Augsburg College - Athletics

Football 9/6/08 -- Augsburg 49, Crown 14

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ST. BONIFACIUS, Minn. (9/6/08) -- Wide receiver Royce Winford (SR, Brooklyn Park, Minn./Osseo HS) and running back David Tilton (SO, Anoka, Minn.) scored two touchdowns apiece, while quarterback Jordan Berg (SR, Gaylord, Minn./Sibley East HS) used a three-touchdown day to claim his 50th career touchdown pass, as Augsburg College cruised to a 49-14 victory over host Crown College in a nonconference football game Saturday afternoon at Storm Field.

Berg, already Augsburg's career leader in touchdown passes with 50, threw for 294 yards, completing 23-of-35 passing with three touchdowns and one interception. Berg also scored himself on a one-yard scoring plunge in the second quarter on Saturday. Berg edged closer to eclipsing Derrin Lamker (1993-97) for the remaining Augsburg career passing records. He now has 523 completions on 888 attempts for 5,845 yards; Lamker's records are 550 completions on 1,022 atempts for 6,624 yards.

Winford caught 10 passes for 108 yards and two scores -- a five-yard pass from Berg in the first quarter and a 36-yard pass from Berg in the third quarter. The 108-yard effort marked Winford's 11th 100-yard receiving effort of his career (29 games), and his sixth in his last seven starts. Winford moved up the career record ladder for receiving, moving into third place in career receptions (164), third place in career receiving yardage (2,251) and third place in career receiving touchdowns (26). Scott Hvistendahl (1995-98) holds each of Augsburg's career receiving records -- 285 receptions for 4,696 yards and 40 receiving touchdowns.

Augsburg scored on four of its first five drives to build a 28-0 second-quarter lead, eventually scoring on seven of its first 11 possessions to build the big advantage. The 49 points were the most scored by Augsburg in a season-opening game since a 53-0 win over Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) on Sept. 4, 1982, and just the fifth time in school history that Augsburg has scored 40 or more points in a season-opening game.

Augsburg put together 430 yards of total offense -- 294 passing and 151 rushing yards -- while limiting Crown to just 151 yards of total offense, including just 29 rushing yards. The 430 yards of total offense marked Augsburg's seventh 400-yard offensive output performance in its last 11 games, and the 151 yards allowed were the fewest by an Augsburg defense since a 144-yard effort by Hamline in a 23-6 win on Nov. 6, 2003.

Tilton claimed the first touchdowns of his Augsburg career with his two-score effort, a one-yard run in Augsburg's initial drive of the game and a 30-yard pass reception from Berg in the second quarter. He rushed five times for 56 yards, while LeRoy Roby (SO, Brooklyn Park, Minn./Osseo HS) rushed six times for 43 yards, and Nick Francis (JR, Hudson, Wis.) rushed five times for 33 yards and a touchdown, a five-yard run in the third quarter.

Muneer Al-Hameed (So, Woodbury, Minn./Minneapolis Washburn HS) caught four passes for 68 yards, and Dan Brown (FY, Osseo, Minn.) caught four passes for 39 yards in his first collegiate start. Roby caught three passes for 31 yards out of the backfield.

The Augsburg defense also got into the scoring, as Tyler Judkins (JR, Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North HS) intercepted a pass and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. It was one of three interceptions for the Auggie defense on the evening -- two by Judkins and one by Sean Kelly (SR, Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View HS). Donovan Bates (SR, White Bear Lake, Minn.) led the Auggies with seven tackles (five solo), while Garrett Adamson (SR, White Bear Lake, Minn./Hill-Murray HS) had six tackles (three solo).

Crown's touchdowns came on a 25-yard pass from Adam Hayes to Callan McKinley in the second quarter, and on a Ben Horne four-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Augsburg has its home-opener next Saturday (9/13) at 7 p.m., hosting Wartburg (Iowa) at Edor Nelson Field.

Augsburg at Crown Game Notes

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THE GAME: The Augsburg College Auggies (5-5 overall, 3-5 MIAC in 2007) travel to face the Crown College Storm (5-4 overall, 4-2 UMAC in 2007) in a nonconference football game on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m., at Storm Field in St. Bonifacius, Minn.

