When it comes to midwestern college sports rivalries, few capture the essence of regional pride and competitive spirit like Drake vs South Dakota. For decades, the Drake Bulldogs and South Dakota Coyotes have clashed across basketball courts, football fields, and other athletic venues, creating a legacy of memorable moments and mutual respect. This rivalry isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about two institutions with deep ties to their communities, each striving to uphold their traditions while pushing each other to new heights. Whether you’re a student, alumni, or casual fan, the Drake vs South Dakota matchups are must-watch events that bring together fans from across Iowa and South Dakota, and beyond.
The Origins of Drake vs South Dakota
The Drake vs South Dakota rivalry has deep roots in midwestern collegiate sports, stretching back over a century. While their earliest athletic encounters were occasional, the rivalry gained momentum as both institutions expanded their sports programs and joined regional conferences. For years, Drake competed in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) for basketball and other sports, while South Dakota was part of the Summit League, but cross-conference matchups kept the rivalry alive. In recent decades, conference realignments have brought them into more frequent competition, with annual games in basketball, football, and even volleyball and track and field.
The geographic proximity of the two schools—Des Moines, Iowa, and Vermillion, South Dakota—has played a key role in fostering the rivalry. Fans often travel between the two campuses for games, creating a lively atmosphere in the stands. The schools’ similar midwestern values, such as hard work and humility, have also contributed to the mutual respect between players and fans. Even when the games are intense, there’s a sense that both teams are playing for something bigger than just a win—they’re playing for their school, their community, and the pride of the Midwest.
Unforgettable Moments in Drake vs South Dakota History
No rivalry is complete without iconic games that live on in fan memory, and Drake vs South Dakota has plenty. One such moment came in a men’s basketball game where the Bulldogs and Coyotes battled down to the final second. With the score tied and only a few ticks left on the clock, a Drake guard dribbled past a defender, pulled up from beyond the arc, and sank a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. The win not only secured a spot in the conference tournament semifinals but also added another chapter to the rivalry’s storied history.
Another memorable matchup occurred on the football field, where South Dakota staged a dramatic comeback. Trailing by a significant margin in the fourth quarter, the Coyotes scored two touchdowns in the final minutes, including a game-winning pass with seconds remaining. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and left Drake fans wondering what might have been.
A standout women’s basketball moment came in a conference championship game, where South Dakota faced off against Drake. The game was a defensive battle, with neither team able to pull away for most of the contest. In the final quarter, South Dakota’s star forward took over, scoring 10 points in the last five minutes—including a layup with 30 seconds left to take the lead. Drake tried to respond, but a steal by a Coyote guard sealed the victory, giving South Dakota its first conference championship in women’s basketball.
Even track and field has contributed to the rivalry’s legacy. At a regional meet, both schools had athletes competing for the top spot in the 100-meter dash. The race was neck-and-neck, with a Drake sprinter and South Dakota sprinter crossing the finish line almost simultaneously. After a photo finish, the Drake athlete was declared the winner by a fraction of a second, but the competition was so close that it became a talking point among track fans for months. These small, intense moments are what make the Drake vs South Dakota rivalry so special—every point, every second, matters.
More Than Competition: Community and Camaraderie
While the Drake vs South Dakota rivalry is fierce on the field, it’s also marked by a strong sense of community and camaraderie off it. Students from both schools often participate in pre-game events together, such as tailgates and pep rallies, where friendly banter is exchanged but never crosses into hostility. Alumni from Drake and South Dakota frequently connect at regional events, with many working in the same industries—from education to business—creating professional networks that benefit both communities.
Both schools also prioritize community service, and their athletic teams have collaborated on several projects over the years. For example, the Drake Bulldogs and South Dakota Coyotes once joined forces for a food drive in Des Moines, collecting thousands of pounds of food for local families in need. They’ve also hosted joint youth sports clinics, where players from both teams teach kids the basics of basketball and football, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. These initiatives show that the rivalry isn’t just about beating the other team—it’s about using sports as a platform to make a positive impact.
The Future of Drake vs South Dakota
As both Drake and South Dakota continue to invest in their athletic programs, the future of the rivalry looks brighter than ever. Drake’s basketball program has been building a strong roster, with talented recruits joining the team each year, while South Dakota’s football team has made strides in the FCS, with several players earning All-Conference honors. Upcoming matchups in 2024 include a men’s basketball game at Drake’s Knapp Center in January and a football game at South Dakota’s DakotaDome in September—both of which are expected to draw large crowds.
Social media has also played a role in amplifying the rivalry. Fans from both schools use platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share highlights, predictions, and friendly trash talk leading up to games. Hashtags like #DrakevsSouthDakota and #BulldogsVsCoyotes trend on game days, bringing together fans from across the country. The schools’ athletic departments also use social media to promote the matchups, sharing behind-the-scenes content and player interviews to build excitement.
For current students, the Drake vs South Dakota rivalry is a core part of their college experience. Attending a game against the rival is a rite of passage, and many students have fond memories of cheering on their team with friends. For alumni, the rivalry is a way to stay connected to their alma mater, with many returning to campus for key matchups year after year.
The Drake vs South Dakota rivalry is more than just a series of games—it’s a celebration of midwestern collegiate sports, regional pride, and mutual respect. From iconic buzzer-beaters to dramatic comebacks, the rivalry has produced countless moments that will live on in fan memory. Off the field, the two schools have built a relationship based on community and camaraderie, showing that sports can bring people together even as they compete. As the rivalry enters its next chapter, one thing is certain: Drake vs South Dakota will continue to be a highlight of midwestern college sports for years to come.