OSHKOSH - The UW-Eau Claire football team saw its four-game winning streak come to an end today, as the Blugolds lost to UW-Oshkosh 24-18 in overtime.

The loss drops the Blugolds to 5-4 overall and 4-2 in the WIAC. The win gives the Titans an overall record of 7-2, and a 4-2 conference record.

The Blugolds got on the board first with a safety with 4:18 remaining in the first quarter when the Titans' punter kicked the ball out of the end zone after an errant snap flew over his head. The 2-0 Blugold lead held up for the rest of the first quarter.

After a blocked punt by Jake Siegert (So.-Onalaska, WI), the Blugolds got in the end zone with just over four minutes remaining in the first half when quarterback Jesse Krzyzanowski (Sr.-Thorp, WI) connected with Chris Hull (So.-Blaine, MN/Spring Lake Park) for a 25 yard touchdown reception to put the Blugolds up 9-0. Following a fumble recovery by the Blugolds' Adam Zehm (So.-Chippewa Falls, WI/McDonell) Mitch Schaeuble (So.-Wrightstown, WI) kicked a 41 yard field goal as the first half expired to put the Blugolds up 12-0.

The third quarter belonged to the Titans out-scoring the Blugolds 15-0 in the quarter. The Titans got their first points of the day halfway through the third quarter on an Andy Moriarty one yard touchdown run to make the score 12-7. The Blugolds then gave the ball right back to the Titans, fumbling the ensuing kickoff. Moriarty scored again this time from two yards and rushed in the two-point conversion to give the Titans a 15 -12 lead.

Following a Dan Rogney (Jr.-Auburndale, WI) interception the Blugolds tied it up halfway through the fourth quarter when Schaeuble made his second field goal of the day from 20 yards out. The Titans came back and took an 18-15 lead with just over a minute remaining when Lucas Raschke nailed a 21 yard field goal.

The Blugolds then operated the two-minute drill to perfection driving down the field and after a couple unsuccessful attempts to the end zone; the Blugolds sent the game to overtime when Schaeuble hit a 28 yard field goal for his third of the day.

The Blugolds got the ball first in overtime and appeared to take the lead on Schaeuble's fourth field goal, but the Blugolds took the points off the board after a penalty on the Titans. The Blugolds then turned it over on downs after being stopped on fourth and one inside the Titan five yard line. The Titans took over and Moriarty scored his third touchdown of the day to give the Titans a 24-18 victory.

Moriarty rushed for 316 yards on 59 carries for the Titans. The 59 carries breaks the old conference record of 54 by Whitewater's Colin Burns, which happened last year against the Blugolds. In addition to a conference record, Moriarty now holds the NCAA Division III record. The old record of 58 was held by Bill Kaiser (Wabash) since November 9, 1985.

Jesse Krzyzanowski threw for 202 yards on 18-of-35 passing and one touchdown for the Blugolds. Chris Hull had five receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown. Joe Gast (Sr.-Waconia, MN) ran for 83 yards on 32 carries. Brad Alexejun (Jr.-Green Bay WI/Ashwaubenon) led the Blugolds in tackles with 14.

Up next for the Blugolds is the season finale against UW-Platteville. The action gets underway at Carson Park next Saturday at 1 p.m.

Eau Claire-Oshkosh Box Score

- JR -