COACHES: Augsburg head coach Frank Haege (Wisconsin-Stout '92) is entering his fourth season and has an 7-23 record. Crown head coach John Auer (St. Cloud State '95) is in his eighth season.

WEBCAST/BROADCAST: All Augsburg football games are webcast live online, through an arrangement with Stretch Internet. Tom Witschen and Chris Tubbs will be on the call. To listen online, go to http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/liveaudio/. There is no over-the-air radio coverage of Augsburg football.

SERIES: This is the first meeting between Augsburg and Crown, a team from the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference.

BERG SET TO BREAK PASSING RECORDS: Augsburg quarterback Jordan Berg (SR, Gaylord, Minn./Sibley East HS) enters his senior season with a good chance to shatter every Augsburg passing record. Entering his third season with the Auggies (he played his first season at Division II Minnesota-Duluth), Berg has 499 completions in 851 attempts for 5,551 yards in his career at Augsburg, each total second in school history behind Derrin Lamker (1993-97). Berg is 171 passing attempts away from Lamker's record of 1,022; Berg is 51 completions away from Lamker's record of 550; and Berg is 1,073 yards away from Lamker's record of 6,624. Berg already surpassed Lamker in one career category, passing touchdowns. Berg now has 47, while Lamker had 46.

Last season, Berg set every single-season Augsburg passing record, with 291 completions in 502 attempts for 3,444 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also set five single-game passing records in the process.

Berg also has a chance to become the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's all-time leading passer (conference games only). In just 16 conference games over the past two seasons, Berg has thrown for 4,747 yards on 426-of-716 passing, just 2,543 yards away from the MIAC's career passing yardage record, set by St. John's Alex Kofoed (2004-07). Berg is also just 2,714 yards away from the MIAC's career total offense record of 7,294 yards, held by Kofoed. Berg has 4,580 MIAC total offense yards entering this season.

Berg was among the top quarterbacks, not only in the MIAC, but in all of college football last season.

MIAC all-time single-season passing yardage leaders (all games, including playoffs)
3,489 -- Tom Linnemann, St. John's, 2000 (15 games)
3,444 -- Jordan Berg, Augsburg, 2007 (10 games)
3,355 -- Willie Seiler, St. John's, 1993 (13 games)
3,210 -- Tom Stallings, St. Thomas, 1993 (10 games)
3,171 -- Ryan Keating, St. John's, 2003 (14 games)
3,042 -- Kurt Ramler, St. John's, 1996 (12 games)
3,009 -- Pat Mayew, St. John's, 1991 (12 games)

MIAC all-time single-season passing touchdown leaders (all games, including playoffs)
46 -- Tom Linnemann, St. John's, 2000 (15 games)
42 -- Willie Seiler, St. John's, 1993 (13 games)
36 -- Pat Mayew, St. John's, 1991 (12 games)
34 -- Jordan Berg, Augsburg, 2007 (10 games)
32 -- Kurt Ramler, St. John's, 1996 (12 games)
31 -- Joe Thorvig, Gustavus, 2001 (10 games)
31 -- Bob Southworth, Gustavus, 1998 (10 games)
30 -- Ryan Keating, St. John's, 2003 (14 games)
30 -- Kurt Ramler, St. John's, 1994 (12 games)

