2011 Week 1 WIAC PROJECTIONS

Black Hills State at UW-Stout

The Blue Devils lost star power, but much of WIAC’s #2 rated defense returns as does 2 year starting QB Ross Carey.  Stout will remember last year’s embarrassing loss. It won’t happen again.

UW-Stout 24  
Black Hills State 7

Buena Vista at UW-Platteville

Buena Vista fumbled 7 times (losing 4) and threw three interceptions in Platteville’s rout last year. Coach Anderson is emphasizing ball protection in camp and if successful, that could keep BVU in it longer. But the Pioneers are the superior team.

UW-Platteville 21

Buena Visa  6

UW-Eau Claire at Bethel (TN)

Each team rushed for over 200yards in last year’s wild 35-31 Eau Claire victory.  Both teams return nearly their entire offensive units.  These two teams have opened each of the last three years, with the Bluegolds coming out on top each time. 

UW Eau Claire 28

Bethel (TN)     24

Central at UW-Oshkosh

Last year, Central was able to win the battle of the line of scrimmage out-gaining the Titans 440 to 295 and winning the time of possession battle by 16 minutes in a 34-28 victory.  With both teams returning most of their offensive weapons, the key will be whether the Oshkosh veteran defensive line can do a better job of getting the defense off the field against a Central offensive line who returns only 2 starters.  The Titans kept it close last year with TD drives of 22 and 34 yards after a takeaway and a long kickoff return. They would probably need similar fortune to win this one.

Central 35

UW-Oshkosh 21

UW-Stevens Point at Willamette

Both teams come in having lost major offensive weapons.  Last year Point jumped out to a 14-0 lead before being overwhelmed by the unique “fly” offense in a 33-14 loss. UW-SP coach John Miech is banking on film of last year’s game helping enormously in preparation.  He is extremely pleased with how the team is executing in training camp. Will it all be enough?

Willamette 28

UW-Stevens Point 23

UW-Whitewater at UW-LaCrosse

Optimism reigns as Coach Joel Dettwiler takes over the proud Eagle program. However, installing completely new systems takes time.  UW-W hopes to answer some questions as they reload for another run at the National Championship.  The young UW-W offensive line would really have to struggle for this one to remain close.

UW-Whitewater 31

UW-LaCrosse     10