Vikings secure Key to the City, NSIC Title

For the first time since 1986, the Augustana Vikings claimed the Key to the City on their home turf, beating USF 27-21 and keeping the Key in-house for another year.

With this win, the Vikings also secured the NSIC title, becoming the first team since 1942 to win back-to-back conference championships and a playoff bid. 

“This team is special and talented, but their greatest strength is the brotherhood they have for one another, the effort they play with and grit they all have to play to our standard, which is pretty high,” head coach Jerry Olszewski said. 

Augustana takes the No. 1 seed in the conference with a record of 8-1, and 8-2 overall with one regular season game left. 

In his final Key to the City game, senior running back Jarod Epperson had an extraordinary game, recording a career-high 202 rushing yards and scoring two touchdowns for the fourth game in a row. In the fourth quarter alone, Epperson clinched the game with 109 rushing yards. He also contributed a 75-yard catch, bringing his total to a career-high 277 yards. 

Following his successful outing, Epperson was named NSIC Offensive Play of the Week and is up for National Player of the Week contentions.

“These accomplishments are super cool to receive, but they are not possible without the help of my teammates,” Epperson said. “They have paved the way for me to be successful throughout the entire season and have been working their tails off throughout each week.”

Sophomore quarterback Gunnar Hensley threw for 16 successful passes on 25 attempts totaling 271 passing yards. His efficient outing was backed by a strong offense and an almost impenetrable defense. 

“[The energy in the locker room] was definitely high. We knew this was probably going to be the biggest game of the year for the regular season,” Hensley said. “There was not a lot said. Everyone was focused and just ready to go out there, especially for senior day too.” 

The Augustana athletics department and the community honored the 28 seniors and their families before their final game in the scheduled season. Players created a tunnel as seniors and their parents walked across the field and their names, positions and hometowns were read over the speakers. Each family received a sunflower from their player.

The game was neck-in-neck during the first half. In the first minutes, the Cougars gained an early lead following a 75-yard drive touchdown. The Vikings quickly struck back on the first play. Epperson rushed through an opening in the line, breaking from a tackle to score a 62-yard touchdown. The game was tied 7-7 with barely five minutes off the clock in the first quarter. 

Augustana would go on to score 10 points in the second quarter, giving them a 17-7 lead at halftime. 

The Cougars answered back in the third quarter, bringing the Vikings within three at 17-14. 

Isaiah Huber ran a 100-yard return that would have resulted in a touchdown, but a holding foul was called and the ruling on the field was overturned, putting the Vikings back to their own 22. The penalty did not deter the offense, as Epperson and Jack Fisher, a senior wide receiver, were able to get the ball past midfield, allowing sophomore kicker Jake Pecina to split the uprights from 39 yards out, stretching their lead to 20-14. 

Epperson added to the score at the beginning of the fourth quarter with a 47-yard touchdown, putting a two-possession difference between the teams. The Cougars got within one possession as the clock ran down. 

The offense gained possession of the ball, knocking almost six minutes off the clock, but a missed field goal allowed USF to fight for the lead. 

The defense held USF at bay, forcing a fourth-down punt. Once again, the Vikings were able to milk four minutes off the clock before being forced to attempt a field goal that was blocked. The Cougars were down to their final chance to score. 

With a failed hail Mary attempt by the Cougars, the clock struck zero. The Viking’s sideline stormed the field in celebration. After shaking hands at midfield with USF staff and players, seniors rushed to the north end zone and hoisted the Key into the air. 

“It’s always a special day when the Key gets to stay at home with Augie. It was awesome to be able to celebrate with all the alumni that came back for the game,” Epperson said. 

The Vikings will wrap up the season and look to secure a second consecutive NSIC Championship as they travel to Bemidji State on Nov. 16.