By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
WHO: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire vs. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
WHEN: Saturday, November 4 @ 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: J. J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium - Oshkosh, Wis.
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team will make the trip to Oshkosh on Saturday to take on the defending national runners-up.
The success in recent years by UW-Oshkosh is well-documented, and it is no shocker that the Titans will be a tough opponent as always this weekend. Oshkosh enters the contest with an unblemished 7-0 record and are ranked third in the nation. They will attempt to clinch the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) title for the second time in three years on Saturday.
Developing a game plan for a formidable opponent such as this Oshkosh team can be tricky, but Head Coach Dan Larson narrowed in on one particular key.
"We've got to negate their ability to make big plays," said Larson.
The Titans account for nearly 475 yards per game and average over 40 points each time they take the field. Not only is their offense electric, but their defense is stingy itself, allowing only 18.3 points per game.
Eau Claire will need to put themselves in position to score. Third down conversions have been few and far between this season, and a large part of that is due to not getting significant production on first and second downs. Larson also alluded to this area being one of focus at practices this week following the 55-7 loss to UW-Stout last week.
Now averaging less than ten points per game in WIAC contests, the Blugolds hope to turn a corner in the final two weeks of the season, even if they are against the top two teams in the conference. As it is with every team, injuries play a factor with the available roster. A slew of young Blugolds will get the opportunity to showcase their talents on the field as a result to round out the season.
"Our two-deep is filled with freshmen and sophomores right now," said Larson. "They're getting some first-hand knowledge and are taking some licks, but there is a lot of competitiveness there."
Despite the team not being at full-health, Brian Kulaga (Jr.-Riverside, IL/Riverside-Brookfield) added, "Spirits are still high, and we have some leaders on the team who are making sure that we stay enthusiastic"
Follow the action for all sports this season on Blugold Game Day.
