UW-River Falls at (11) Ohio Northern
The River Falls Falcons will travel to the Buckeye State to face highly rated Ohio Northern to open the 2010 on Thursday, September 2nd. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 PM Central Time.
The Falcons, who ranked last in the WIAC in defense in 2009, will bring an extremely young team to Ada, Ohio to face the 11th ranked Polar Bears.
What must River Falls do to win?
The Falcons veteran offensive line must win the battle against a rebuilt ONU defensive front. Junior Taylor Edwards the 2nd leading rusher in the WIAC last year must carry the load to help keep the UW-RF defense off the field. The underdog Falcons must control the clock, avoid turnovers at all costs, and find some way to slow down QB Kyle Simmons (1,739 yards and 16 TD’s last year) and a Polar Bear Offense that averaged over 34 points a game a year ago. If River Falls’ young defense can force two or three turnovers, they could be in position to come away with the win.
Analysis
This is an extremely tough opener for the young Falcons. With a defense that will be learning as they go, UW-RF will be hard pressed to keep the Polar Bears in check. A shootout could be in the making, which does not play into the strength of the Falcons.
Score Projection: Ohio Northern 38 UW-River Falls 17
UW-Stout at Black Hills State University
The UW-Stout Blue Devils travel to the Black Hills of South Dakota to kickoff their 2010 season against the Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 PM Central Time.
The Blue Devils, coming off their most successful season (8-2 overall, 5-2 WIAC) since 2000, face a Yellow Jackets team that finished 6-4 overall and 5-3 in the Dakota Athletic Conference (NAIA).
What must UW-Stout do to win?
The pressure is on the revamped offensive line to pave the way for the WIAC 3rd leading rusher of 2009 Craig Warminski. That unit faces a Yellow Jackets team that lead the DAC in rushing defense and total defense a year ago. QB Ross Carey must provide just enough production through the air to loosen up the Jackets defense so the Blue Devils running game can take over.
Analysis
UW-Stout was one of the most physical teams in the physical WIAC a year ago. Although replacements are needed, especially on defense, look for their physicality to remain and wear down Black Hills. The Yellow Jackets will be playing their second game of the season. Normally, this would be an advantage, but after gaining only 61 total yards in their season opening loss (28-0) to Grand Valley University, confidence could be an issue.
Score Projection: UW-Stout 24 Black Hills State 10
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