SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana University football is set to open the 2016 season on Saturday, Sept. 3, hosting Northern State University. Kickoff in the season-opening game for both teams is set for 1:05 p.m. at Kirkeby-Over Stadium.
 
The Vikings enter the 2016 season under the direction of fourth-year head coach Jerry Olszewski who led the Vikings to a 9-3 record and the program's fourth NCAA Playoff appearance in 2015. Augustana finished 9-2 during the regular season and 6-1 in the NSIC South Division to earn a share of the South Division title.
 
Augustana returns 56 letterwinners, including 10 starters on offense and six on defense from last year's team that became just the second team in school history to win nine or more games.
 
Augustana enters the 2016 season ranked in the top 25 of both national polls. The Vikings are ranked 25th in the American Football Coaches' Association Top 25 Poll and 22nd in the D2football.com Top 25 Poll.
 
Saturday's game will be the 36th all-time meeting between Augustana and Northern State. Augustana owns a 22-game lead over the Wolves in the all-time series. The Vikings are 28-6-1 all-time against Northern State and have won 10 straight games over the Wolves. Augustana and Northern State last met on Sept. 20, 2014 in Aberdeen, a 48-17 win for the Vikings.
 
Augustana is opening the season at home for the first time since Sept. 7, 2013.
 
To view this weeks' INFOGRAPHIC game notes, click HERE.