Blocked Field Goal Preserves UW-Whitewater Win

Dan Flanagan deflected David Gaulke's 38-yard field goal attempt with eight seconds left on Saturday (Oct. 7) to help the UW-Whitewater football team defeat UW-Oshkosh, 27-25, at Titan Stadium.

Down 21-7 at haltfime, UW-Oshkosh cut the deficit to 21-19 in the third quarter by recovering two of its own kickoffs and blocking a punt. UW-Whitewater, which also had another punt blocked in the first quarter, ended UW-Oshkosh drives in the fourth quarter by recovering a fumble and intercepting a pass at the Warhawks' 1 and 12-yard lines, respectively. Most importantly, however, was Flanagan's blocked kick in the fourth quarter, a play that secured the Warhawks' 11th straight win over the Titans. UW-Whitewater took the halftime advantage by limiting UW-Oshkosh to just five plays, 13 yards of offense and 1:59 in time of possession in the second quarter.

UW-Whitewater operated 76 plays in the contest, 20 more than UW-Oshkosh, and gained 327 offensive yards. Running back Chad Wurth, the 21st-leading rusher in the NCAA Division III, accounted for 133 yards and two touchdowns by carrying the pigskin 30 times. Quarterback Alan Beversdorf accounted for 213 of the Titans' 270 offensive yards by completing 19 of 29 passes for three scores. Split ends Mike Vielehr caught seven passes for 68 yards and one touchdown and Justin May five for 93 yards to lead all UW-Oshkosh pass receievers. Defensively, the Titans were led by linebacker Ryan Thompson, who totaled 12 tackles, including seven solo.

UW-Oshkosh falls to 2-3 (1-2 in the WIAC ) with the loss, while UW-Whitewater goes to 4-2 (2-1 in the WIAC).