2007 NCAA all-divisions and NAIA passing yardage per-game leaders (all games -- all QBs above 330.0 passing yards per-game)
438.85 ypg (5,705 yards) -- Graham Harrell, Texas Tech (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 512-of-713, 48 TDs, 14 INTs
417.0 ypg (5,421 yards) -- Cris Reisert, Ohio Dominican (NAIA) -- 13 games, 420-of-605, 54 TDs, 11 INTs
375.8 ypg (4,134 yards) -- Keith Null, West Texas A&M (Division II) -- 11 games, 356-of-528, 41 TDs, 14 INTs
372.4 ypg (4,096 yards) -- Ben King, Minnesota State Mankato (Division II) -- 11 games, 339-of-569, 28 TDs, 20 INTs
362.4 ypg (3,986 yards) -- Jason Boltus, Hartwick (N.Y., Division III) -- 11 games, 237-of-443, 38 TDs, 12 INTs
361.92 ypg (4,343 yards) -- Colt Brennan, Hawaii (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 359-of-510, 38 TDs, 17 INTs
361.8 ypg (3,618 yards) -- Josh Vogelbach, Guliford (N.C., Division III) -- 10 games, 331-of-518, 35 TDs, 17 INTs
361.79 ypg (5,065 yards) -- Paul Smith, Tulsa (Okla., Division I-FBS) -- 14 games, 327-of-544, 47 TDs, 19 INTs
349.7 ypg (3,497 yards) -- Adam Shaffer, Mississippi College (Division III) -- 10 games, 222-of-379, 31 TDs, 13 INTs
347.00 ypg (3,817 yards) -- Scott Riddle, Elon (N.C., Division I-FCS) -- 11 games, 346-of-508, 31 TDs, 13 INTs
344.4 ypg (3,444 yards) -- Jordan Berg, Augsburg (Minn., Division III) -- 10 games, 291-of-502, 34 TDs, 13 INTs
335.33 ypg (4,024 yards) -- Brian Brohm, Louisville (Ky., Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 308-of-473, 30 TDs, 12 INTs

2007 NCAA all-divisions and NAIA overall passing yardage leaders (all games -- all QBs above 3,400 passing yards)
5,705 (438.8 ypg) -- Graham Harrell, Texas Tech (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 512-of-713, 48 TDs, 14 INTs
5,421 (417.0 ypg) -- Cris Reisert, Ohio Dominican (NAIA) -- 13 games, 420-of-605, 54 TDs, 11 INTs
5,065 (361.8 ypg) -- Paul Smith, Tulsa (Okla., Division I-FBS) -- 14 games, 327-of-544, 47 TDs, 19 INTs
4,507 (312.9 ypg) -- Matt Ryan, Boston College (Mass., Division I-FBS) -- 14 games, 388-of-654, 31 TDs, 19 INTs
4,343 (361.9 ypg) -- Colt Brennan, Hawaii (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 359-of-510, 38 TDs, 17 INTs
4,306 (307.6 ypg) -- Chase Daniel, Missouri (Division I-FBS) -- 14 games, 384-of-563, 33 TDs, 11 INTs
4,134 (375.8 ypg) -- Keith Null, West Texas A&M (Division II) -- 11 games, 356-of-528, 41 TDs, 14 INTs
4,263 (284.2 ypg) -- Joe Flacco, Delaware (Division I-FCS) -- 15 games, 331-of-521, 23 TDs, 5 INTs
4,096 (372.4 ypg) -- Ben King, Minnesota State Mankato (Division II) -- 11 games, 339-of-569, 28 TDs, 20 INTs
4,024 (335.3 ypg) -- Brian Brohm, Louisville (Ky., Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 308-of-473, 30 TDs, 12 INTs
3,986 (362.4 ypg) -- Jason Boltus, Hartwick (N.Y., Division III) -- 11 games, 237-of-443, 38 TDs, 12 INTs
3,914 (301.1 ypg) -- Billy Malone, Abilene Christian (Texas, Division II) -- 13 games, 264-of-411, 37 TDs, 14 INTs
3,866 (322.2 ypg) -- Chase Holbrook, New Mexico State (Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 381-of-543, 26 TDs, 18 INTs
3,848 (296.0 ypg) -- Max Hall, Brigham Young (Utah, Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 298-of-496, 26 TDs, 12 INTs
3,846 (295.8 ypg) -- Curtis Painter, Purdue (Ind., Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 356-of-569, 29 TDs, 11 INTs
3,817 (347.0 ypg) -- Scott Riddle, Elon (N.C., Division I-FCS) -- 11 games, 346-of-508, 31 TDs, 13 INTs
3,792 (316.0 ypg) -- Alex Brink, Washington State (Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 303-of-499, 26 TDs, 15 INTs
3,744 (288.0 ypg) -- Matt Nichols, Eastern Washington (Division I-FCS) -- 13 games, 280-of-440, 34 TDs, 9 INTs
3,709 (285.3 ypg) -- Andre Woodson, Kentucky (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 327-of-518, 40 TDs, 11 INTs
3,688 (283.7 ypg) -- Rusty Smith, Florida Atlantic (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 281-of-479, 32 TDs, 9 INTs
3,683 (306.9 ypg) -- Willie Tiutama, Arizona (Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 327-of-524, 28 TDs, 12 INTs
3,667 (282.1 ypg) -- Nate Davis, Ball State (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 270-of-479, 30 TDs, 6 INTs
3,656 (304.7 ypg) -- C.J. Bacher, Northwestern (Ill., Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 318-of-521, 19 TDs, 19 INTs
3,652 (260.9 ypg) -- Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan (Division I-FBS) -- 14 games, 355-of-543, 27 TDs, 13 INTs
3,623 (301.9 ypg) -- Ian Gilworth, Morningside (Iowa, NAIA) -- 12 games, 283-of-432, 36 TDs, 17 INTs
3,618 (361.8 ypg) -- Josh Vogelbach, Guliford (N.C., Division III) -- 10 games, 331-of-518, 35 TDs, 17 INTs
3,604 (327.6 ypg) -- Dominic Randolph, Holy Cross (Mass., Division I-FCS) -- 11 games, 297-of-482, 30 TDs, 8 INTs
3,534 (294.5 ypg) -- Matt Schneider, Mid-America Nazarene (Kan., NAIA) -- 12 games, 264-of-431, 31 TDs, 17 INTs
3,522 (251.6 ypg) -- Erik Ainge, Tennessee (Division I-FBS) -- 14 games, 325-of-519, 31 TDs, 10 INTs
3,515 (234.3 ypg) -- Greg Micheli, Mount Union (Ohio, Division III) -- 15 games, 238-of-327, 34 TDs, 6 INTs
3,497 (349.7 ypg) -- Adam Shaffer, Mississippi College (Division III) -- 10 games, 222-of-379, 31 TDs, 13 INTs
3,486 (268.2 ypg) -- Todd Reesing, Kansas (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 276-of-446, 33 TDs, 7 INTs
3,455 (314.1 ypg) -- Randy Hippeard, Virginia-Wise (NAIA) -- 11 games, 226-of-359, 37 TDs, 9 INTs
3,444 (344.4 ypg) -- Jordan Berg, Augsburg (Minn., Division III) -- 10 games, 291-of-502, 34 TDs, 13 INTs
3,426 (311.5 ypg) -- Corey Sedlar, Hampden-Sydney (Va., Division III) -- 11 games, 265-of-410, 24 TDs, 14 INTs
3,409 (243.5 ypg) -- Chad Cavender, Sioux Falls (S.D., NAIA) -- 14 games, 250-of-379, 26 TDs, 9 INTs

