After allowing 55 points and 529 total yards on defense to No. 14 Iowa State, South Dakota currently sits toward the No. 7 spot in the Valley in most major total defensive categories. South Dakota has brand-new secondary players to fill each position at both the safety and corner positions. 4 in total passing defense (199.5 yards allowed per game) — just behind North Dakota (198.6), North Dakota State (196.9) and South Dakota State (190.5).