By Jake Steen, UWEC Sports Information
LA CROSSE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Football team (0-7, 0-4 WIAC) fell to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 27-25 on Saturday at Roger Harring Stadium.
Putting together their most complete game of the season, the Blugolds had a strong day, gaining 25 first downs and 488 yards of total offense. It was a closely played game but the Blugolds were unable to earn their first win of the year as the Eagles survived a fourth-quarter Eau Claire comeback.
Toure Wallace (Fr. – Chicago, IL) had a career day rushing picking up 238 yards on 33 carries and two touchdowns. Eau Claire was running the read option for most of the afternoon, exploiting the rush defense of La Crosse as they collected a season-high 365 yards on the ground. JT Denhartog (Fr. – Hopkins, MN) got the start at quarterback and ran it 24 times himself, collecting 145 yards including a 42 yard run in the fourth quarter.
Denhartog was 15-23 adding 123 yards through the air with no touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Blugolds capitalized on all six of their red zone opportunities as kicker Liam O'Malley (Fr. – Calhoun, TN) kicked four field goals – breaking the all-time school record for number of field goals in one game.
Eau Claire outscored La Crosse 12-6 in the second half but it wouldn't be enough. The Eagles took a 14-0 jump start less than five minutes into the action, which proved to be the key as they held the lead for all but 48 seconds of the game.
The Blugolds now fall to 0-7 on the season with just three games to play. They have a tough task ahead of them moving on to their next opponent, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is currently ranked No. 6 in NCAA Division III by d3football.com. That game is set for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff at Perkins Stadium.
