UW-LaCrosse Eagles (2-5 WIAC, 5-5 Overall in 2009)
Starting quarterback Nick Anker, who engineered the 3rd ranked WIAC offense last year (29.9 ppg), returns along with four of his top 5 receivers. UW-L boasts the return of Travis Bordeau and Alex Maxinoski, the #2 and #3 receivers in the WIAC in 2009. The Eagles will have to replace 3 time letter winning running back Reid Oldenberg. Speedy jr. Lee Lauters, who ranked 8th in the WIAC in rushing is back and could be ready for a break out season. In all, the Eagles will have to find replacements for 5 starter on offense. Both the field goal kicker and punter are returning, as is the WIAC leading punt returner in Tyler O'Kane
Defensively, UW-L will have to replace 5 starters on their fifth ranked scoring defense. This unit is expected to be led by veteran defensive backs Derek Dreher and Dustin Drath, both of whom earned Honorable Mention All-WiAC honors a year ago, and Billy Niggeman who had three interceptions in 09.
The Eagles have the athletes and experience in key positions to break into the top half of the conference in 2010. However, to contend for the title, there needs to be dramatic improvement in both offensive and defensive line play. UW-L ranked second to last in sacking the QB last year and dead last in sacks allowed. In addition, the Eagles will have to finish drives with points. While they were second in the league in first downs a year ago, they ranked dead last in converting points in the red zone
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