2007 NCAA all-divisions and NAIA total offense leaders (all games --above 330.00 total offense yards per-game)
431.8 ypg -- Graham Harrell, Texas Tech (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 751 plays, 5,614 yards
419.3 ypg -- Cris Reisert, Ohio Dominican (NAIA) -- 13 games, 668 plays, 5,451 yards
399.7 ypg -- Jason Boltus, Hartwick (N.Y., Division III) -- 11 games, 584 plays, 4,397 yards
371.4 ypg -- Josh Johnson, San Diego (Calif., Division I-FCS) -- 10 games, 402 plays, 3,714 yards
370.3 ypg -- Paul Smith, Tulsa (Okla., Division I-FBS) -- 14 games, 649 plays, 5,184 yards
369.7 ypg -- Keith Null, West Texas A&M (Division II) -- 11 games, 562 plays, 4,067 yards
369.1 ypg -- Ben King, Minnesota State Mankato (Division II) -- 11 games, 636 plays, 4,060 yards
364.2 ypg -- Colt Brennan, Hawaii (Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 592 plays, 4,370 yards
360.0 ypg -- Josh Vogelbach, Guliford (N.C., Division III) -- 10 games, 567 plays, 3,600 yards
341.0 ypg -- Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan (Division I-FBS) -- 14 games, 731 plays, 4,774 yards
340.1 ypg -- Dominic Randolph, Holy Cross (Mass., Division I-FCS) -- 11 games, 533 plays, 3,741 yards
339.8 ypg -- Scott Riddle, Elon (N.C., Division I-FCS) -- 11 games, 622 plays, 3,738 yards
339.0 ypg -- Jordan Berg, Augsburg (Minn., Division III) -- 10 games, 555 plays, 3,390 yards
335.6 ypg -- Adam Shaffer, Mississippi College (Division III) -- 10 games, 413 plays, 3,356 yards
331.5 ypg -- Brian Brohm, Louisville (Ky., Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 530 plays, 3,978 yards
331.0 ypg -- David Knighton, Harding (Ark., Division II) -- 10 games, 535 plays, 3,310 yards

