Rhinelander native Jim Miazga has been selected as the UW-Oshkosh Titan Touchdown Club's 2012 recipient of the Russ Young Leadership & Achievement Award.

The award, established in 2009, recognizes individuals who demonstrate the ideals of Russ Young's legacy through their record of accomplishments, community service, moral character and positive contributions to the world of sports. Young served as the head football coach at UW-Oshkosh from 1963-76.

Miazga played tight end for UW-Oshkosh from 1970-73. He was most proud of his contributions to the 1972 team that won the Wisconsin State University Conference (WSUC) championship with an 8-0 record (8-2 overall).

Upon graduating from UW-Oshkosh in 1974, Miazga moved back to Rhinelander and started employment with Oneida Sales and Service, a beer distribution company owned by his father. Miazga later took over the company and expanded its region from the Rhinelander area to most of northern Wisconsin.

Throughout his business career, Miazga has been very involved in the Rhinelander community and with UW-Oshkosh athletics. He helped the Rhinelander School District with its fundraising efforts to renovate the Rhinelander High School Gymnasium (now named the Miazga Community Gymnasium). Miazga also supported the UW-Stevens Point forestry program in the Rhinelander area. In addition, Miazga has been a strong advocate of UW-Oshkosh athletics and an active supporter of the school's football program.

Miazga will be honored at the Russ Young Awards Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn of Oshkosh (1355 W. 20th Avenue). The guest speaker for the event is former Green Bay Packer running back William Henderson. Tickets to the banquet can be purchased at Bergstrom GM of Oshkosh (355 N. Washburn) and University Books & More in UW-Oshkosh's Reeve Memorial Union (748 Algoma Boulevard).

For more information on the Russ Young Awards Banquet and the UW-Oshkosh Titan Touchdown Club, contact John Morelli at (920) 216-0591 or jmorelli1218@sbcglobal.net.

After their outstanding senior seasons, UW-Oshkosh football players Justin Budiac (Mukwonago), John Nicholas (Oneida) and Vince Sciano (Greendale) are headed to the All-American Bowl in Minneapolis, Minn.

The 16th Annual Metrodome All-American Bowl is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday (Dec. 17) at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. The contest will showcase some of the premier NCAA Division II and III football players in the country. The three UW-Oshkosh players will be placed together onto one of the 46-man rosters.

Budiac, a superback, had an explosive campaign, averaging 7.7 yards on his 66 carries. He totaled 510 yards and nine touchdowns rushing, while adding 31 receptions for 206 yards and one score. For his 33-game career, Budiac hauled in 101 passes.

UW-Oshkosh scored 31 points per game thanks to Nicholas and a strong offensive line. The unit posted more than 2,100 rushing yards and 2,100 passing yards while tallying 40 touchdowns. Nicholas, an offensive tackle, played in 32 games during his UW-Oshkosh career.

Sciano, a NCAA Division III All-North Region defensive end, led a UW-Oshkosh defense that allowed just 18.2 points per game. He racked up 51 tackles, including 10 for a loss with four quarterback sacks. Sciano also broke up four passes, blocked a field goal and forced one fumble. He closed his career with 124 tackles (21 for loss) and six quarterback sacks in 37 games.

The only other Titan to play in the Metrodome All-American Bowl was defensive lineman Dan Pfander in 1997.

UW-Oshkosh finished the 2011 season with a 7-3 record, including a 5-2 mark in the WIAC. The Titans finished second in the WIAC standings for their highest placement since 1976.

UW-Oshkosh center Eric Allen (Sr. • Markesan) has been named as a honorable mention selection on the 2011 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III All-America Football Team by D3football.com.

This past season, Allen started six of the 10 contests that he played in. His exceptional blocking allowed the Titans to rush for 20 touchdowns and average 4.9 yards per rushing attempt. In the air, UW-Oshkosh reached the end zone 20 times and averaged 13.7 yards per pass completion.

UW-Oshkosh finished the year ranked 36th in the NCAA Division III in rushing offense, 39th in total offense and 89th in passing offense.

Allen's performance during the 2011 season earned him All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) first-team honors. He was a second-team selection on D3football.com's NCAA Division III All-West Region squad.

Allen missed the 2010 season with an injury. In 2009, Allen started all 10 games and helped the Titans average 200.5 yards rushing and 222.6 yards passing per contest. Allen played in 27 games during his UW-Oshkosh career.

