Three games into the season and the only winless team in the Superserien is the Oslo Vikings. On ‘Star Wars day’, May 4th, the Vikings host the Stockholm Mean Machines in what will be the fourth game of the season for both teams. The Vikings go into this game as underdogs, ranking bottom in the league and facing off against the league’s top team.
What to watch
The Vikings have struggled offensively after a solid game to start the season. Multiple injuries have zapped the Vikings of some of their offensive firepower, but both QB #12 C.J Fowler and WR #3 Matthew Snawder are reportedly back in the mix for the matchup against the Mean Machines. Statistically, the Mean Machines field a better defense than the Crusaders, but with players returning from injury the Vikings should also be a better offense.
Defensively the story is similar for the Vikings. Multiple injuries to key players have really sabotaged a defense that was already struggling to find consistency. The Mean Machines have been the best rushing offense so far this season, averaging 150.3 yards rushing per game. The Vikings have clearly been better stopping the run than they have been stopping opposing pass games, ranking 5th against the run compared to dead last against the pass. #1 Will Sewell will also be back in the mix, and he says he is ready for a career game.
If the Vikings can manage to stop the run effectively and force the Mean Machines into passing situations, they have a chance of turning this game into more of a shootout. With the weather forecast calling for a beautiful day on Saturday, could this be the game the Vikings earn their first win of the season?
Players to watch
With so many injuries to the wide receiver position, youngster #6 Harald Daniel Lomax Bjerke has been thrown into the fire. In his first ever senior season, Bjerke was the top receiver in the game against the Crusaders, putting up 5 receptions for 50 yards and the Vikings only score. What kind of damage can he do against a middle of the pack Mean Machines passing defense?
A former Viking #50 Vidar Gjermstad will be taking the field with the Mean Machines this weekend. Gjermstad recorded 2.5 total tackles and a sack in the Mean Machines game against the Kristianstad Predators, and is a threat to put the Vikings offense through a tough game this Saturday.
With the weather forecast calling for clear skies and temperatures over 20 degrees, the Vikings organization are planning on putting on a show, both during the game and with a halftime show. The game kicks off at 15.00 at the Vikings home turf at Frogner Stadion.