Titans, Eagles Collide In Non-Conference Clash

Titans, Eagles Collide In Non-Conference Clash

UW-Oshkosh aims for its fourth straight game with 35-plus points when it meets UW-La Crosse on Saturday (Sept. 15) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. The non-conference battle is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.

The Titans (1-0) started the season impressively with a 47-28 victory over Central College (Iowa) on Sept. 1. UW-Oshkosh racked up 524 yards of offense in the first half on its way to tying a school record with 33 first downs. This is the 29th time in 32 years that the Titans started the year 1-0.

Nate Wara (Sr. • Oshkosh) directed the passing attack with 275 yards and four touchdowns. He also paced the running game with 118 yards and two scores on 14 carries. The Titans totaled 346 rushing yards in the contest, including 104 by Cole Myhra (Jr. • Menomonee Falls). Caleb Voss (Jr. • Van Dyne) topped all receivers with eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, UW-Oshkosh did not allow a point on Central's first 10 possessions. The Titans took advantage of both an interception and fumble recovery by Frank Martin (Sr. • Greenleaf), along with another pick by Tim Filter (Sr. • New Berlin).

UW-La Crosse owns a 1-1 record after playing a pair of tough opponents. The Eagles forced six turnovers, returning two for touchdowns, during their 21-17 win over sixth-ranked North Central College (Ill.) in the opener. On Sept. 6, UW-La Crosse fell to NCAA Division II Northern Michigan University by a 24-6 score.

Running back Jared Stan leads the Eagles with 125 rushing yards on 33 carries. Ben Hertrampf also has 86 yards on his 29 attempts. At quarterback, Andy Sires is 14-of-24 for 103 yards and a touchdown. Tony Bilderback is the only receiver with more than 33 yards, as he owns nine catches for 77 yards and one score. On the other side of the ball, defensive back Jake Meckstroth totaled 14 tackles and two interceptions.

These two teams played an overtime thriller last year, with UW-La Crosse grabbing a 30-24 triumph. UW-Oshkosh tallied 17 unanswered points to force the extra session, but Hertrampf's 12-yard run ended the contest in overtime. Hertrampf finished with 182 rushing yards.

In the overall series, the Eagles hold a 49-9-6 lead. UW-Oshkosh prevailed, 28-17, in the 2010 meeting.