D3football.com's 2011 NCAA Division III All-America Football Team featured seven players from the WIAC. National champion UW-Whitewater owned five of those selections, including running back Levell Coppage, offensive tackle Logan Allemand and linebacker Greg Arnold as first-team picks. The Warhawks also had defensive tackle Casey Casper named to the second team and quarterback Matt Blanchard to the third. UW-La Crosse had cornerback Derek Dreher voted to the second team and punter Christian Hallingstad to the third.

Allen was the only WIAC player to gain honorable mention recognition.

Major award winners were Coppage as the Offensive Player of the Year and University of Mount Union (Ohio) linebacker Nick Driskill as the Defensive Player of the Year. UW-Whitewater's Lance Leipold was named the Coach of the Year.

UW-Oshkosh finished the 2011 season with a 7-3 record, including a 5-2 mark in the WIAC. The Titans finished second in the WIAC standings for their highest placement since 1976.

2011 D3football.com NCAA Division III All-America Team

UW-Oshkosh center Eric Allen (Sr. • Markesan) and defensive end Vince Sciano (Sr. • Greendale) have been selected to the 2011 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III All-West Region Football Team by D3football.com. Both UW-Oshkosh players were second-team honorees.

This past season, Allen started six of the 10 contests that he played in. His exceptional blocking allowed the Titans to rush for 20 touchdowns and average 4.9 yards per rushing attempt. In the air, UW-Oshkosh reached the end zone 20 times and averaged 13.7 yards per pass completion.

UW-Oshkosh currently ranks 36th in the NCAA Division III in rushing offense (211 yards per game), 40th in total offense and 62nd in scoring offense (30.7 points per game).

Allen missed the 2010 season with an injury and started all 10 games for the Titans in 2009. Allen played in 27 games during his UW-Oshkosh career.

Sciano played in 37 of UW-Oshkosh's 39 games the past four seasons, including 18 as a starter. This past year, Sciano totaled 51 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and four quarterback sacks. He also broke up four passes, blocked a field goal and forced a fumble. Sciano's finest effort of the 2011 season came when he compiled nine tackles and two quarterback sacks during a 30-24 overtime loss to UW-La Crosse. Sciano concluded his career with 124 tackles, including 21 for a loss and six quarterback sacks.

UW-Oshkosh currently ranks 13th in the NCAA Division III in pass efficiency defense (93.51 rating), 41st in scoring defense (18.2 points per game) and 71st in pass defense (172.7 yards per game).

Allen and Sciano are UW-Oshkosh's first all-region picks since the Titans had linebacker James Taraboias a first-team selection in 2009.

D3football.com selected 25 players for its All-West Region first team, including five from the University of St. Thomas (Minn.) and four from UW-Whitewater. UW-Whitewater running back Levell Coppage and University of Dubuque (Iowa) wide receiver Michael Zweifel were named the Co-Offensive Players of the Year, while University of St. Thomas linebacker Tony Danna earned the top defensive honor. Chris Sulages of Lewis & Clark College (Ore.) was named the Coach of the Year.

The West Region includes the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Midwest Conference, Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Northwest Conference, Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Upper Midwest Athletic Conference.

UW-Oshkosh finished the 2011 season with a 7-3 record, including a 5-2 mark in the WIAC. The Titans finished second in the WIAC standings for their highest placement since 1976.

2011 D3football.com NCAA Division III All-West Region Team

UW-Oshkosh’s strong team performance during the 2011 football season led to five individuals being selected to the All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) first team. The Titans had wide receiver Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison), linebacker Taylor Goodman (Jr. • South Wayne), defensive end Vince Sciano (Sr. • Greendale), center Eric Allen (Sr. • Markesan) and offensive tackle John Nicholas (Sr. • Oneida) voted to the top squad by the league's eight head coaches.

Fox was second in the conference with 650 receiving yards. He also scored eight touchdowns on his 44 catches. During the season finale against UW-Stout, Fox hauled in seven passes for 93 yards and three scores. He posted at least six catches, 108 yards and two touchdowns in victories over both UW-Stout and UW-River Falls. Fox ended his career with 131 pass receptions, the third-highest total in school history, for 1,710 yards and 19 touchdowns.

The Titans’ leading tackler with 80, Goodman recorded eight tackles for a loss. He tallied two quarterback sacks, an interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. During a win over UW-Stout, Goodman posted 14 tackles and returned his interception 22 yards. He now owns 150 career tackles in 26 games played.

