SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. -- The Augustana Vikings football team was defeated on Saturday in the third annual Culver's Isthmus Bowl, falling to the UW-Platteville Pioneers at Bank of Sun Prairie Stadium by a score of 36-10.

After an Augie three-and-out to begin the game, the Pioneers threatened to score quickly, but a forced fumble and recovery by the Vikings in their own end zone halted the scoring chance. Platteville returned the favor with a forced fumble and recovery on the ensuing Augie drive, this time capitalizing on its next possession with a touchdown for the game's first points. The Pioneers went on to add two more touchdowns in the opening quarter to take a 20-0 lead into the second.

The Vikings saw their best opportunity to get points on their first drive of the second quarter, taking the ball all the way down to the 12-yard line before turning it over on downs on a close fourth-down play. The drive for Augustana took 17 plays. On the following possession for Platteville, the Vikings' defense came up with a big stop, holding the Pioneers to a field goal attempt, which fell short to keep the score intact. The two teams later traded interceptions, eventually setting up a touchdown pass from Platteville on the final play of the first half to make it 27-0 at the break.

Augustana turned Platteville over on downs deep in its own territory to begin the second half, setting up the first scoring drive of the game for the Vikings. On the second play of the drive, Cole Bhardwaj connected with Sean Schlanser for 35 yards to move into Pioneers territory. Three plays later, Mike DiGioia kept the drive alive with a 28-yard run on 3rd-and-15. DiGioia was rewarded two plays later with another opportunity, this time catching a pass from Bhardwaj in the end zone from 12 yards out to put Augie on the board. Platteville added a touchdown of their own around the two-minute mark to push the differential back out to 27 entering the fourth. Sidney Maroon's lone field goal attempt from 35 yards out was good to contribute three more to the final score of 36-10.

The Pioneers out-gained the Vikings 394-242 in the win. Bhardwaj finished with 155 yards on 18 completions for the Vikings, while DiGioia was the top rusher with 73 yards. Breyden Smith also caught five passes. 

On defense, Rukkus Hunkins was the team leader in tackles with 12, followed by Tim Swaney with 10. Johnny Breeden had an interception and pass breakup, while David Vaynerman added a sack.

Augustana ends the 2023 season with an 8-3 record, the most wins since the 2005 season.