CHICAGO, Ill. -- Both North Park and Millikin University benefited from their week two bye after both teams won their week 1 matchups, giving them an extra week to prepare for one another for this week's game.  North Park took care or business against Ripon College 35-19 two weeks ago while Millikin won big against Luther College 33-3.  In last year's matchup, the Vikings dominated the Big Blue in a 44-0 victory that also took place in week 3 on their route to a 3-1 start, something that the Vikings hope to replicate this season as they head into conference play. 

For their play in week 1, seniors Ben Butler and Jereme Ombogo were named to the DIII Football National Team of the Week.  Butler ended with 4 tackles, 2 pass breakups, a tackle for loss, and a 56-yard return off a fumble recovery, while Ombogo posted huge numbers hauling in 6 catches for 198 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Senior quarterback Justen Green also had a strong performance in his first start, showing why he won the starting job throwing 14/23 for 312 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The Viking defense has their hands full this week trying to stop a Millikin run game that in week 1 against Luther College, rushed for 222 yards averaging nearly 5 yards per carry.  At this clip, that allows an offense to control the pace of the game and keep the ball out of the Vikings' explosive offense.  Look for North Park's defense to come out fast and aggressive in trying to create turnovers and thwart long drives from Millikin to get the ball back to the offense.  

North Park's first conference game takes place this weekend on Saturday, September 20th at 6pm in Decatur.  The Vikings will host Elmhurst next week for their week 4 home opener on the 27th.