The UW-Whitewater Warhawks defended their home turf on Saturday with a 27-14 victory over the UW-Stevens Point Pointers. The Warhawks (8-0, 5-0 WIAC) now set their sights on a conference championship as they travel to UW-Oshkosh to face the Titans (4-4, 3-2). The Pointers (5-3, 3-2) finish out the season at River Falls and hosting UW-Platteville. (The following aspects of Saturday's performance by UW-Whitewater will be rated Spectacular, Solid, or Needs Work).
THE RUNNING GAME
LeVell Coppage gained 179 of the Warhawks' 221 yards on the ground and both of UW-W's rushing TD's. Coppage made a rare "solo" appearance as the backup running backs were limited to 3 Booker Stanley carries. In 38 carries, Coppage gained positive yardage 34 times (2 losses, 2 no gains) and gained at least 4 yards 22 times in 38 attempts. This was the strongest defensive front the UW-W Offensive Line has faced this year and they paved the way for Coppage to average 4.7 yards per attempt. The work up front also allowed Whitewater to control the ball for nearly 22 minutes in the second half. Against a good defense, a performance doesn't have to be flashy to be spectacular.
Rating: Spectacular
THE PASSING GAME
Matt Blanchard has now thrown 183 passes without an interception in his first season as a starter. Adam Brandes' spectacular 50 yard reception on the final play of the third quarter helped preserve the streak. Brandes continues to make plays that leave defenders scratching their heads. In all, the passing game was steady as Blanchard completed 16 of 24 for 205 yards and a 6 yard Bernie Tamsett touchdown. All time UW-W reception leader Aaron Rusch added 5 catches for 57 yards.
Rating: Solid
DEFENDING THE RUN
With sacks factored into the equation, all of the Pointers' rushing yardage was gained on one play, a 47 yard 3rd quarter burst by Kleth Ingram late in the third quarter, with Point down by 17. By holding UW-SP to 47 net rushing yards, UW-W held an opponent to under 75 yards rushing for the 7th time in 8 games. Seven of Stevens Point's 23 rushing attempts went for 4 or more yards.
Rating: Spectacular
DEFENDING THE PASS
It's hard to make a living off of 10 total completions, especially when you gain only 47 net yards rushing. However, QB Jake Swank made the most of his 10 completions gaining 7 first downs and 2 TD's. The Pointers averaged 18.4 yards per completion, led by Jared Jenkins' 6 catches for 85 yards. UW-W put excellent pressure on Swank with 4 sacks and numerous knockdowns. Although giving up 184 yards through the air, the Whitewater defense did limit Swank to 10 completions in 30 attempts and added a Steve McCollom interception.
Rating: Solid
SPECIAL TEAMS
Fans were treated to an entertaining punting duel between All-American Jared Jenkins and Kris Rosholt. Jenkins' six punts averaged 54.7 yards, with a long of 70. He had no touchbacks. Rosholt averaged 41 yards per punt, with a long of 65 and 2 touchbacks. Rosholt allowed only 2 punts to be returned for 7 total yards. Kicker Eric Kindler made both of his field goal attempts and averaged 61.8 yards on kickoffs.
Rating: Solid
EFFICIENCY
The Warhawks had a zero turnover performance for the 5th time in 8 games. QB Matt Blanchard has not thrown an interception and starting running back Levell Coppage has not lost a fumble since his first carry of the season. Primary backups Booker Stanley and Antwan Anderson haven't fumbled at all. Saturday, UW-SP forced a season high 7 Warhawk punts and held UW-W to 17 first downs, seven below the previous season low of 24. However, UW-W scored all 5 times they penetrated the Red Zone, which was more than enough given the defensive performance.
Rating: Solid
OVERALL
UW-W turned in a methodical, workmanlike performance against the best opponent they have played to date. These are the types of foes that ready a team for the playoffs. Although the Warhawks will continue to work to get better day by day, this level of performance in the playoffs will make for a deep run.
Rating: Solid
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