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South Dakota's "Vermiracle" Named Sports Illustrated Play of the Year

12/8/2021 12:37 PM

Jay Elsen  | @ElsenMidco

It was always going to go down as one of the most memorable moments in South Dakota football history. Now “the Vermiracle” has added the distinction of being Sports Illustrated’s Smooth Play of the Year.


The Coyotes’ 57-yard Hail Mary, which went viral in the immediate aftermath of their 23-20 victory over South Dakota State, edged out three other nominees to claim the honor at The Sports Illustrated Awards Show, which was held Dec. 7 in Hollywood, Florida.

The two players that connected on that play - quarterback Carson Camp and wide receiver Jeremiah Webb – were on hand to accept the award, which was presented by Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.

When given the opportunity to address the celebrity-filled audience, both Camp and Webb expressed gratitude to Sports Illustrated for the honor, while also taking time to remember those who helped make it all happen.

“Great plays come from great teams,” Camp told goyotes.com. “And that’s what we have at the University of South Dakota.”

“Everyone dreams of scoring their first touchdown,” added Webb. “Never in my dreams could I picture this. As happy as I was to come down with that catch, I was even happier for the 11 seniors who walked off that field a winner on Senior Day.”

Camp and Webb own the most direct link to “the Vermiracle” as far as the box score is concerned. That’s why they got the chance to rub shoulders with some of the greatest athletes in the world.

As for the trophy they came home with...That’s something everyone that has an attachment to that program, be it on the field or in the stands, can enjoy for years to come.