SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – In 2015 future Minnesota Viking CJ Ham stamped his place in Augustana legend with a 154 yard, two touchdown performance against Sioux Falls to lead Augie to their first ever Key to the City Victory.
9 Years Later the “CJ Ham Game” was joined Viking lore by “The Jarod Epperson” game.
The sixth year senior set the tone for Augie on their first play from scrimmage when, following a lengthy USF touchdown drive, he broke off a 62-yard touchdown to tie the game.
On the first play of the fourth quarter he’d spin off tacklers on a 47 yard scoring run that proved the difference in the Vikings 27-21 victory.
It was the first ever Augustana win on their home field in the Key to the City series with USF and Epperson certainly carried the mail. He rushing 18 times for 202 yards, took a screen pass 75 yards, and scored the touchdowns that will be forever remembered in this rivalry.
“Yeah no question about it and they should. Jarod is a special young man and a great player. And we put it on his back today. I told him ahead of time listen man, you got to be the big boy today, And he said lets go! And I know we were in a good place when we do that with Agent Zero.” Augustana Head Coach Jerry Olszewski says.
“Oh it feels great! We try to keep it one game at a time, one week at a time. I mean we only get to play one a week so that’s the biggest game of the year. So I mean, this was the biggest game of the year up to this point and then next week is another biggest game of the year.” Epperson says.
The next one will be at Bemidji State where they can clinch the NSIC Title outright with victory on the Beavers homefield. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 PM.
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