EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team (0-6, 0-3 WIAC) fell to the University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils 45-12 on Saturday at Carson Park in the annual matchup for the 'War on I-94' trophy.
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It was a back and forth affair during the first quarter as each offense was moving the ball well. But eventually the Blugold offense stalled and UW-Stout was able to score four times in the second quarter to mount a 31-0 halftime lead. The Blugolds played more complete in the second half but the Blue Devils lead was too much.
"We had some chances in the red zone early, didn't get in," said Blugold Head Coach Todd Glaser. "We just never got started, they did a great job of coming out with a ton of fire and we never matched it."
Toure Wallace (Fr. – Chicago, IL) got the start at running back and just missed the century mark with 93 yards on the ground on 23 carries. He was credited for all 12 of Eau Claire's points with two separate one-yard touchdown runs in the second half.
"I thought he ran hard, played well in the first half," said Glaser. "Then the score got out of hand and we couldn't run the ball as much as we would like to. But I thought he ran better this week than he did last."
Quarterback JT Denhartog (Fr. – Hopkins, MN) was 18-31 through the air with 184 yards and an interception. He did a good job of keeping the Blugolds offense churning adding 84 yards rushing. He looked to wide receiver Matthew Knapp (Sr. – Eau Claire, WI) who had a great day with 106 yards on seven catches. He added a 69 yard kickoff return which sparked the Blugolds in the second half.
Kaeleb Stangler (So. – Rochester, MN) had a monster day defensively totaling 9 tackles, including two for a loss.
"Penalties were a problem all game, so was giving up big plays on defense," said Glaser. "In our league when you look up, the big difference maker is matchups. And they did better than us this week."
UW-Eau Claire won the War on I-94 trophy last season by topping the Blue Devils but couldn't make it two in a row.
The Blugolds are still searching for their first win of the season. They'll travel to La Crosse next week to face the UW-La Crosse Eagles Saturday, October 24, at Roger Harring Stadium. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m.
