SDSU, Augustana take lessons from football matchup

BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) — SDSU defeated Augustana 24-3 in the first meeting of the two schools in 20 years Saturday.

The Vikings jumped on top first with a field goal on the opening drive of the game. The Jackrabbits answered with a touchdown on their first drive and then controlled the game from there.

SDSU outgained Augustana by more than 200 yards total. While passing yards were just about even, the big difference came on the ground, where the Jacks outrushed the Vikes 233-24.

In this unique cross-division battle, there were very different feelings coming out of the game between the two sides.

“I don’t want to say ugly win because win are hard to come by,” SDSU running back Amar Johnson said. “We definitely could have played better. Augie’s a great team, especially D-II. They came here and played their hearts out.”

“This was spectacular,” Augustana head coach Jerry Olszewski said. “I thought we prepped all week really well. I think our coaches coached a really good football game. We couldn’t win against a really good football team. At the end of the day, you can’t have the mental mistakes that we made.”

Augustana is set to play its home opener next weekend against another in-state foe in Northern State. SDSU heads south to take on Southeastern Louisiana in its non-conference finale.

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