Sciano was another big reason why UW-Oshkosh ranked third in the WIAC in scoring defense (18.2 points allowed). He racked up 51 tackles, including 10 for a loss with four quarterback sacks. Sciano also broke up four passes, blocked a field goal and forced one fumble. He closed his career with 124 tackles (21 for loss) and six quarterback sacks in 37 games.

UW-Oshkosh’s powerful running attack was led by Allen and Nicholas. The two linemen helped the Titans rush for 2,110 yards, with an average of 4.9 yards per attempt. Their blocking set up 20 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns. At UW-Stevens Point, the offensive unit went for 348 yards on the ground and another 336 through the air.

Of the 30 players receiving All-WIAC second-team honors, the Titans had eight. Four players made the offensive squad, with quarterback Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh), all-purpose back Justin Budiac (Sr. • Mukwonago), running back Cole Myhra (So. • Menomonee Falls) and return specialist Charlie Weissman (Sr. • Colgate) gaining mention. The defensive selections included nose tackle Brent Aaron (Sr. • Sussex), end Andrew Thompson (Jr. • Greendale), free safety Jack Breese (Sr. • Kewaskum) and cornerback Charlie Stueck (Sr. • Clintonville).

A starter for the past 30 games, Wara continues to pile up impressive statistics for the Titans. He finished the year with 1,838 yards and 18 touchdowns passing and 605 yards and three scores rushing. During a non-conference win over the Blue Devils, Wara ran for 185 yards and accounted for four touchdowns. He closed the season with 601 yards and seven touchdowns passing in the final two games. For his career, Wara ranks second in UW-Oshkosh history with 5,570 yards and 50 touchdowns through the air.

The three-headed rushing attack of Budiac, Myhra and Weissman combined for 1,335 yards. Budiac posted a 7.7-yard average and listed second in the WIAC with 10 touchdowns. Myhra averaged 6.2 yards per carry for the season and had a 70-yard run against UW-River Falls. With an average of 23.5 yards, Weissman led the league in kick returns. He also compiled 383 rushing yards and 208 receiving yards.

Aaron and Thompson were important performers in the UW-Oshkosh defensive line. The Titans topped the WIAC rankings by allowing touchdowns on just 36 percent of their red zone trips. Thompson recorded the most quarterback sacks in the conference with seven. Thompson counted 38 tackles overall, while Aaron compiled 19, including two for a loss.

The Titans owned the WIAC’s second-best pass defense, as opposing quarterbacks threw just six touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Breese led the defense with 77 tackles, including 14 against second-ranked University of Mount Union (Ohio). Stueck, who ended his career by intercepting three passes in his final four contests, recorded 39 tackles while breaking up seven passes.

UW-Whitewater had eight players named to the all-conference first team, including running back Levell Coppage, the league's Player of the Year. The undefeated league champion also had offensive tackle Logan Allemand, linebacker Greg Arnold, quarterback Matt Blanchard, defensive end Casey Casper, wide receiver Tyler Huber, placekicker Eric Kindler and cornerback Noah Timm on the first team.

Receiving honorable mention status from UW-Oshkosh were offensive tackle Brandon Peter (Jr. • Allenton) and wide receiver Caleb Voss (So. • Van Dyne). UW-Oshkosh wide receiver Wesley Price (Sr. • San Mateo, Calif.) was selected to the conference's All-Sportsmanship Team.

UW-Whitewater's Lance Leipold was named the WIAC Coach of the Year, while UW-River Falls' Greg Klingelhutz earned the league's Max Sparger Scholar-Athlete Award.

2011 All-WIAC Football Team

UW-Oshkosh concluded its best WIAC football season since 1976 with a 35-3 domination of UW-Stout on Saturday (Nov. 12) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. The Titans end the year with a 7-3 overall record while sharing second place in the league at 5-2 with UW-Platteville.

Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) threw for 300 yards and all five touchdowns as UW-Oshkosh scored 35 consecutive points. On senior day, Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison) posted a touchdown reception during the first, second and third quarters. UW-Stout (5-5/3-4 WIAC) scored in the opening period, but the Titan defense notched a shutout for the final 50 minutes.

