ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Augustana Vikings football team was upended by the visiting Washington University Bears on Saturday, falling by a score of 31-7 from inside Lindberg Stadium.

The Vikings (2-4, 1-4) came out with a big defensive stop on the opening WashU drive to force a three-and-out, getting the ball in plus-territory for their first offensive possession. Augie proceeded to convert a fourth down to extend their scoring threat, eventually punching it into the end zone on a Mike DiGioia two-yard run to tally the game's first score five minutes into the game.
 
Following a three-and-out both ways, the Bears (4-2, 4-1) equalized the game at 7-7 with 1:31 remaining in the first quarter. Washington used an 11-play, 68-yard drive to tie things up heading into the second quarter.
 
The Bears forced an Augustana turnover on the first set of plays to begin the second quarter, converting the miscue into points on their ensuing drive to sway the game in their favor at 14-7. Washington added another touchdown with just under five minutes remaining to cushion their advantage to 21-7. That score remained heading into halftime. WashU held Augustana to just nine passing yards through the first 30 minutes.
 
Washington added to their lead with a field goal on their first possession of the second half to stretch the margin to 24-7. After forcing an Augie punt, the Bears punched in another touchdown on their second 12-play drive in a row to extend the lead to 24 heading into the final frame.
 
The fourth quarter was much quieter both ways, with neither team posting anything on the scoreboard. All three of the Vikings drives came up empty as the Bears successfully turned them over on downs each time. The score of 31-7 entering the fourth quarter proved to be the final score.
 
Overall, Washington out-gained Augustana 367-203 on offense. Jacob Brooks tallied a team-high 61 yards on the ground for the Vikings, while Craig Shelton had four catches for 40 yards on the afternoon, both of which were also team highs. Starting quarterback Cole Bhardwaj finished 10-24 through the air with 70 yards.
 
On defense, Augie saw two players collect double-digit tackles, led by Tim Swaney with 14. Nick Harper had 11 from the secondary. Chase Tatum secured 1.5 sacks.
 
With the loss, Augustana falls to 2-4 overall on the season and 1-4 in CCIW play. The team will be back in action on Saturday, October 23^rd when they host the Carroll Pioneers. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. from inside Lindberg Stadium.