Setting the Stage: The 2012 season begins for NSU on Saturday, Sept. 1 when the Wolves travel to Augustana for the season and conference opener.  The Wolves, who ended the 2011 season on a 3-game win streak, will be looking to get the season started off with a win, especially considering that this year's schedule does not allow for a non-conference “tune-up.”  All 11 games of the regular season will count toward overall and divisional standings.

Last Meeting: Northern State racked up a season-high 245 yards on the ground against the nation's 16th ranked rush defense and came within a minute and 19 seconds of pulling off a big Gypsy Day upset over visiting in-state rivals Augustana last season, but came up on the short end of a last-ditch effort from the Vikings, who squeaked out of Swisher Field with a 27-24 victory.

About Augustana: The Vikings finished last season with a 6-4 record, seventh in the overall NSIC standings.  AC, however, was tabbed fifth overall in the 2012 Preseason NSIC Coaches Poll.  The Vikings will rely on senior quarterback Josh Hanson, who ranked second in the league last season with 231.8 passing yards per game and 243.4 yards of total offense per contest.

Series History: The Vikings hold the overall edge in the series 26-6-1 and have won the last eight meetings.

Coverage: Midco SportsNet will broadcast Saturday's game as the only NSIC game they will carry on a live basis.  Coverage of the game will be carried on Channels 27 and 322 in Aberdeen.

Time and Temp: Forecast for Saturday's 1 p.m. kickoff calls for highs in the low 90s. Winds out of the south 5-10 mph.