GAME NOTES vs. AUGUSTANA (IL)

WAUKESHA, Wis. - After last week's narrow loss at North Park, Carroll's football team returns home this weekend to face an Augustana team that is just one game ahead of the Pioneers in the conference standings. The Vikings have won two of their last three games, with the only blemish in that span also coming in a loss to North Park.

This weekend's contest will mark the 45th all-time meeting between Carroll (2-3, 1-3 CCIW) and Augustana (3-2, 2-2 CCIW), with Augie holding a 25-17-2 series advantage. The last three meetings have each been decided by four points or less, with two ending in overtime, and one needing double OT.

Both teams feature strong running games and stout rush defenses. The Pioneers rank fifth in the CCIW with 138.6 rushing yards per game, while Augustana is third in the league (174.4 ypg), which also ranks 56th in all of Division-III.

"They have been running the ball a lot recently, and I think it's going to be a ground battle this weekend," Carroll Head Football Coach Mike Budziszewski said. "Whichever team runs the ball more effectively will likely win the game."

Augustana boasts the league's top rusher, as Mike DiGioia is currently the only player in the CCIW to average more than 100 rushing yards per game (115 ypg). He has also scored a leagiue-best eight touchdowns on the ground, while averaging 5.7 yards per carry.

The Vikings will face a Carroll defense that has been relentless at times this season. The Pioneers are tied for third in the CCIW in sacks (11), while also ranking third in the conference in fewest rushing yards allowed (106.2 ypg).

"We play an aggressive style of defense and the guys on that side of the ball know that if we're going to be successful, we need to stop the run first," Budziszewski said. "Our front seven does a really great job of understanding their assignments."

Carroll's defense also has fared well on third downs this season, ranking third in the CCIW and 70th in the country in third-down percentage defense (.329). They also rank third in red zone defense (.667), which is 47th-best in D-III.

"Any time you can get the opponent off the field and force them to punt, that's huge," Budziszewski said. "We spend a lot of time focusing on situational football, and third down and red zone defense are two things that we need to continue to improve."

Carroll will counter Augustana's running game with a ground game of their own, that is also among the league leaders. The Pios are averaging 138.6 rushing yards per game, which ranks fifth in the conference. Sophomore Marcus Johnson has had a breakout season thus far, ranking third in the league with 77.6 yards per game on the ground, which includes three touchdowns.

"Our offensive line has done a great job in both pass protection and in the run game," Budziszewski said. "Coach (Ken) Ackerman does a really great job of getting our guys ready to play, and our quarterbacks understand that they need to get the ball out quickly."

One 'X Factor' in this game could come on special teams, where Carroll once again boasts some of the top specialists in the country. Senior Punter Noah Streveler currently holds a career punting average of 38.5, which would set a new school record, and is sixth in the country this season with a conference-best 43.4 average. Kicker Matthew Swink has also been a success, tying a school record with four made field goals in their last game. Swink is tied atop the CCIW with five field goals on six attempts this season.

"When we get into the red zone, we want to come away with points, and Swink was a big reason that we held the lead in the fourth quarter of last week's game," Budziszewski said. "He is a huge weapon to have on the team and has come a long way. We're looking forward to having him on our roster for the next few years."

The Pioneers are averaging 24 points per game this season, while allowing an average of 23.4 ppg. Augustana's scoring output has been very similar, averaging 23.8 ppg, while giving up 25.2 ppg.

"Efficiency is something that we're focusing on this season, and we have to take advantage of what they give us," Budziszewski said. "We're going to have to have a good, balanced attack to score some points on this team."

Saturday's game will kickoff at 1 p.m. from Schneider Stadium in Waukesha, Wis.