In perhaps the biggest game of Augustana's football history, the Vikings played their best first half of the season, as they led 24-0 at half and had already tallied three Grand Valley State University (GVSU) turnovers.
The Vikings ended up winning the game 38-6, as senior Tyler Schulte caught three touchdown passes, senior Joe Clark rushed for 117 yards, and a linebacker corps of seniors Chris Janisch, Andrew Keel and Ryan Isaacson combined for two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception.
"It was a great day for everybody on the team," Isaacson said. "It really felt like everyone clicked. We went into the game confident and came out with the win."
That confidence has carried the team all season, and Clark and Schulte amassed career marks in the victory. Schulte caught his 17th touchdown for the season, breaking Matt Homlund's record of 16, which was set in 2000. Clark's yardage on the ground brought him more than 1,000 yards for the third season in a row.
"Those guys, tip your hat to them," Isaacson said. "They play hard every down and really help the team out."
Senior Eric Bergman also had a highlight game, as he intercepted his first pass of the season and returned it 25 yards to score Augustana's final touchdown of the first half.
The defense once again shut down GVSU's offense in the second half by intercepting three passes, one by Keel, the others by juniors Dan O'Keefe and Zac Kallas. Prior to the game, GVSU's offense had averaged 38.6 points per game this season.
The Lakers' lone score came on an 85-yard kick return, though Bergman blocked the extra point.
Augustana's season will now continue in Duluth, Minn., where they will face the University of Minnesota-Duluth, ranked number one in the nation.
Duluth has won the past two games against Augustana, but the Vikings feel that this game could be different.
"We have improved every game this season, and are playing at our best," Bergman said. "It's the playoffs and anything can happen. You have to be ready to go every day."
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