S. Dakota State 29, S. Utah 28

Published Sep. 4, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Linebacker Dirk Kool knocked a conversion pass away with two seconds to play to help South Dakota State hold off a furious rally by Southern Utah for a 29-28 victory in the season opener on Saturday night.

Southern Utah scored on a 3-yard pass from Jared Ursua, but Kool spoiled the comeback by knocking away the pass intended for Daryl Brown. Southern Utah gained possession on a fumble recovery and drove 66 yards in 12 plays in the final two minutes.

Zach Zenner scored on a 27-yard run on the final play of the third quarter to give South Dakota State a 29-7 lead.