C.J. Ham, Vikings launch epic comeback

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Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham (30) runs from Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (54) during the first half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)

For a half, Vikings fans were reliving all of the nightmare moments in team history. With their team trailing the slumping Colts 33-0 at halftime – at home, with a chance to clinch the NFC North on the line – was this the worst half the Vikings had ever played? Was this as ugly as the 41-0 loss to the Giants in the 2000 NFC Championship game?

Then they went out and pulled off the biggest comeback in NFL history – roaring back to tie the score at 36 and going to overtime, where they won 39-36 on Greg Joseph’s game-winning field goal as time expired.

It was the second miracle moment the Vikings have pulled off during Augustana alum C.J. Ham’s tenure as Minnesota’s fullback – he was there for the Minnapolis Miracle against the Saints in the 2017 playoffs, too.

And Ham was far from just a bystander on Saturday, scoring a touchdown that helped jumpstart the comeback. It was Ham’s second rushing touchdown of the season and third of his career, and the fifth total touchdown of his NFL career.

Here’s a look at how the rest of the NFL’s South Dakota alumni did in Week 15.

Jack Cochrane, LB, Kansas City Chiefs (USD)

Had one tackle in the Chiefs overtime win over Houston.

Tom Compton, OL, Denver Broncos (USD)

Made his season debut at guard for the Broncos and then left with a back injury.

Matt Farniok, OL, Dallas Cowboys (Washington High School)

Remains on injured reserve for the Cowboys, who beat the Texans on Sunday.

Dennis Gardeck, LB, Arizona Cardinals (USF)

Had one tackle in the Cardinals’ loss to Denver.

Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles (Britton-Hecla High School, SDSU)

Remains on injured reserve for the Eagles.

CJ Ham, FB, Minnesota Vikings (Augustana)

Got the start and played 14 offensive snaps and 30 special teams plays. Had two rushes for 1 net yard and his second touchdown of the season. Also had one reception for four yards and one tackle in the Vikings’ win over the Colts.

Trey Pipkins, OL, Los Angeles Chargers (USF)

Was back in the starting lineup at right tackle for the Chargers.

Riley Reiff, OL, Chicago Bears (Parkston High School)

Started at right tackle for the Bears in their loss to the Eagles.

Christian Rozeboom, LB, Los Angeles Rams (SDSU)

Did not record any statistics in the Rams’ Monday night loss to the Packers.

Pierre Strong, RB, New England Patriots (SDSU)

After his breakout game last week, Strong was again a part of the running back rotation for the Pats and carried four times for 25 yards while catching three passes for 12 yards.