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Titans, Eagles Clash In Battle Of Nationally Ranked Teams

Titans, Eagles Clash In Battle Of Nationally Ranked Teams

Recap Box Score

UW-Oshkosh commences its 121st football campaign with a battle of nationally ranked teams at Robert Morris University on Saturday (Sept. 5) in Arlington Heights, Ill. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Morris Field.

UW-Oshkosh (6-4 in 2014) enters the season ranked 18th in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III by D3football.com. Robert Morris University (8-3) is ranked 20th in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) by the organization's football coaches.

In last year's season opener for both teams, Robert Morris University defeated UW-Oshkosh, 27-19, in Oshkosh. It was just the Titans' fourth season-opening loss in 34 years. The Eagles had a 24-3 halftime lead, but the Titans scored 16 unanswered points in the third quarter and remained within one possession of their scholarship-granting opponent for the remainder of the contest. Robert Morris University went on to lead the NAIA in rushing yards allowed per game (75.8) and to rank fifth with 17.5 points allowed per contest.

Robert Morris University had a 363-209 advantage in total yards and controlled the ball for just over 38 minutes in last year's matchup, but many of the Eagles' offensive weapons from last season are not returning. Gone are their starting quarterback, running back, top two receivers and kicker. The Eagles' only returning player who made an offensive contribution against UW-Oshkosh last season is Jalen Smith, who caught one pass for 12 yards.

Last season UW-Oshkosh won six of its last seven games after a 0-3 start against scholarship programs – the NAIA's Robert Morris University and Marian University (Ind.) and South Dakota State University of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Marian University lost to Southern Oregon University in the NAIA championship game, while South Dakota State University advanced to the second round of the FCS playoffs.

The Titans return eight starters on offense and five on defense from a 2014 squad that posted a winning record for the fourth consecutive year – the program's longest streak since 1925. UW-Oshkosh, picked to finish third in the WIAC standings this season, brings back its yardage leaders in passing, rushing and receiving, as well as its leader in tackles and interceptions.

Joe Sommers highlights UW-Oshkosh's offensive returnees. The senior tight end paced last year's team with 41 catches, 669 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions. Sommers, a two-time All-WIAC first team selection, has collected 2015 preseason All-Division III America accolades from D3football.com, Lindy's Sports and Sporting News after earning 2014 All-America first team honors from D3football.com.

Also back on offense for the Titans are all-conference honorees CJ Blackburn on special teams and Sam Versnik on the offensive line. Zach Kasuboski, a 2012 and 2013 selection to the league's first team, is back at wide receiver after missing most of last season with an injury.

Dylan Hecker returns after pacing UW-Oshkosh with 511 rushing yards and leading the WIAC with 6.8 points per game on nine touchdowns in eight contests. Back under center is quarterback Brett Kasper, who completed 103-of-154 passes for 1,204 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions last year.

UW-Oshkosh averaged 24.2 points per contest in 2014 and ranked second in the WIAC with 155.1 rushing yards, while the defense allowed 19.5 points and 336.5 yards per game.

Reese Dziedzic, Johnny Eagan and Kevin MacCudden highlight UW-Oshkosh's returning defensive players. Dziedzic has led the squad in tackles the past two years, making 75 stops in 2013 and 82 last season. Eagan and MacCudden both had a team-high three interceptions in 2014.

Fifth-year program Robert Morris University has a 27-14 all-time record, including a 23-10 mark over the last three seasons. After two seasons as an NAIA independent program, the Eagles have compiled a 3-3 record in both of the past two years in the Mid-States Football Association, which has produced three of the past four NAIA national champions and had a program in the title game last season.

Robert Morris University averaged 22.9 points and 303.9 yards per contest in 2014.

Byron Dawkins is slated to start at quarterback for the Eagles. He played three games last season, completing just 4-of-9 passes for 14 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

Raheem Gardner and Korey Rogers will join Dawkins in the Robert Morris University backfield. Last season Rogers had 59 rushes for 248 yards and two scores in a backup role to NAIA All-American Lamont Wims. Gardner had seven totes for 38 yards and one touchdown.

Tight end Tyler Warden's 10 catches for 83 yards and three touchdowns leads the Eagles' returning receivers.

Among the returning players for Robert Morris University's stout defense are linebacker Dontaye Johnson, who led the squad with 74 tackles, including 11 for loss and four sacks, and defensive back Jimmy McClinton, who had a team-high three interceptions. Johnson is a two-time all-conference award winner.

Robert Morris University has a 14-5 record at home during its first four seasons. UW-Oshkosh owns a 17-3 mark on the road in regular-season contests since 2011.