WINFORD AMONG NATION'S RECEIVING LEADERS: Royce Winford (SR, Brooklyn Park, Minn./Osseo HS) had the top season of his career last year, finishing among the top receivers in not only Division III football, but in all divisions of college football as well. He caught 101 passes for 1,403 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2007. The reception and yardage totals were the second-most in a single season in schoolhistory, behind the 112 catches for 1,860 yards by Scott Hvistendahl in 1998.

Winford has a chance to finish as the No. 2 receiver in school history, behind Hvistendahl (1995-98). He currently stands fourth in school history in career receptions (154) and receiving yardage (2,143), while standing third in receiving touchdowns (24). Hvistendahl holds every Augsburg career receiving record -- 285 receptions, 4,696 yards and 40 touchdowns.

Winford was a consensus Preseason All-American selection this year -- D3Football.com 2nd team, Consensus Draft Services 1st team, Lindy's College Football 2008 Preview 1st team, Sporting News College Football '08 1st team. Last year, he earned All-MIAC first-team honors, D3Football.com All-West Region first-team honors, and D3Football.com All-America second-team honors.

2007 NCAA all-divisions and NAIA receptions per-game leaders (all games -- above 10.0 receptions per-game or 100 receptions)
13.0 -- Nick Smart, Southwest Baptist (Mo., Division II) -- 11 games, 143 receptions, 1,263 yards, 9 TDs
10.64 -- Terrell Hudgins, Elon (N.C., Division I-FCS) -- 11 games, 117 receptions, 1,474 yards, 18 TDs
10.31 -- Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 134 receptions, 1,962 yards, 22 TDs
10.3 -- Hagen Miller, Guliford (N.C., Division III) -- 10 games, 103 receptions, 976 yards, 11 TDs
10.17 -- Jordy Nelson, Kansas State (Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 122 receptions, 1,606 yards, 11 TDs
10.1 -- Royce Winford, Augsburg (Minn., Division III) -- 10 games, 101 receptions, 1,403 yards, 16 TDs
10.0 -- Chad Arlt, Gustavus Adolphus (Minn., Division III) -- 10 games, 100 receptions, 1,294 yards, 11 TDs
10.0 -- Drew Smith, Hampden-Sydney (Va., Division III) -- 11 games, 110 receptions, 1,616 yards, 8 TDs
9.25 -- Casey Fitzgerald, North Texas (Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 111 receptions, 1,322 yards, 12 TDs
8.38 -- Danny Amendola, Texas Tech (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 109 receptions, 1,245 yards, 6 TDs
8.31 -- Davone Bess, Hawaii (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 108 receptions, 1,266 yards, 12 TDs
8.15 -- Ryan Grice-Mullen, Hawaii (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 106 receptions, 1,372 yards, 13 TDs
7.69 -- Dante Love, Ball State (Ind., Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 100 receptions, 1,398 yards, 10 TDs

2007 NCAA all-divisions and NAIA receiving yardage per-game leaders (all games -- all receivers above 130.0 yards per-game)
150.92 ypg (1,962 yards) -- Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 134 receptions, 22 TDs
148.0 ypg (1,628 yards) -- Jack Phelan, Hartwick (N.Y., Division III) -- 11 games, 73 receptions, 23 TDs
146.9 ypg (1,616 yards) -- Drew Smith, Hampden-Sydney (Va., Division III) -- 11 games, 110 receptions, 8 TDs
143.6 ypg (1,292 yards) -- McKay Dunn, Southern Virginia (NAIA) -- 9 games, 86 receptions, 11 TDs
140.3 ypg (1,403 yards) -- Royce Winford, Augsburg (Minn., Division III) -- 10 games, 101 receptions, 16 TDs
134.00 ypg (1,474 yards) -- Terrell Hudgins, Elon (N.C., Division I-FCS) -- 11 games, 117 receptions, 18 TDs
133.83 ypg (1,606 yards) -- Jordy Nelson, Kansas State (Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 122 receptions, 11 TDs
133.36 ypg (1,467 yards) -- Ramses Barden, Cal Poly (Division I-FCS) -- 11 games, 57 receptions, 18 TDs

