Concordia University (1-0) came back from a 20-9 second-quarter deficit and defeated Augustana (0-1) 33-30 Saturday night at Griffin Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. Senior Brian Holmes scored the go-ahead touchdown from eight yards out with just under seven minutes to play.

The Bears struck first in the second quarter when James McNear hit Nate Harrington for a four-yard touchdown pass five seconds into the second quarter. The extra point was blocked, giving CU a 6-0 lead.

Augustana wasted no time, answering with a 65-yard touchdown pass over the middle to Ryan Rothenberger on the first play of the ensuing drive. The extra point gave the Vikings a 7-6 advantage.

Special teams miscues cost the Bears, as Miles Coffin's punt was blocked inside CU's own ten-yard line, setting up the Vikings' second touchdown.

After a Brody Johnson field goal for CU, the Vikings increased their lead to 20-9 on a four-yard touchdown scramble by quarterback Tommy Flyger. The Vikings needed just four plays and 1:50 to go 63 yards, sparked by a 56-yard reception by Dan Klumper.

Concordia answered with a 12-play, 73-yard drive lasting 3:41, capped off by a McNear touchdown run with nine seconds before halftime. McNear hit Montez Bridgeforth in the flat, and Bridgeforth stretched the ball over the goal line for the two-point conversion, cutting the Augie lead to 20-17 heading into halftime.

Aaron Cawthorn opened the second half with a blazing 53-yard run down to the Augustana 11-yard line, setting up an easy six-yard touchdown run for himself, reclaiming the lead for Concordia. The Bears were unable to convert the extra point but held a 23-20 lead.

Augustana closed out the third quarter by scoring the next 10 points, putting them back on top 30-23 with one quarter to play.

CU stayed with the running game despite the deficit, running for 57 yards on five carries on the opening drive of the fourth quarter. A costly penalty forced the Bears to settle for a 44-yard field goal from B. Johnson, one yard shy of his career long. The field goal brought the Bears within four at 30-26 with 11:22 to play after the 10-play, 61-yard drive.

Concordia's defense held the Vikings to a three and out on their next drive and gave the offense the ball back on their own 45-yard line in prime position to reclaim the lead.

McNear went to work, converting a third and ten with an 11-yard scamper to the Viking 44-yard line. Brian Holmes pounded the Vikings for the remainder of the drive, carrying five times for 35 yards, including the go-ahead eight-yard touchdown run as he bowled over the Viking defense. The extra point was converted, and Concordia took a 33-30 lead with just under seven minutes to play.

The Bears' defense held strong, led by linebacker Doug Cox, who made two key defensive plays in a row. The Vikings had a first down near midfield when Cox drilled Klumper over the middle, breaking up a first-down pass. On the next play, Flyger scrambled out of the pocket and was hammered by Cox, who knocked the ball loose. Brandon Sullivan fell on the ball for Concordia with 1:25 to play.

The Bears pounded the Vikings on the ground, outrushing them 320-89, which allowed them to hold a 35:19 to 24:41 time of possession advantage.

Cawthorn led the rushing attack with 149 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. McNear also topped the 100-yard mark with 112 yards on 14 attempts and a TD. Holmes contributed 59 yards on 11 carries with a score.

McNear also helped Concordia control the ball with a balanced passing attack, completing 18-33 for 158 yards and a touchdown.

The CU secondary had their hands full, as Flyger converted 17-30 for 253 yards and a pair of TD passes while rushing 12 times for 67 yards and a score. Rothenberger was Flyger's favorite target, with five receptions for 118 yards and the 65-yard TD.

Each team was perfect in the red zone, with CU converting 5-5 and Augie converting 4-4. But CU was able to convert 8-17 third downs while holding the Vikings to 4-12.

Brad Scherer's seven tackles led the Bears, while Travis Johansen contributed six tackles, one for loss, and a sack. Cox was all over the field with five tackles, one for loss, a forced fumble, and two pass breakups.

The Golden Bears return to action next Saturday, Sept. 3 when they travel to Duluth, Minn. to take on the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.