The Platteville Pioneers make the trip west to Storm Lake, Iowa to open their 2010 season against the Buena Vista Beavers on Saturday. The Pioneers have defeated the Beavers in narrow victories to open each of the last two seasons. This year, UW-P will be trying to erase the taste of a 5 game losing streak that ended the 2009 season.
HOW THE PIONEERS CAN WIN
Both teams averaged less than 20 points per game last season which will likely mean there will be a premium on each and every possession in this season opener. In a game like this, UW-P must avoid turnovers and win the special teams battle. QB Nick Anderson returns after being injured after 5 games in 2009. He will need to return to form quickly for a team that gained 56% of their yards through the air last year. The Pioneers defense must jell quickly as they lost most of their playmakers from 2009. Getting off to a fast start will be key as neither team is suited to playing from behind at this point in their development.
ANALYSIS
Not too much separates these teams on paper. The difference could well be Anderson, who led the Pioneers to a 3-2 record before going down with an injury last year. In addition, those returning for the Pioneers have been steeled by competing in the tough WIAC. Look for Platteville to bring home a third consecutive close victory in this series.
SCORE PROJECTION
UW-PLATTEVILLE- 20
BUENA VISTA-16
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