SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Saturday afternoon in Sioux Falls, one of the best Division II rivalries in the region comes back to life for the 25th time in program history. With both Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls standing at 2-1 overall (2-1 NSIC South) the kickoff not only serves as a crosstown showdown, but equally important, a chance to climb ahead in the conference standings. If the two programs finish with identical records after the regular season, Saturday's winner could hold a conference tiebreaker for a potential postseason berth.
 
Augustana and Sioux Falls rivalry on the gridiron dates back nearly 100 years, but the two programs have only matched up 25 times in the last century. The rivalry started in 1922 - a game that saw the Vikings win 13-10 over the then Sioux Falls University. That win started a run of 16 consecutive wins by Augustana leading up to 1941, at which point the series stopped for more than four decades. After briefly playing in the 80s, the rivalry resumed in 2012. Although Sioux Falls has won five of the last six matchups, the most impressive win likely came in 2015. With USF ranked 5th in the nation and undefeated, CJ Ham rushed for a 31-yard touchdown with 22 seconds remaining in the game to lift Augustana to a 35-28 victory. All-time, the Vikings are 19-5 vs. the University of Sioux Falls.  While playing at home, the Vikings are 8-3 all-time against the Cougars.
 
The story of Saturday's showdown could likely revolve around the rushing attack from both sides. Behind a stout offensive line, Augustana is averaging more than 181 yards per game rushing the ball, ranking 5th in the NSIC. Individually, at 138.7 rush yards per game, Rudy Sinflorant stands 7th in the nation (DII) in rushing. Over the first three games, the Vikings offensive line has not only helped the skill players rack up yards, but they've also protected, allowing just four sacks all year (4th in the NSIC). Sioux Falls has been equally impressive, racking up the league's 4th-best rush attack with 738 yards in three games (246.0 avg.) The Cougars top-back is Gabriel Watson who leads the conference in rushing per game (188.3 yards). Look for the offensive line to play a key role in winning the line of scrimmage and establishing a strong run game. Defensively, both sides come into Saturday's contest standing in the middle of the pack in the NSIC. Late defensive stops could be crucial in the games final outcome.
 
Last Time Out...Win, 27-21 vs. Wayne State
 
The Vikings used a dominant performance by both their line and running back Rudy Sinflorant (235 rushing yards) to rack up 459 total yards vs. the Wildcats. Augustana cruised out a 27-7 lead late in the second half before Wayne State woke up in the 4th quarter. The Wildcats had a chance to take the lead on the games second-to-last play, but the pass from quarterback Aaron Bleil was caught out of bounds.
 
The Vikings got strong defensive efforts from All-American Kirby Hora (10 tackles), Cody Kujawa, and cornerback Avram Tynes. True freshman Braiden Petersen also scored a touchdown, as well as tight end Chet Peerenboom. The Vikings racked up 30 first downs, and now lead the NSIC with 89 on the year.
 
Scouting The Enemy...
 
The University of Sioux Falls is off to a 2-1 (2-1 NSIC south) start this season. After just barely escaping Concordia-St. Paul with a last-second touchdown in week one, the Cougars fell to Winona State in week two before bouncing back with a 39-21 win over Southwest Minnesota last Saturday.
 
Statistically, the Cougars are led by running back Gabriel Watson, who is having a solid year running the ball. At more than 188 yards per game, the junior college transfer is not only leading the NSIC but also second in the nation (DII). Another transfer, quarterback Caden Walters has completed just over 60% of his passes for a total of 452 yards and six touchdowns this year.
 
 
When These Two Square Up...
 
Although this rivalry dates back to 1922, Saturday's game between Augustana and Sioux Falls marks just the 25th all-time match-up. In program history, the Vikings are 19-5 vs. the University of Sioux Falls.  While playing at home, the Vikings are 8-3 all-time against the Cougars. In three total games, Augustana has never beat USF at Kirkeby-Over stadium.
 
A season ago, Augustana held a 14-13 lead going into the 4th quarter, but a late touchdown from USF, and ensuing two-point conversion gave the Cougars a 21-14 win. In the loss, Kirby Hora (11) and Michael Kloza (10) each notched double-digit tackles for the Vikings.
 
 
Game Notes:
 

• Saturday's showdown between Augustana and the University of Sioux Falls is the 25th all-time meeting. The Vikings lead the series 19-5.
   
• Saturday's game is broadcast on Midco Sports Network. The game will also feature a free tailgate sponsored by Midco. While supplies last, there is a free meal, kids games, and a free MidcoSN-Augie scarf available.
   
• Reigning NSIC player of the week, Augustana running back Rudy Sinflorant, racked up a career-high 235 yards in last weeks win over Wayne State. The 235 yards is the 3rd most single-game total in program history (No. 1 is 290 by Chris San Agustin, Oct. 1990 vs. SDSU).
   
• At 138.7 rush yards per game, Sinflorant now stands 7th in the nation (DII).
   
• Sophomore quarterback Kyle Saddler ranks 7th in the nation (DII) in total passing yards with 308.5 yards per game.
   
• Saddler's 451-yard performance still ranks 5th in DII for a single-game total in 2017.
   
• Augustana ranks 25th in the nation (DII) in points per game, averaging 37 points per contest. Two conference foes are ranking in the top five, with Bemidji State leading the nation at 57.7 points per game.
   
• The Vikings are second in the nation (DII) in total first downs, totaling 89 first downs on the season. Findlay (OH) leads the nation with 92.
   
• Sioux Falls running back Gabriel Watson ranks 2nd in the nation (DII) with 188.3 yards per game.
   
• As a team, Sioux Falls stands 14th in the nation in rush yards per game (246.0)
   
• Junior DB Michael Kloza is tied for 1st in the nation (DII) with three interceptions. The school record is 13, set by Pete Jaros in 1988.
   
• Senior linebacker Kirby Hora leads Augustana with 26 tackles this season.
   
• Junior  WR Nickel Meyers had a career-high 132 receiving yards and one touchdown in week two vs. Minnesota State.
   
• The 521 yards of total offense in week two is the most the Vikings have had since Oct. 15, 2016 (576 vs. Minnesota State).
   
• The Vikings are 33-26 all-time under head coach Jerry Olszewski, with coach 'OJ' earning his first ever win as a Viking at MSU Moorhead in the 2013 season-opener, 41-28.