2007 NCAA all-divisions and NAIA receiving yardage leaders (all games -- all receivers above 1,300 yards)
1,962 (150.92 ypg) -- Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 134 receptions, 22 TDs
1,628 (148.0 ypg) -- Jack Phelan, Hartwick (N.Y., Division III) -- 11 games, 73 receptions, 23 TDs
1,616 (146.9 ypg) -- Drew Smith, Hampden-Sydney (Va., Division III) -- 11 games, 110 receptions, 8 TDs
1,606 (133.83 ypg) -- Jordy Nelson, Kansas State (Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 122 receptions, 11 TDs
1,474 (134.00 ypg) -- Terrell Hudgins, Elon (N.C., Division I-FCS) -- 11 games, 117 receptions, 18 TDs
1,467 (133.36 ypg) -- Ramses Barden, Cal Poly (Division I-FCS) -- 11 games, 57 receptions, 18 TDs
1,456 (112.00 ypg) -- Donnie Avery, Houston (Texas, Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 91 receptions, 7 TDs
1,403 (140.3 ypg) -- Royce Winford, Augsburg (Minn., Division III) -- 10 games, 101 receptions, 16 TDs
1,398 (107.54 ypg) -- Dante Love, Ball State (Ind., Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 100 receptions, 10 TDs
1,372 (105.54 ypg) -- Ryan Grice-Mullen, Hawaii (Division I-FBS) -- 13 games, 106 receptions, 13 TDs
1,331 (121.0 ypg) -- Almonzo Banks, West Liberty State (Mo., Division II) -- 11 games, 88 receptions, 18 TDs
1,322 (110.17 ypg) -- Casey Fitzgerald, North Texas (Division I-FBS) -- 12 games, 111 receptions, 12 TDs
1,308 (100.62 ypg) -- Aaron Boyce, Eastern Washington (Division I-FCS) -- 13 games, 85 receptions, 10 TDs

SCOUTING THE AUGGIES: The 2007 season was a watershed campaign for the Augsburg College football program in its efforts to return to respectability in the always-competitive Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. After recording just four victories in its prior three seasons, Augsburg finished 5-5 overall, 3-5 in MIAC play in 2007, winning four of its final six games after a 1-3 start.

And with nine starters returning on offense and 10 on defense -- including the bulk of one of the most productive passing offenses in the nation last year -- there will be high expectations for this season's group of Auggies.

"You're always trying to get better, always expecting to get better, especially coming off a decent year," said Frank Haege, entering his fourth season as Augsburg's head coach. "Everybody is expecting us to be better this year."

Augsburg returns 51 letterwinners and will bring an 85-player roster into its training camp. The bulk of the roster will still be young, with more than half of the squad made up of first-year (30) and sophomore (18) players. However, there is significant experience and depth at virtually every position, giving the coaching staff hope of continued improvement this season.

The Auggies' promising potential has even shown up on the national scene. For the first time since 1998, Augsburg has received votes in a major Division III poll, being listed in the "Others receiving votes" section of the preseason D3Football.com Top 25 poll with three votes. Augsburg will face several nationally ranked teams in its schedule, with a nonconference matchup with No. 23-ranked Wartburg (Iowa) -- a team Augsburg upset 14-13 on the road when the Knights were ranked No. 10 last season -- in its home opener on Sept. 13 at Edor Nelson Field. MIAC foes Bethel (No. 5), St. John's (No. 6), St. Olaf (Others receiving votes) and Concordia-Moorhead (Others receiving votes) are also on the 2008 Auggie calendar.

Complete season preview is online by clicking on this link.

