EAU CLAIRE, WI (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team kicked off their regular season on Saturday out at Carson Park as they hosted Loras College for the 2022 Home Opener. A big first quarter and a last-minute comeback earned UW-Eau Claire the 30-27 victory.
The Blugold defense opened the game with a strong presence forcing two punts on the first two Loras possession to give the UW-Eau Claire offense favorable field position. During their second offensive position, Eau Claire struck first as Dan Zeuli (So. – Hudson, WI) knocked in a 33-yard field goal to put UW-Eau Claire up 3-0.
Harry Roubidoux (Jr. – Winneconne, WI) opened things up on the next possession with a 45-yard touchdown pass down the middle of the field to Nick Kudick (Sr. – Mauston, WI) to extend the Blugold lead to 9-0. The Duhawks responded in the very next possession with a touchdown pass of their own to cut the Eau Claire lead to 9-7.
The home defense and crowd stepped things up in the second forcing Loras to three consecutive three and outs. Ryan Kuechle (Jr. – Mankato, MN/East) and Noah Nephew (So. – Lakeville, MN/North) spearheaded the defense with 13 combined total tackles in the opening half.
Before the half ended, Harry Roubidoux found a wide-open lane in front of him and capitalized with a 20-yard rushing touchdown to extend the Blugold lead to 16-7.
The momentum swung in the visitors' favor during the third quarter as Loras held Eau Claire to three consecutive three and outs and slim scoring opportunities. The Duhawks capitalized on their defensive hold with two touchdowns to take a 20-16 lead before the final frame.
The Loras momentum and lead extended into the fourth quarter as the Duhawks found the endzone from the 1-yard line to make it 27-16.
The crowd of 4000+ strong never lost faith in the home squad and brought some momentum back into the game as Ivan Ruble (So. – Clear Lake, WI) and the Blugold offense answered the call quickly with a six-play touchdown drive to bring Eau Claire back within four points. The Blugold used the Ruble touchdown as momentum and shut down the Loras offense on the next two Loras drives to force two punts.
With 1:11 left in the game, UW-Eau Claire started on their own 40-yard line and had the fate of the game in their hands. Harry Roubidoux connected with four different receivers on the drive to finish the day with 13 completions on 22 attempts. With 26 seconds left on the clock, Roubidoux dropped back, looked right and found Nick Kudick for the eventual game winning touchdown. Kudick's second touchdown of the game and 75 receiving yards are single game career highs for Nick.
With one last final possession, the Blugold defense forced two incomplete passes to seal the 30-27 victory from Carson Park. Ryan Kuechle led the defense with ten total tackles, while Caleb Feavel (Jr. – Neenah, WI) and AJ Firminhac (Sr. – Stevens Point, WI/Pacelli) both had one sack each.
The Blugolds (1-0, WIAC 0-0) will head on the road next weekend to Pella, IA to continue their nonconference schedule with a matchup against Central College, Kickoff is scheduled for 1PM.
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