The Blue Devils marched 31 yards on the game’s first possession, but Vince Sciano (Sr. • Greendale) blocked their field goal attempt. On UW-Stout’s next opportunity, Eric Brown got his team down the field with runs of 18, 7 and 6 yards. Ryan Howg nailed the 22-yard field goal to take a 3-0 lead. UW-Stout’s next 11 possessions resulted in five punts, three interceptions and three turnovers on downs.

UW-Oshkosh trailed for just 1:20, as it responded immediately. Caleb Voss (So. • Van Dyne) marked catches of 42 and 22 yards on back-to-back plays. Facing third-and-long, Wara hit Fox on a corner route for the 15-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter.

The Titans tallied two more touchdowns in a six-minute span during the second period. Wara stepped up in the pocket and fired a 30-yard bullet to Cory Wipperfurth (So. • DeForest) that made it 14-3. Following a Taylor Goodman (Jr. • South Wayne) interception, Fox hauled in a difficult four-yard scoring grab with 7:43 on the clock.

Wara wasn’t content with the 18-point cushion, so his offense put together a 43-second drive before the break. He found Fox and Charlie Weissman (Sr. • Colgate) for gains of 20 and 11 yards. Weissman then caught a screen pass and rumbled 29 yards into the end zone for a 28-3 lead. Justin Budiac (Sr. • Mukwonago) delivered a crushing block on the play to spring Weissman.

The only score of the second half came on the Titans’ 11-play, 63-yard trip. Budiac had an 18-yard reception, while Wara converted a crucial fourth-and-two run. From 18 yards away, Wara connected with Fox, who made a spinning catch at the goal line for his personal-best third score. Fox finishes his Titan career with 131 receptions (third in school history) for 1,710 yards and 19 touchdowns.

UW-Oshkosh’s defense put the game away, recording a season-high six sacks and holding the Blue Devils to 14-of-33 passing. UW-Stout compiled 324 yards and held the ball for a staggering 40:22, but it could only tally three points. The Titan effort was led by 14 tackles from Goodman, 13 by Zach Wettengel (Jr. • Appleton) and 10 more by Jack Breese (Sr. • Kewaskum). Brent Aaron (Sr. • Sussex) topped the unit with 1.5 sacks.

Amassing 427 yards, the Titans averaged 7.4 yards per play. Budiac paced the running game with 56 yards, while Fox marked 93 yards on seven catches. UW-Oshkosh may have possessed the ball for just 19:38, but it broke 31 points for the fifth time this season. The Titans conclude the year with 4,218 yards of offense and a 307-182 scoring margin.

Brown was the standout for the visitors, totaling 169 yards on 29 carries. The Blue Devils’ 14 receptions featured eight for 86 yards by Jordan Peterson. Ross Carey notched 149 yards in the passing game. The UW-Stout defense received seven tackles from the WIAC’s leader, Ryan Pearcy.

UW-Oshkosh completed a two-game sweep of the Blue Devils, outscoring them 91-13 this year. The Titans’ seven-win season marks the seventh time they’ve reached that many victories during their 117-year history.

John D. Thome, who earned a total of 10 letters while playing baseball, basketball and football at UW-Oshkosh, died Nov. 4 in Wauwatosa.

Thome, 69, attended UW-Oshkosh from 1960-64. He was a four-year lettermen in football, earning All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) honors in 1963 and 1964. The 1988 UW-Oshkosh Hall of Fame inductee also played baseball and basketball for the Titans in 1961, 1963 and 1964. He was a member of the school's 1963 baseball team that captured the WIAC title and the 1963 basketball squad that advanced to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Tournament in Kansas City, Mo.

Thome was born on Jan. 8, 1942, to Rosalia and Wilfred Thome of Port Washington. He attended St. Mary's Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Port Washington High School. Thome earned many athletic awards in high school, including all-conference in football, baseball and basketball. He was an all-state selection as a quarterback in football and won Port Washington High School's Athlete of the Year Award in 1960.

Thome's teaching and coaching career began at Chilton High School, where he coached and taught English. Under his leadership, Chilton High School's football team won three consecutive conference championships and amassed a 24-2-1 record. During his time at Chilton High School, Thome met his wife, the former Darlene Freimund. The couple married July 27, 1968.

In 1967, Thome was hired as an associate professor, assistant director of athletics and head football coach at Lakeland College. His accomplishments at Lakeland College included winning nine football conference championships and compiling a record of 78-53-2. While at Lakeland College, Thome also helped coach baseball, basketball and track and field. Thome, a six-time conference football coach of the year, is a member of Lakeland College's Hall of Fame.