SCOUTING THE STORM (from Crown's online season preview): The Crown College football team experienced its most successful season in program history in 2007 by going 5-4 overall. However, if you ask any returning coach or player, the 2008 squad is not ready to rest on the successes of last season. "We must create a positive atmosphere and maintain the momentum created by the first winning season in school history in 2007," said eighth-year head coach John Auer. "The legacy and icon left behind by the Crown College football team in 2008 will solely be reflective of cohesion and work ethic. The challenge in winning is dependant upon doing the right thing over and over again. Being consistent and maintaining an even keel and level head week in and week out will define our success in 2008."

Two questions must be answered in order for the 2008 team to reach their fullest potential. First, the team will need to set the tone for the season on defense. The Storm graduated seven starters on defense and will look to newly promoted defensive coordinator, Chris Burke, for leadership. If the defense can find a way to stop the run and create turnovers in order to get the ball to the experience offense, one final question remains: quarterback. Three players came into the preseason competing for the job. The rate at which they adapt to the offense, the leadership role, and mental toughness will be key to the team's success.

Complete season preview is online by clicking on this link.

AUGSBURG TWO-DEEP ROSTER -- OFFENSE
LT -- 60-Mike Struss (SR, 5-11, 250), 69-Tony Flaherty (SO, 6-1, 246)
LG -- 57-Josh Groll (JR, 6-4, 325), 68-Dan Thewis (JR, 5-10, 218)
C -- 52-Brandon Rudenick (SR, 6-0, 251), 66-Tyler Brubach (FY, 6-1, 270)
RG -- 63-Tyler Reiter (JR, 6-4, 310), 76-Nick DeVet (FY, 5-11, 256)
RT -- 78-Josh Corrigan (JR, 6-3, 283), 72-Andy Witzel (JR, 6-2, 274)
WR -- 8-Muneer Al-Hameed (SO, 5-11, 183), 86-Koby Lursen (FY, 5-8, 161)
WR -- 5-Royce Winford (SR, 6-2, 197), 10-Joe Kloetzke (JR, 5-9, 169)
WR -- 6-Mike Nourie (JR, 6-1, 193), 24-Jack Christopherson (SO, 6-0, 181)
WR -- 3-Dan Brown (FY, 6-5, 200), 82-Josh Pronschinske (SO, 6-5, 245)
RB -- 42-LeRoy Roby (SO, 6-1, 225), 1-David Tilton (SO, 5-8, 160)
QB -- 16-Jordan Berg (SR, 6-2, 207), 12-Tim Lund (FY, 6-1, 182)

AUGSBURG TWO-DEEP ROSTER -- DEFENSE
DE -- 54-Alex Glasenapp (JR, 6-4, 220), 94-Josh Collins (SO, 6-3, 220)
NG -- 62-Jake Schoenecker (JR, 6-2, 236), 45-Erik Fossum (JR, 5-11, 246)
DE -- 96-Brandon Jonker (SO, 6-3, 249), 92-Genshi Tezuka (JR, 5-11, 217)
OLB -- 37-Donovan Bates (SR, 5-11, 219), 56-Brian Pearson (JR, 6-1, 213)
ILB -- 13-Andrew Bergeson (JR, 6-1, 218), 41-Chris Francis (JR, 6-2, 200)
ILB -- 11-Adam Ebert (SR, 6-0, 227), 35-Peter Joppru (FY, 5-10, 225)
OLB -- 55-Adam Mead (SO, 5-9, 199), 15-Andy Roff (JR, 6-0, 211)
CB -- 32-John Hibbs (SO, 6-0, 177), 22-Anthony Morelli (JR, 5-8, 162)
CB -- 23-Tyler Judkins (JR, 5-10, 181), 25-DeAndre Dennis (FY, 5-11, 153)
FS -- 7-Garrett Adamson (SR, 6-4, 191), 26-Dane Bates (SO, 6-0, 195)
SS -- 46-Sean Kelly (Sr, 6-2, 198), 2-Mark Goers (JR, 5-10, 175)

