BURNSVILLE, Minn. – With two first place votes, the Augustana football team was tabbed to finish fourth in the NSIC the league announced Monday. In the same release, running back Jarod Epperson and defensive back Peyton Buckley were named as the Vikings' Players to Watch.
 
"With ten offensive starters back including four from the offensive line and our quarterback along with great depth at running back and wide receiver, our offense should compete well and have success this fall," Augustana head coach Jerry Olszewski said. "Though we graduated three all-conference defensive players, I believe the core of players that return along with the depth we have established should create an aggressive defensive unit that will compete against the best offenses in the league. The returning players have competed in the playoffs and know what it takes to compete in big games."
 
Epperson, a senior from Omaha, Nebraska, has run for 2,107 yards over his three seasons and 27 games. His 2022 was cut short after three games and one quarter of action due to injury. Over the first three games, Epperson was averaging 103 yards per contest.
 
"Jarod was one of the most productive backs in the NSIC the last couple of years before a season ending injury early last season," Olszewski said. "He is one of the most competitive players that I have coached and matches his speed and athletic ability with a passion for the game. I believe he will be one of the best running backs in the nation this season."
 
Buckley, a junior from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, is an all-region performer that led Augustana with 60 tackles a season ago. Forty-four of those tackles were solo while he also intercepted three passes while returning two for touchdowns. Over 23 games, Buckley has totaled 119 tackles, eight interceptions and 21 passes defended. 
 
"Peyton was the NSIC Newcomer of the Year in 2021 and is a two-time all-conference safety," Olszewski added. "Peyton has a great understanding of the game and is as athletic as any defensive back I have seen in the league in 10 years, and that is a great group of players. He was voted as a team captain by his teammates this summer as a junior because of his leadership and ability."
 
The 101^st season of Augustana football kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 2 as the Vikings host UMary. Season ticket packages begin at just $69 and can be purchased by clicking here or by going to GoAugie.com/Tickets.
 
Augustana will host five home games in 2023 including the Viking Days contest slated for Sept. 23 and Senior Day taking place on Nov. 11.
 
Full NSIC Coaches' Poll

1. Bemidji State (4), 131
2. Minnesota State (5), 125
3. Wayne State (2), 114
4. Augustana (2), 112
5. Minnesota Duluth, 109
6. Winona State, 103
7. Northern State, 75
8. Sioux Falls, 75
9. Southwest Minnesota State, 50
10. MSU Moorhead, 45
11. Concordia-St. Paul, 35
12. UMary, 20
13. Minot State, 20