WHITEWATER, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team was back on the road for their fifth road game of the year. Any early and offensive turnovers did the Blugolds no favors as they fell to UW-Whitewater, 45-6.
The first drive for UWEC had a promising start as Harry Roubidoux (So. - Winneconne, WI) found Darius Jones for a 52-yard pass just outside the UWW redzone. The following plays served as precursors for the remainder of the afternoon. After a false start on the offense in the second play, a fumble was recovered by the home team's defense to put UWW up 7-0 in the third snap of the game. The 75-yard scoop and score was the longest touchdown of the afternoon.
The first quarter ended with 110 passing yards by UW-Eau Claire and only 43 passing yards from Whitewater, but a 14-0 deficit loomed over Eau Claire.
The second quarter had a small turning point for Eau Claire as Noah Nephew (Fr. - Lakevillem MN/North) intercepted a pass from Max Meylor (UWW) and completed a return for ten yards to spring some life into UWEC. The momentum was cut short as Roubidoux was picked off in the endzone during the following drive before the end of the half, keeping Eau Claire scoreless.
As both teams entered the second half, Whitewater started strong with a 72-yard kickoff return to set them up for a 20-yard touchdown drive in the first three minutes.
Austin Belot (Sr. - Neenah, WI) and company answered back with a scoring drive of their own. Isaac Garside (Fr. - Bonduel, WI) caught a 30-yard reception during the second play to get UWEC in driving distance. A few completed passes by Roudioux following the big gain setup Belot for a 32-yard touchdown to get the Blugolds on the board. The rushing touchdown tallied as Belot's team leading 8th of the year. Following the touchdown run, an attempted 2-point conversion was denied leaving the score at 31-6.
The Warhawks would add 17 more points in the remaining time as UWEC falls to 3-5 (WIAC 1-4) on the year.
The Blugolds will return home next weekend for their final home game of the season. UWEC will host UW-Platteville during Hometown Heroes and Senior Day. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:10PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