AUGSBURG SPECIALISTS
K -- 44-Jack Christopherson (SO, 6-0, 181), 18-Jordan Bengston (JR, 6-2, 180)
P -- 44-Jack Christopherson (SO, 6-0, 181), 82-Josh Pronschinske (SO, 6-5, 245)
LS/SS -- 51-Tim Garnhardt (JR, 6-0, 230), 37-Donovan Bates (SR, 5-11, 219)
H -- 15-Andy Roff (JR, 6-0, 211), 16-Jordan Berg (SR, 6-2, 207)
KR -- 1-David Tilton (SO, 5-8, 160), 86-Koby Lursen (FY, 5-8, 161),
25-DeAndre Dennis (FY, 5-11, 153), 22-Anthony Morelli (JR, 5-8, 162)
PR -- 8-Muneer Al-Hameed (SO, 5-11, 183), 1-David Tilton (SO, 5-8, 160)

CROWN TWO-DEEP ROSTER -- OFFENSE
LT -- 73-Bryce Koke (SO, 6-7, 295), 60-Dillon Joyce (SO, 5-11, 230)
LG -- 52-Josh Prokosch (SR, 6-3, 285), 71-Matt Berghone (FY, 6-1, 272)
C -- 51-Casey Reeves (SR, 6-1, 290), 66-Caleb Horn (SO, 6-1, 262)
RG -- 75-Joey Latsha (SO, 6-4, 328), 50-Marcos Bosque (FY, 5-9, 240)
RT -- 77-Nick Skumatz (JR, 6-5, 290), 74-Will Kelly (FY, 5-9, 220)
TE -- 10-Zach Frietas (FY, 6-3, 231), 84-Callen McKinley (FY, 6-3, 200)
WR -- 8-Steve Boger (SO, 6-0, 180), 11-Eric Chavoustie (SO, 6-4, 190)
WR -- 7-Drew Milner (JR, 6-2, 192), 85-Kevin Klingbiel (FY, 6-0, 185)
WR -- 2-Robert Yang (SO, 5-8, 160), 86-Nathan Figueroa (FY, 6-0, 170)
FB -- 35-Josh Lawson (FY, 5-8, 180), 20-Grant Goplen (SO, 5-8, 202)
RB -- 33-Lemone Johnson (SR, 5-8, 200), 28-Ben Horne (FY, 5-11, 174)
QB -- 19-Adam Hayes (SO, 6-0, 191), 15-Jamison Holder (FY, 5-10, 165)

CROWN TWO-DEEP ROSTER -- DEFENSE
DE -- 92-Glenn Asplin (FY, 6-1, 255), 40-Brad Eliel (FY, 6-3, 205)
NT -- 99-Bryce Elmore (SO, 5-10, 290), 79-Tom Fleming (JR, 6-1, 260)
DE -- 93-Collin Cottrell (FY, 6-3, 245), 44-Tim Young (SO, 6-3, 230)
OLB -- 31-Brian Shoberg (SO, 6-0, 185), 48-Mark Shea (FY, 5-7, 175)
ILB -- 3-Nate Richter (JR, 6-0, 203), 15-Eric Shourds (FY, 5-10, 205)
ILB -- 32-Jay McCoy (SR, 6-0, 202), 59-Josh Cramer (FY, 5-9, 185)
OLB -- 55-Derrick Howell (FY, 5-9, 195), 46-Gene Iserman (FY, 6-3, 200)
CB -- 4-Jason Masters (SO, 5-9, 171), 27-Kenny Morrison (FY, 5-11, 174)
CB -- 24-Marquise Dixon (SO, 5-9, 176), 22-Josh Vang (SO, 5-6, 140)
S -- 9-Brian Yates (SO, 5-8, 182), 14-Joseph Graham (SO, 5-10, 185)
S -- 5-Luke Urbaniak (JR, 5-8, 160), 21-B.J. Ruis (SO, 5-11, 192)

CROWN SPECIALISTS
K -- 2-Robert Yang (SO, 5-8, 160), 13-Stephen Tisch (FY, 5-11, 155)
P -- 2-Robert Yang (SO, 5-8, 160), 21-B.J. Ruis (SO, 5-11, 192)
LS -- 48-Mark Shea (FY, 5-7, 175), 32-Jay McCoy (SR, 6-1, 202)

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Augsburg College, a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is a member of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III.

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