By: Justin Dade – UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugolds (0-5, 0-2) will try and secure their first conference win of the season as they take on the University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils (1-4, 0-2) at Carson Park on Saturday at 6 p.m.
The teams will be meeting for the 93rd time in their historic rivalry nicknamed "The War on I-94." The Blugolds have the edge in the rivalry with an all-time record of 51-35-6 while winning three of the last four.
UW-Eau Claire comes into this game off a tough loss to the UW-River Falls Falcons last week where the offense only put seven points up on the board. They were able to move the ball fairly well, but miscues took potential points away.
The offense is up against a potentially solid match-up with a Blue Devils defense giving up over 250 yards a game on the ground. Expect the offensive line led by Isiah Cage (Sr. – Chicago, IL) and Lars Nelson (Sr. – Eau Claire) to be efficient at the point of attack to open running lanes for running backs Toure Wallace (Fr. – Chicago, IL) and Gerald Childs (So. – Brookfield, WI).
We could also see a lot of JT Denhartog (Fr. – Hopkins, MN) in the running game as well working off of the option. Look for the Blugolds to improve on their average of 83 yards a game on the ground, and find more ways to convert on drives.
The defense put together their best outing of the season by giving up only seven points on the day while getting off of the field in key third down situations. The Blue Devils have been solid on offense all year, especially through the air, averaging 280 yards a game.
The defensive line is going to have to win the line of scrimmage in order to establish a superior physical presence and will need to find ways to get to the quarterback to disrupt the passing game, and improve on their three sacks on the year. Cornerback play from Bo Casper (Jr. – Freedom, WI), Myron Riley (Fr. – Harvey, IL), and Marco Ortiz (Jr. – Eau Claire, WI) is going to be pivotal in determining how successful the defense will be.
Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. at Carson Park.
