OSHKOSH, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire came up short on Saturday against UW-Oshkosh, 28-21, at J. J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. The Blugolds rallied with two fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns, but the Titans maintained their lead with consistent scoring in each quarter. UWEC's defense made a notable impact with a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown and three solo sacks.
The Titans capitalized in the first quarter on a 12-play, 63-yard drive to take a 7-0 lead over UWEC by the end of the first frame. The Titans' efficiency was highlighted by completing six of six passes for 55 yards, setting up a one-yard rushing touchdown. Despite the Blugolds' defense registering two sacks for five yards, penalties and a lack of third-down conversions hampered their offensive efforts.
The Blugolds capitalized on a critical turnover when
Walker Korish tallied his first career interception and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown at 3:18, drawing the game level at 7-7. Despite being outgained through the air, with the Titans completing 13 of 16 passes for 159 yards, UWEC's defense held firm, recording one sack and two tackles for loss. The quarter concluded with UW-Oshkosh regaining a 14-7 lead through a late touchdown drive.
In the third quarter, the Titans capitalized on a 39-yard pass, setting up a 19-yard touchdown rush to extend their lead in the third quarter. The Blugolds' defensive efforts, highlighted by two tackles for loss, managed to disrupt UW-Oshkosh's momentum early but were unable to prevent the score. The third quarter ended with the Titans leading 21-7.
UWEC opened the fourth quarter with a 66-yard pass from
Ayden Helder to
Yaach Chuol, setting up a one-yard touchdown run by Helder to narrow the margin to 21-14. Following an Oshkosh three-and-out, Helder and the Blugolds added another one-yard rushing touchdown on a 43-yard drive to tie the game at 21-21. However, the Titans responded swiftly with an 80-yard touchdown pass, ultimately securing a 28-21 victory.
Chuol led the receiving corps with 106 yards on four catches. Helder completed 17 of 31 passes for 188 yards and added two rushing touchdowns on 12 carries. Korish returned an interception for 55 yards, scoring a touchdown on the play.
Gyanni Kanellakis recorded six tackles and two solo sacks to pace the defense.
UWEC holds a 3-3 overall record and is 0-3 in conference play. The Titans stand at 4-2 on the season and 2-1 in conference action.
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