Eagles Shut Down Titans
The UW-Oshkosh football team never got its offense going and was shutout for the first time since 2001 when it dropped a 24-0 decision to UW-La Crosse (3-3/1-3 WIAC) on Saturday (Oct. 20) in La Crosse.
The game's opening period ended in a scoreless tie, but the Titans had an opportunity to put points on the board. UW-Oshkosh (4-3/1-3 WIAC) used runs of 12, 14, and 18 yards by Andy Moriarty to advance to the UW-La Crosse nine-yard line. On fourth and one, the Titans opted to go for a first down instead of trying a 26-yard field goal attempt and Moriarty was stopped for no gain, turning the ball over to the Eagles.
Later in the first quarter, UW-La Crosse took advantage of a UW-Oshkosh miscue when Mike Schmidt recovered a fumble by Jon Devillers on an Eagles' punt. The Eagles took over on the UW-Oshkosh 33-yard line and found the endzone nine plays later. Schmidt finished the drive with a one-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal to make it 7-0.
The Eagles second score came on an eight-play, 80-yard drive at the end of the first half. Quarterback Griffin Moe connected with Dan Hall on a 28-yard completion for a touchdown and a 14-0 halftime advantage. UW-La Crosse used a 15-yard catch by Jason Wagner and a 22-yard Reid Oldenburg run to set up the score.
After receiving the second-half kickoff, the Eagles methodically drove 79 yards in 15 plays for an 18-yard field goal by Kyle Wojcik. UW-La Crosse got 29 yards on the ground from Hall and another 15-yard Jason Wagner reception on the drive that stretched the Eagles' lead to 17-0.
Dave Dejewski intercepted Moe deep in Titan territory in the middle of the fourth quarter. UW-Oshkosh attempted to get something going by taking a risk on fourth and two from their own 20-yard line, but the Titans were denied when Moriarty's rushing attempt came up short. The Eagles then took advantage on the next play with a 21-yard touchdown hookup from Griffin Moe to Brian Edmiston.
Moriarty had a strong first quarter, gaining 96 yards on 13 touches. He eclipsed the 100-yard mark on the ground early in the second period, but finished the game with just 109 yards on 22 carries.
UW-Oshkosh set a season-low in offensive yards with 135. The Titans mustered only 51 yards through the air and finished with 84 yards rushing. Quarterback Joe Patek ended the day with 42 yards on 5 of 13 passing while Dieter Juedes completed four of his seven attempts for nine yards. Neither threw an interception.
Tight end Kyle Kubasa led UW-Oshkosh with three catches for 15 yards. Moriarty had 29 yards on two receptions as the Titans achieved only six first downs in the contest.
UW-La Crosse veered away from its usual air-oriented attack by rushing for 183 yards. Dan Hall topped the Eagles with 76 yards on 22 attempts and Eric Donoval chipped in with 10 carries for 66 yards. Quarterback Griffin Moe threw for 174 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception on 19 of 29 passing to complete the Eagles' assault.
Brian Edmiston pulled in four receptions for 45 yards to pace UW-La Crosse. The Eagles also received four catches each from Jason Wagner and Cody Jenson. Joe Troia was the main factor in shutting down the Titans, racking up two sacks and nine tackles total.
UW-Oshkosh's defensive standout was once again Dave Dejewski. The senior linebacker posted nine stops and recorded his first interception of the season. Bryan Kent, David Consiglio, and Scott Salvinski had six tackles apiece while Luke Bingen recorded a sack.
The Titans return home to host once-beaten UW-Stevens Point next week.