After coming off a disappointing loss to the hands of Minnesota State Moorhead last week, the Augustana Vikings came into the contest against Minot State ready to win. After a non-characteristic game which posted a 4 interception game for Trey Heid and a bad passing defense for Augustana, the Vikings re-grouped and got back on the winning path against Minot State.

The Vikings got off to an early start and never looked back. After jumping out to a 28-7 lead at the half, the Augustana defense kept up the good work and held the Beavers to just 10 points in the second half. The offense played a wonderful game to compliment scoring 41 points. Both sides off the ball played to perfection Saturday as the Viking defense held Minot State's 101.3 average yards per game rushing attack to just 73 total yards. Augustan’s secondary played dynamite defense holding the Beavers to 290 yards passing and forcing one interception. For the second time in this young season, the Viking offense eclipsed the 500 yard mark with 520 total yards.

Trey Heid certainly put the previous week behind him and went to work on the Beavers posting his sixth career 300 yard passing game going 23-36 in the contest. The Viking passing attack kept the Beaver defense guessing all game as eight different receivers were involved with Matt Heller leading the way with two touchdown grabs.

It wasn't just the exceptional passing attack that aided in the Vikings victory; the rushing attack played a major role as well. Led by Justin Greenway and CJ Ham, the Augustana rushing attack nearly totaled 200 yards and accounted for 21 of the 41 total points by the Vikings. Greenway led the rushing attack with 82 yards and two touchdowns while Ham was right on his heels with 81 yards rushing and one receiving touchdown.

A difficult day for the kicking game for both teams as there was only one successful field goal attempt and one extra point missed. Neither team was in the need for too many field goals anyways as the Vikings entered the end zone with ease and the Beavers never could get close enough.

The Vikings never let Minot State gather any momentum during Saturday's contest. Any time the Beavers went in for a score, the Vikings would quickly turn around and maintain their status quo of dominance. Minot State earned their first points with 1:58 left in the first half only to see Augustana drive 75 yards to answer with a score of their own with 36 seconds to spare. After the Beavers dropped Augustana's lead to 14 it only took the Vikings six plays to march down the field and score again as the overall score would remain that way until the fourth quarter.

If the Augustana Vikings have proven anything throughout this young season, it's that they are resilient and persevere through any challenge. A tough group of guys that have proven they can learn from their mistakes and move on to the next challenge.

Speaking of challenges, the next challenge for the Vikings will be Southwest Minnesota State next Saturday as Augustana takes on the Mustangs starting at 1:00pm from Kirkeby-Over Stadium.

 

More From KXRB