DUBUQUE, Iowa (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team traveled to their first road game of the season on Saturday. After a historic victory in week one, the Blugolds continued their winning ways in a 28-6 rout of the Loras College Duhawks.
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The first quarter of week two started slow as neither offense could settle into a rhythm. The Blugold defense however, showed no signs of backing down after forcing a three and out on the first drive of the game. The Duhawks were only able to muster three yards in 57 seconds on the beginning drive.
Special teams were key yet again for Eau Claire as they prevented Loras from knocking home a 23-yard field goal on their second drive. Ryan Kuechle (Jr. – Mankato, MN/East) timed the snap just right and swooped in the block to keep the Duhawks off the board. From there, the teams were locked in a standstill, punting back and forth, until UWEC found some gas early in the second.
After scrambling forward for 27-yards for the first play of the drive, Jonathan Malueg (Sr. – Stoughton, WI) would find Joe Swanson (Sr. – Osceola, WI) for the game's first touchdown and points, just 57 seconds into the second quarter. The eight-yard touchdown pass would be the first time the tandem has converted for points this year. The drive of three plays would stand as the lone drive to hold any points, as both teams went to the locker rooms at halftime, with an Eau Claire 7-0 lead.
The second half of the contest started with a shift in momentum. Loras marched 48-yards down the field and ran in a three-yard touchdown for their first points of the game. The Blugold special teams caused havoc again, this time blocking the extra point to keep the lead. From then on, UW-Eau Claire controlled the final two frames.
Nicholas Kudick (Jr. – Mauston, WI) scored his first rushing touchdown as a Blugold from the three-yard line to cap off an 80-yard drive at 6:56 of the 3rd quarter. Kudick finished the day with four touches totaling for 25 yards.
Austin Belot (Sr. – Neenah, WI) continued his successful season with his fourth touchdown of the year in the fourth quarter. His 36-yard run and the extra point put UWEC up 21-6 with no signs of slowing down. Belot finished with 126 yards on the ground, with his touchdown run being the longest of his day.
Jonathan Malueg capped off his career night with a four-yard touchdown pass to Trey Fitzgerald (So. – Mosinee, WI) to seal the deal, 28-6. Malueg finished the afternoon throwing for 12 of 21 with 123 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 30 yards rushing. This is a career high for net yards for Malueg.
Brady Frantal (Fr. – Appleton, WI/North) went four for four from the extra point line and continues his success this season.
The Blugolds will take their bye week next week, before traveling to Michigan in late September. The Blugolds will head to Albion College in Albion, MI to face the Britons in their last nonconference game of the year on Saturday, September 25th. Kickoff is set for 12 PM from Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
