ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings football team celebrated Homecoming in thrilling fashion on Saturday, earning a 49-41 victory over the Millikin Big Blue.
Augustana wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as senior running back Ben Ludlum capped the Vikings' opening possession with a two-yard touchdown run. After Millikin answered with a scoring drive of its own, Ludlum broke free for a 16-yard touchdown just over a minute later to give Augustana a 14-7 advantage.
The Big Blue responded with a passing touchdown early in the second quarter to even the score, but Ludlum continued to power the Viking offense. His third rushing touchdown of the afternoon, a 12-yard run, put Augustana back in front at 21-14.
Millikin once again pulled even with a touchdown pass, setting up a back-and-forth finish to the first half. Augustana answered with a 10-play, 62-yard drive, capped by Ludlum's fourth rushing touchdown of the day from two yards out with just nine seconds remaining before halftime. The score sent the Vikings into the break with a 28-21 lead.
Augustana carried that momentum into the second half. After the Viking defense helped set up favorable field position, quarterback David Finfer connected with Ludlum on a 13-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 35-21.
Special teams then delivered one of the afternoon's biggest plays. Frank Lacny blocked the Big Blue's punt and Nate Magrini returned the ball for a 34 yard for a touchdown, pushing the Augustana advantage to 42-21 late in the third quarter.
Millikin continued to battle in the fourth quarter, scoring twice on rushing touchdowns to trim the deficit to 42-35. Augustana responded with a six-play, 33-yard drive, which ended with Finfer finding the end zone on a two-yard rushing touchdown. The score restored a two-touchdown cushion at 49-35 with 3:21 remaining.
The Big Blue added one final touchdown to make it 49-41, but the Vikings maintained their advantage to close out the eight-point victory.
Ludlum delivered 34 rushing attempts for 209 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Finfer, accounting for five of Augustana's seven touchdowns. Finfer added 17 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground while completing six passes for 53 yards and another score.
Defensively, Braden Houchin led the team with 11 tackles, nine solo and two assisted, while Carl Thomas had 10. Nick Golden finished the day with 2.0 sacks for nine yards and six tackles. Tyke Albritton secured an interception and returned it for 11 yards.
With the win, Augie improves to 3-3 overall and 2-2 in CCIW play. The Vikings will be back in action on Oct. 24 for a road matchup at North Park.
