OSHKOSH, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team looked to bounce back on Saturday on the road after falling at home to UW-River Falls a week prior. UW-Eau Claire took on Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) opponent UW-Oshkosh. After a slow start in the first quarter, the Blugolds battled back but could not get in reach of the deficit in the 54-31 loss.
The first quarter of play did not go in UWEC's favor. After the first four Titan drives ended in touchdowns. The Blugolds suffered three turnovers in the first quarter and allowed 34 points to the UW-Oshkosh offense. While many would've thrown in the towel, UW-Eau Claire would not back down. Their first scoring drive of the game came as the quarters changed with a one-yard quarterback sneak by Harry Roubidoux (So. – Winneconne, WI).
As the first half came to a close, the Blugolds had their work cut out for the with a 48-7 deficit.
The challenge was accepted early as Eau Claire scored on their first three drives of the half and controlled the clock with ease. Brady Frantal (Fr. – Appleton, WI/North) knocked home his eighth field goal of the season from 30-yards out to make it 10-48. Austin Belot (Sr. – Neenah, WI) was next to strike with his eighth rushing, ninth total, touchdown of the season to cut the lead to 17-48.
The UWEC defense stepped in the third quarter allowing zero yards on six Oshkosh offensive plays.
Roubidoux tallied his second one-yard rushing touchdown of the afternoon to start the 4th quarter to cap off an eight play 59-yard scoring drive.
Isaac Garside (Jr. – Bonduel, WI) led the Blugold receiving corps with seven catches and 88 yards. Garside tallied his first touchdown of his Blugold career for the final score of the contest on a 15-yard receiving score.
Roubidoux ended the day with 23 completed passes, 235 yards, one passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns. Belot finished with 30 carries, 119 yards, four catches, 23 receiving yards, and one rushing touchdown. Frantal completed his only field goal and went 4 for 4 from the extra point mark.
On the defensive side, Sam Burzynski (Sr. – Stanley, WI/Stanley-Boyd) led the team with seven tackles. Alex Mashak (Sr. – Lodi, WI) tallied one tackle for a loss for four yards. Ryan Kuechle (Jr. – Mankato, MN/East) had the lone forced fumble for UWEC and Spencer Van Pietersom (Sr. – Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) was credited with recovery. Trevor Nelson (Sr. – Hammond, WI/St. Croix Central) and Bryson Wilkins (Sr. – Plymouth, MN/Wayzata) each blocked a kick and Nelson now ranks in the top-three in the nation for kicks blocked with his fourth blocked kick of the year.
The Blugolds head back on the road for another WIAC game against UW-Whitewater on Saturday, October 30th. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM.
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