Justin Dade – UWEC Sports Information
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team fell to the No. 17 University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers 56-0 on Saturday at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.
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The Blugolds took on their second consecutive ranked opponent in the WIAC in this one and were unable to shut down the explosive Pioneer no-huddle offense surrendering 627 total yards.
UW-Platteville took the opening kick-off and scored on their first drive of the game that featured a fourth-down conversion. Sean Studer finished off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Pioneers up 7-0 less than five minutes into the first quarter.
After a three-and-out on the Blugolds' first possession, UW-Platteville took advantage of a short field and added to their lead in just five plays. The drive was capped off by a fourth-and-goal conversion from the one on a quarterback keeper from Tom Kelly to give the Pioneers the early 14-0 lead with 6:56 left in the first quarter.
After another Blugolds' punt, The dynamic duo of Kelly and wide receiver Dan Arnold hooked up for a 39-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter to give the Pioneers the 21-0 lead after one.
UW-Platteville would add three more passing touchdowns by Kelly before the end of the half to take a 42-0 lead into the locker room.
The Blugolds took the second-half kick-off and had their most successful drive of the game getting into the red zone highlighted by a nice 20-yard run from Antwan Moore (Fr. – Evergreen Park, IL).
Despite being able to move the ball, the Blugolds were unable to score as quarterback JT DenHartog (So. – Hopkins, MN) was intercepted on fourth and long.
An 8-yard screen pass from Kelly to Quinn Buschbacher on the following drive extended the Pioneers' lead to 49-0 with 6:01 left to play in the third quarter.
UW-Platteville would add another touchdown in the fourth quarter to go on to win 56-0.
In addition to struggling on defense, the Blugolds offense didn't get much going on the day.
DenHartog finished 16-23 for 81 yards and an interception.
The Blugolds (2-7) will get ready for their season finale at home next Saturday against No. 5 UW-Oshkosh. Kick-off will be at 1 p.m. at Carson Park.
Follow the action for all sports this season on Blugold Game Day.
