Image courtesy of Sioux Falls Live

Facing the No. 12 team in the country on the road to open the season is a tough way to start.

With that in mind, the 59-20 loss to South Dakota on Saturday for Central Connecticut State University wasn’t surprising, but still disappointing nonetheless.

The two-time defending NEC champs were out-gained 594-250 and went 4-14 on third downs.

South Dakota QB Austyn Modrzewski was 16-20 for 304 yards and six touchdowns. He also had 81 yards rushing on two carries, one being a 68-yard TD.

The Blue Devils took a 7-0 lead with 7:40 left in the first on an Isaac Stopke three-yard run, but it was all downhill from there.

The Coyotes led 14-7 after one and then exploded for 28 points in the second quarter, taking a commanding 42-10 lead into halftime.

Down 56-10 with 1:28 left in the third, CCSU’s Connor Kenyon hit Michael Trovarelli for a 13-yard touchdown. Jack Hennessy hit field goals of 37 and 36 yards on the day.

Kenyon finished 9-18 for 81 yards with the touchdown. Brett Griffis also saw time, going 7-13 for 34 yards while adding 43 yards on eight carries. Davon Smith had 36 yards on eight rushes. Trovarelli led the CCSU receivers with 45 yards on five grabs. Davon Smith Jr. had the biggest impact and it came on special teams, returning six kicks for 105 yards.

It doesn’t get any easier for CCSU as Adam Lechtenberg’s team will head back out on the road to face FBS opponent Toledo in two weeks (9/12).