Titans To Play NCAA Division I Jackrabbits
A contest with NCAA Division I South Dakota State University highlights UW-Oshkosh's 2014 football schedule.
The Titans will travel to Brookings, S.D., for their Sept. 20 night game against the Jackrabbits. South Dakota State is a member of the Football Championship Series (FCS), which was formerly known as Division I-AA.
The last time UW-Oshkosh played such a highly affiliated opponent was Eastern Kentucky University in 1975. The Titans also played Division I schools Weber State University (Utah) in 1970 and Eastern Michigan University in 1972.
South Dakota State went 9-5 last season while advancing to the second round of the FCS playoffs. The Missouri Valley Football Conference member returns its top three offensive weapons, including 2,000-yard rusher Zach Zenner and 1,000-yard receiver Jason Schneider. Quarterback Austin Sumner threw for 2,999 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2013.
UW-Oshkosh kicks off its 120th season by hosting a pair of NAIA teams from the Mid-States Football Association.
The Titans' season opener is against Robert Morris University (Ill.) on Sept. 6 at J. J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. Last year, the Eagles compiled a 7-4 record. Tailback Lamont Wims ranked among the national leaders with 1,518 yards and 19 scores. This will be the first matchup between the two schools. UW-Oshkosh owns a 30-3 record in season openers since 1981.
Marian University (Ind.), the 2012 NAIA champion, comes to Oshkosh on Sept. 13. In their inaugural meeting last year, the Titans recorded a 34-13 road victory. Marian brings back its all-time leading rusher, Tevin Lake, who totaled 4,065 yards and 46 touchdowns during his first three seasons. The Knights posted a 6-5 record a year ago.
WIAC action begins when UW-Stout visits Oshkosh on Oct. 4. UW-Oshkosh has won four straight games over the Blue Devils, including a 28-26 decision last year. The Titans hold a 34-23-1 record in the series.
UW-Oshkosh's Homecoming game is set for Oct. 18 against UW-River Falls. The Titans have won their last eight contests against the Falcons, with the last four being by a combined score of 145-42. UW-River Falls is UW-Oshkosh's Homecoming opponent for the first time since 1999.
Defending NCAA Division III champion UW-Whitewater welcomes the Titans on Oct. 25. UW-Oshkosh defeated the Warhawks, 28-13, during 2012, while UW-Whitewater posted three-point wins in both 2011 and 2013.
On Nov. 1, UW-Oshkosh heads to UW-Stevens Point to continue the longest rivalry in WIAC history. This will be the 113th meeting between the teams.
The Titans' regular-season finale is at UW-Platteville on Nov. 15. During last year's regular-season finale, the Pioneers clinched a NCAA Division III playoff berth on their last-second field goal at UW-Oshkosh. This will be the 99th chapter in the series, with UW-Platteville holding a 48-46-4 edge.
UW-Oshkosh has gone 28-6 over the past three seasons. The Titans aim for their fourth straight winning record for the first time since 1925. UW-Oshkosh was 8-2 last season and a third-place finisher (5-2) in the WIAC.
All-conference first-team performers returning for the Titans are defensive end Cody Huemmer, receiver Zach Kasuboski, punter Nate Ray and tight end Joe Sommers.