In 1983, Thome became a physical education professor and defensive coordinator at Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill. Eventually, he retired to Wisconsin and to high school athletics. He continued to be involved in high school football in the Sheboygan area as a member of the coaching staffs at Elkhart Lake, Kiel, Oostburg, Plymouth, and Howards Grove. Thome even assisted for a few years at both Lakeland College and UW-Oshkosh. In 2001, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In 2006, John retired from teaching and coaching golf at Howards Grove High School.

In addition to his wife, Darlene, Thome is survived by two sons, John and Drew, and a daughter, Paige, and their families.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday (Nov. 10) at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (94 N. Lincoln • Elkhart Lake) at 2 p.m. Friends may call on Wednesday (Nov. 9) at Zimmer's Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center (Hwy 42 & JJ • Howards Grove) from 4-7 p.m. Visitation will continue on Thursday at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the Mass. Entombment in Holy Cross Mausoleum. A memorial fund has been established in the name of John D. Thome.

Justin Budiac’s (Sr. • Mukwonago) three touchdowns highlighted a school-record 684 yards in UW-Oshkosh’s 38-24 football win over UW-Stevens Point on Saturday (Nov. 5) in Stevens Point.

The Titans (6-3/4-2 WIAC) overcame an early deficit with 24 straight points and never looked back. Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) directed the offense with 301 passing yards and 54 rushing yards. Budiac totaled 196 yards rushing and receiving, as he found paydirt three times in a span of 15 minutes. Following three first-half giveaways, UW-Oshkosh took control with three takeaways during the second half.

UW-Stevens Point (4-5/2-4 WIAC) took advantage of a Titan fumble to put the first points on the board. The Pointer drive started 38 yards from the end zone and featured catches of 14 yards by Mike Mullins and 11 yards by Theo Maglio. Keith Ingram ran the ball in from 10 yards out to take a 7-0 lead five minutes into play.

The Titan response took just 54 seconds, as Wara rushed for 26 yards on first down. On the drive’s fourth play, Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison) got free on a post pattern and snatched the 36-yard score to tie the game at 7.

The teams continued to run up and down the field when Colton Zimmerman returned the ensuing kickoff 62 yards. The Pointers had a decision to make on fourth-and-one, but Mitch Beau picked up the yard to keep the drive alive. Ben Wetzel finished things off with a two-yard touchdown run at the 5:59 mark of the first quarter.

UW-Stevens Point appeared to trap the Titans with a punt downed at the three-yard line. That was no problem for Budiac, with him breaking through the middle of the line for a 97-yard touchdown run. UW-Oshkosh missed the extra point to keep its deficit at 14-13.

Another opportunity went to waste when Cory Wipperfurth (So. • DeForest) fumbled through the end zone after reaching the one-yard line. He made up for it moments later with a 21-yard catch, as the Titans put together a quick drive to end the half. Wesley Price (Sr. • San Mateo, Calif.) posted a reception for 17 yards and a run for nine more. One second-and-goal, Budiac cut back and crossed the goal line from five yards out to lead, 21-14.

UW-Oshkosh received the second-half kickoff and booked another scoring drive that took less than a minute. Caleb Voss (So. • Van Dyne) hauled in a 49-yard pass down the left sideline to get in position. Budiac then got free over the middle and made a diving 28-yard catch for the touchdown. The Titans’ margin stood at 28-14 just 45 seconds into the third quarter.

Taylor Goodman (Jr. • South Wayne) recovered a gift fumble to set up UW-Oshkosh’s next score. Following seven straight rushing plays, Nate Ray (Fr. • Verona) converted the 19-yard field goal to make it 31-14. The Pointers then came back with a 13-play drive that resulted in a 33-yard field goal by Jared Fohrman.

The Titans got a late 35-yard touchdown pass from Nick Olla (So. • Kewaskum) to Voss that sealed the game. Voss recorded 84 receiving yards on the day, while Fox led the way with four grabs for 92 yards. Budiac contributed a career-high 149 rushing yards, as Charlie Weissman (Sr. • Colgate) added 54 of his team’s 348. UW-Oshkosh’s spectacular performance included an average of eight yards per play and 62-percent efficiency on third down.

