coyote defense never allowed the Statesmen to run a play in USD territory in the opening half.

The Coyotes got on the board first when Rapid City's Dustin Nowotny connected on a 27-yard field goal with 8:47 left in the first quarter, capping off an 8-play, 48-yard Coyote drive.

Later in the quarter, USD delivered a big play as Noah Shepard connected with Skelly on a

53-yard touchdown to push the USD lead to 10-0 with two minutes showing on the clock in the opening frame.

In the second quarter, USD didn't waste time getting on the board, thanks to its special teams. Cory Kuehl blocked a punt, and after the ball rolled several yards into the end zone he recovered it for a touchdown, pushing the Coyote lead to 17-0 with 14:50 to go in the half.

The Coyotes weren't through. Shepard connected with Nowotny for a 35-yard touchdown with 5:51 left in the half to help the Coyotes build a commanding

24-0 lead.

Shepard was 11-of-17 for 161 yards and Chris Ganious had 10 carries for 63 yards, while Skelly had a big half with five catches for 87 yards and a touchdown. Nowotny and Landry also caught first-half touchdowns for USD.

The Coyotes resume action Sept. 12 at No. 4-ranked Northern Iowa.