South Dakota at Drake

It was a long and trying season for the Drake Bulldogs last year as they suffered through an 7-24 season. The good news is that experience was gained, and four starters return. The same can't be said for South Dakota, who plays at a much lower level, and the Coyotes managed just a 14-18 season of their own. Craig Smith is going to have a lot of new faces to fit together, as he returns no starters from last season, so he is taking a young team on the road in Game 1 with little or no experience. While this team may find itself at some point in the season, it is unlikely the pieces are all going to be in the right place out of the gate. Lay the points on Drake.