Beau fired a 22-yard throw to Klint Hischke during the final three minutes to complete the scoring. Beau found his target on 19-of-40 passes for 189 yards, while he added 67 yards on 15 rushing attempts. Ingram posted 50 rushing yards and Mullins 69 receiving yards for the home squad. UW-Stevens Point finished with 313 yards and 4-of-12 success on third down.

Charlie Stueck (Sr. • Clintonville) paced the Titan defense with eight tackles and an interception, as the team marked six tackles for a loss. UW-Stevens Point had four players register at least a dozen tackles, led by 15 apiece from Joe Mleziva and Curtis Krump. The Pointers had been allowing 333 yards per contest, but UW-Oshkosh more than doubled that figure.

The Titans wrap up their season against UW-Stout on Saturday (Nov. 12) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

Ben Hertrampf ran for 182 yards and the game-ending touchdown in overtime to give UW-La Crosse a 30-24 football win over UW-Oshkosh on Saturday (Oct. 29) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. The Titans (5-3/3-2 WIAC) entered the contest ranked 15th in the NCAA Division III by D3football.com.

The wild contest saw the Eagles (3-5/2-3 WIAC) rush for 315 yards on 60 carries. UW-La Crosse held a 24-7 lead with 15:01 left, but the Titans scored 17 unanswered points to force the extra session.

At the end of regulation, Justin Huinker lined up a 19-yard field goal attempt to break the 24-24 deadlock. His kick missed as time expired, but UW-Oshkosh was offsides to give UW-La Crosse another play. This time, Andrew Thompson (Jr. • Greendale) came up the middle and jumped high to block the kick and extend the game.

UW-Oshkosh got the ball first in overtime, but it was unable to advance. Nate Becker (Jr. • Waukesha) eventually tried a 34-yard field goal, which came up short. On the Eagles’ first play, they threw to the end zone and drew a pass interference penalty. Hertrampf then went off tackle to the left side and sprinted 12 yards untouched for the winning score.

UW-La Crosse imposed its will throughout the night, possessing the ball for nearly 39 minutes. On the opening drive of the game, Hertrampf had runs of 31 and 28 yards, with the latter crossing the goal line and gaining a 7-0 lead. The Eagles extended that advantage to 10 points with a 37-yard field goal by Huinker on their next drive.

Cory Wipperfurth (So. • DeForest) made his second reception of the year when the Titans got the ball back. After that three-yard catch, Wipperfurth ran deep over the middle of the field. Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) launched a perfect strike into his arms for a 42-yard touchdown that cut the deficit to 10-7 with 3:04 on the first-quarter clock.

The Eagles marked the only two scores in the next 33 minutes. With under a minute to play before halftime, UW-La Crosse converted a trio of third downs and got a one-yard touchdown run from Hertrampf. Mike Butterfield added to that cushion in the middle of the third quarter. He took off running and weaved inside the pylon for an eight-yard score that made it 24-7.

Becker drilled a 32-yard field goal at the end of the third period to make it a two-possession game. It was Charlie Weissman’s (Sr. • Colgate) turn to step up, and he burst through the middle of the pile, ran to the left sideline and then cut back to the right for 49 yards. On third-and-goal from the 1, Wara found Jordan Mortenson (Sr. • Iola) on a play-action pass for the touchdown with 7:47 remaining.

The two teams exchanged punts, but UW-Oshkosh came up with a big play. The Titan punt bounced off an Eagle and Brian Hardy (So. • Bristol) recovered 25 yards from the end zone. UW-Oshkosh needed just five plays, as Weissman carried the last three and plunged in from one yard out to tie the contest with 2:25 left.

For the second consecutive week, the Titans came up short after being tied with two minutes remaining. UW-La Crosse held all the statistical advantages, including a 479-297 margin in yards. The Eagles also thrived with 10-of-18 conversions on third down to post a 28-13 victory in overall first downs.

Wara compiled 135 yards passing on 15-of-24 attempts, with Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison) marking four grabs for 47 yards. UW-Oshkosh also used a season-best 124 yards on 14 carries by Weissman. Both Jack Breese (Sr. • Kewaskum) and Ryan Stefaniak (So. • Muskego) had 11 tackles for the Titans, while Vince Sciano (Sr. • Greendale) was a monster with nine stops and two sacks.

Butterfield racked up 164 yards through the air and another 71 on the ground. The Eagles’ receivers were paced by Nate Ward’s 67 yards and Tony Bilderback’s five catches (44 yards). Mitch Hawkins led the UW-La Crosse defense with seven tackles.

