BY JOHN KIPPER, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After a disappointing 2-8 season last year, Augsburg football returned with a new name, new uniforms and a new mentality. They are currently 3-1 (1-1 in conference play), and they have been winning in dominant fashion, outscoring opponents 128-51 in those three victories. The only loss of the year was to Gustavus, with the Auggies coming up on the short end of a 42-37 shootout.
       The offense has averaged 41 points a game, second only to St. John’s average of 55 points a game. Transfer quarterback Quinn Frisell leads the MIAC with 16 passing touchdowns, and junior receiver Nick Heenie recording ten touchdowns. On the ground, senior Tiras Bolton has gouged defenses, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and has zero fumbles on the season. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the offense is the offensive line, which starts three true freshmen and is anchored by returning starters Chris Lemke and Aaron Austin.
       Defensively, the Auggies have been a stingy run defense, giving up only 81 rushing yards a game, good for third in the MIAC. They have recovered four fumbles, and they have had six interceptions. Linebackers Mustafa Adam and Derek Glynn lead the team in total tackles with 37 and 32, respectively.
       Field positioning often makes the difference between winning and losing, and the Auggie special teams have been phenomenal so far with punter Glenn Meyers averaging 40.5 yards per punt, with five being downed within the 20.
       The only weak point has been penalties with Augsburg averaging 9.3 penalties for 104 yards a game. With powerhouse opponents in St. John’s and St. Thomas coming up, they can ill afford costly mental mistakes if they hope to win future games.

This article first appeared in the Friday, September 29, 2017, Edition of The Echo.