Pierre Jr. scores twice in South Dakota's 38-23 win over Northern Colorado

GREELEY, Colo. -- — Charles Pierre Jr. rushed for two touchdowns, Tennel Bryant took his only carry for a score, and South Dakota defeated Northern Colorado 38-23 on Saturday. The Coyotes (2-0) won their first road opener in a full season since 2017, and their fifth straight against Northern Colorado. After the Bears (1-1) started the scoring late in the first with a 54-yard touchdown pass from Kenny Lueth to Trey Olsen, the Coyotes answered with three touchdowns before the break. Bryant took the ball on a reverse and easily broke free for a 46-yard touchdown run late in the first, Pierre ran it in from 11 yards and Austyn Modrzewski passed to Brayden White for a 10-yard score and a 14-point lead. Northern Colorado got within four points thanks to a first-half-ending field goal and a seven-plus-minute scoring drive, but Pierre scored again to increase the lead to 11. Bryce Cohoon reeled in a 22-yard pass in the fourth to further extend the cushion. Lueth threw for 201 yards on 19-of-29 passing for the Bears. Olsen caught three passes for 61 yards. Up next South Dakota: host Eastern Washington next Saturday. Northern Colorado: visit FBS member Wyoming next Saturday. ------ Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here