L.J. Phillips Shines with 301 Yards in South Dakota’s OT Win

In a thrilling overtime encounter, L.J. Phillips Jr. delivered a standout performance, rushing for 301 yards and scoring two touchdowns, leading FCS No. 20 South Dakota to a hard-fought 24-17 victory over Northern Colorado on March 15, 2024. Phillips capped his remarkable day with a decisive 13-yard touchdown run in overtime, proving instrumental in securing the win for the Coyotes.

The game hung in the balance as Eric Gibson Jr. attempted to keep the Bears in contention. His 4th-and-10 pass to Luke Wooten fell incomplete, sealing the fate of Northern Colorado. Earlier in the game, Phillips had already showcased his prowess, amassing 197 yards rushing and a touchdown in the first half alone, including a 1-yard plunge that set the tone for South Dakota.

As the clock wound down, Northern Colorado managed to tie the game at 17-17 when Jacob Willig successfully converted an 18-yard field goal with just three seconds remaining in regulation. This clutch kick pushed the game into overtime, leaving both teams eager for a decisive outcome.

In the passing department, Gibson completed 28 of 39 attempts for 336 yards and a touchdown, contributing significantly to the Bears’ offense. His notable connections included a 24-yard touchdown pass to Charles Garrison and a successful two-point conversion that brought Northern Colorado within three points at 17-14 late in the fourth quarter.

On the other side, Aidan Bouman led South Dakota with a mixed bag of performance, finishing 7 of 19 for 99 yards, which included a touchdown connection with Zach Witte that extended the Coyotes’ lead earlier in the game. Bouman’s ability to find Witte for a 12-yard score proved crucial, especially as the game intensified in the final moments.

With this win, South Dakota improved to 1-2 for the season, while Northern Colorado fell to the same record. The matchup highlighted the resilience of both teams, with Phillips’ performance standing out as a key takeaway from the contest.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Phillips can break the long-standing single-game rushing record of 306 yards set by Amos Allen in 2007.