Full Breakdown
Austyn Modrzewski Powers USD to Dominant Season-Opening Victory
8/30/2026, 5:52:49 AM
Record-Setting Debut
In the Coyotes’ season-opening game, redshirt freshman quarterback Austyn Modrzewski accounted for seven touchdowns. He completed 16 of 20 passes for 304 yards and threw six touchdown passes, tying the University of South Dakota single-game record. On his second rushing attempt he broke free for a 68-yard touchdown run and finished with two carries for 81 yards, giving him 385 total yards of offense. The Coyotes defeated Central Connecticut State 59-20, building a 42-10 halftime lead after eight consecutive scoring drives.
Coaching Change and Early Context
The game marked the first contest for first-year head coach Matt Vitzthum, who inherited a No. 12-ranked FCS program. The victory came against a Central Connecticut State team that had opened the matchup with a three-and-out before scoring a single early touchdown. The Coyotes’ defense limited the Blue Devils to just 90 total yards in the first half, reinforcing the offensive surge.
Statistical Highlights
- Passing: 16-of-20, 304 yards, 6 TDs, 0 interceptions.
- Rushing: 2 carries, 81 yards, 1 TD (68-yard run).
- Total offense: 385 yards, 7 TDs.
- Receiving: Keyondray Jones-Logan – 2 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD; Brayden White – 5 receptions, 82 yards, 2 TDs; Tennel Bryant – 49-yard TD reception.
- Team scoring: eight straight scoring drives, 42-10 halftime advantage.
- Defense: held Central Connecticut State to 90 yards on 31 plays in the first half; Wade Abrams led with nine tackles.
Season Outlook
The dominant performance sets a high bar for the Coyotes’ 2026 campaign and underscores Modrzewski’s readiness as the starting quarterback. The team’s next test is an away non-conference game at Northern Colorado the following weekend, where the offense will look to replicate its early-game explosiveness.
