The UW-Whitewater Warhawks moved to 3-0 in WIAC play (6-0 overall) when they defeated the Eau Claire Blugolds 45-0 Saturday in Eau Claire. This team continues to be consistent and focused as the season moves forward. Saturday represented the first of back-to-back "same day travel" road trips as mandated by the WIAC. Trip One can be summarized in two words: Mission Accomplished. (The following aspects of the game will be rated Spectacular, Solid, or Needs Work)
THE RUNNING GAME
The Warhawks pounded out 237 yards, 18 first downs rushing, and 5.5 yards per carry behind a dominant performance by the offensive line. The forward push and holes created by the line made things easy for Levell Coppage (18 carries, 106 yds, 2 TD) and Antwan Anderson (10 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD). Michael Pirtle made his WIAC debut and gained 49 yards in 14 carries.
Rating: Spectacular
THE PASSING GAME
Matt Blanchard spread the ball around to 6 different receivers, led by Aaron Rusch's 9 catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. Rusch also completed a 10 yard TD pass to Jason Ford on a reverse that was wide open to jog into the end zone. Aaron decided to show off his arm and give Jason the opportunity for a TD. Matt Blanchard had his 6th consecutive start without an interception as he completed 18 of 26 passes for 170 yards and a TD. The offensive line held up strong in pass protection, not allowing a sack.
Rating: Solid
DEFENDING THE RUN
Leading rusher Joel Sweeney left with an injury after 3 carries. However, as well as the UW-W defensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, it's hard to imagine much changing even with Sweeney. UW-EC was held to 68 yards in 28 carries and 3 first downs rushing.
Rating: Spectacular
DEFENDING THE PASS
UW-W put good pressure on Blugold QB Austin Neu. Neu was limited to a paltry 3.9 yards per pass, completing 11 of 21 passes. The Warhawks intercepted two passes, including Matt McCulloch's 42 yard pick-six. Eau Claire gained only 150 yards through the air and picked up only 3 passing first downs.
Rating: Spectacular
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Eric Kindler went 6-6 on PAT's and made his only FG attempt (37 yards). He also boomed his kickoffs an average of 66.1 yards. Kris Rosholt's 3 punts all went inside the 20. Two were fair caught on the 14 and the 7. The other was fielded at the 8 and returned to the 12. Rosholt's punting continues to be a powerful field position weapon for the Warhawks. The kickoff coverage unit was excellent allowing only 16.8 yards per return. UW-W averaged a healthy 25.0 yards on kickoff returns and 9 yards on punt returns.
RATING: Solid
EFFICIENCY
The Warhawks played a fourth straight game without a turnover. This is a team playing with striking fundamental precision right now. UW-W averaged 6.0 yards per play while accumulating 25 first downs. UW-W scored TD's on four of their first 5 possessions taking any suspense out of the game early. Whitewater had only 5 penalties, their lowest total since September 11th.
RATING: Spectacular
OVERALL
UW-W completely dominated a team that beat both St. John's and UW-Stevens Point. The difference in both the line play and at the skill positions was striking. UW-W played with a precision and dominance of a team headed for the post-season. If UW-W keeps playing this well, they will be hard to beat.
RATING: Spectacular
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