NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings football team will close out their 2022 campaign on Saturday, November 12 when they visit the undefeated and top-ranked North Central Cardinals on the road.

Augustana currently sits 5-4 overall and 4-4 in the CCIW following a close 37-30 defeat to Carthage last Saturday. After a low-scoring first half that saw the Vikings up 13-8, the two offenses picked up in the second half, seeing 24 combined points in the final three minutes of action. The Firebirds appeared to have closed things out with a late touchdown to put them up 10, but a two-play drive for Augie made it a 30-27 game with 2:27 remaining. The Augustana defense then came up big on the ensuing drive, preventing a first down on four tries from Carthage. A late Sidney Maroon 42-yard field goal evened the game at 30-30, but a touchdown with 21 seconds showing on the clock put the visitors up for good.

Bobby Inserra set a school record with 16 reception to go along with his 240 yards and three scores. He and Maroon were named the CCIW Student-Athletes of the Week. Dakota Straight led the Augie defense with 10 tackles, five of which were solo, as well as an interception. Cole Romano and Ronde Worrels each added a sack.

North Central enters Saturday with a perfect 9-0 record and 8-0 mark in the CCIW, retaining the top spot in the latest D3Football.com top 25 poll. The Cardinals are coming off of a 68-3 road win over Illinois Wesleyan, the fourth time this season they have eclipsed 60 points in a game. The reigning national runner-up is averaging just over 57 points per game and have allowed double-digit points just twice this season.

The Vikings own a 57-32-1 advantage all-time over the Cardinals, but are 0-8 against North Central dating back to 2013. The Cardinals won last year's matchup, also in Naperville, by a final of 58-6.

Start time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Live video and stat links can be found here.