UW-Oshkosh now hits the road for a meeting with UW-Stevens Point on Saturday (Nov. 5).

UW-Oshkosh gave defending national champion UW-Whitewater all it could handle for 60 minutes in a 20-17 football defeat on Saturday (Oct. 22) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

Eric Kindler drilled a 17-yard field goal with 1:18 remaining for the deciding points. The Titans (5-2/3-1 WIAC), ranked 20th by D3football.com, were in the lead or tied for 56 of the 60 minutes. UW-Whitewater (7-0/4-0 WIAC), ranked first in the NCAA Division III, posted its closest margin of victory since Sept. 13, 2008 – a span of 48 wins. The Warhawks also extended their nation-best winning streak to 37 games.

The game-winning drive started at the UW-Whitewater 20-yard line with 5:51 on the clock. Levell Coppage or Matt Blanchard rushed on each of the drive’s 10 plays. From midfield, Coppage busted through the left side and zigzagged his way for 47 yards. The Titan defense then stuffed three runs at the goal line to force a field goal.

UW-Oshkosh made things interesting by moving to the UW-Whitewater 37-yard line with about 20 seconds left. Casey Casper came up with a sack on the next play to force a Hail Mary, which was intercepted by Ryan Wenkman in the end zone with one second remaining.

The Titans rushed for 214 yards against a unit that had been allowing just 67 ground yards per game. On UW-Oshkosh’s first possession, Cole Myhra (So. • Menomonee Falls) bolted up the middle for a 53-yard gain. Nate Becker (Jr. • Waukesha) converted that opportunity with a 29-yard field goal for an early 3-0 lead.

That cushion remained into the second quarter before UW-Whitewater started to march. The Warhawks went 89 yards in 13 plays, including consecutive runs of 17 yards by Coppage and 11 by Blanchard. Facing 3rd-and-5, Blanchard ran a quarterback draw and sprinted for the 23-yard touchdown and a 7-3 advantage.

The Titan offense had a response on its ensuing play with Wesley Price’s (Sr. • San Mateo, Calif.) 13-yard run. Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) later found Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison) to convert a 3rd-and-9 play. Charlie Weissman (Sr. • Colgate) capped the drive with a one-yard scoring run to regain UW-Oshkosh’s advantage at the 12:11 mark of the second period.

UW-Whitewater was able to equal the score on a 47-yard field goal from Kindler. The Titans then went to work before intermission. Justin Budiac (Sr. • Mukwonago) got things started with a 21-yard run down the sideline. From the 14-yard line, Jeremy Roach (Sr. • Deerfield) took an option pitch and weaved his way through traffic for the touchdown. UW-Oshkosh held its 17-10 cushion, marking the Warhawks’ first halftime deficit in 37 games.

After driving 57 yards in the third quarter, Blanchard got picked off by Charlie Stueck (Sr. • Clintonville) in the end zone. The Titans punted to give the ball back, and that’s when UW-Whitewater struck. Tyler Huber got behind the defense and hauled in a rainbow for 62 yards down to the four-yard line. Blanchard found Tyler Huber two plays later to tie the score at 17 with 1:13 left in the third quarter.

UW-Oshkosh, which tallied 17 points on its first five possessions, came up empty on its last seven drives of the contest. The Titans finished the game by going three-and-out, failing on fourth-and-one, punting and tossing a last-second interception. Racking up 362 total yards, UW-Oshkosh booked 22 first downs and 9-of-18 conversions on third down.

The Warhawks compiled 20 first downs and 429 yards of offense. Coppage used 28 carries to obtain his 131 yards, while Blanchard added 91 rushing yards on 14 attempts. Blanchard completed 17-of-25 through the air for 209 yards, with 127 yards and seven catches coming from Huber.

The Titans’ balanced attack featured 66 rushing yards (seven carries) by Myhra and 54 yards on 14 tries by Wara. Hitting 17-of-33 passes, Wara marked 148 yards. Caleb Voss (So. • Van Dyne) led the homecoming team with 86 receiving yards, as Fox added 50 yards on seven grabs. UW-Oshkosh drew an attendance of 3,863 for its largest crowd since 1998.

In a battle of the league’s top two offenses, the WIAC’s top two defenses had their moments. Austin Blashka (So. • Menasha) posted 10 tackles for UW-Oshkosh, while Taylor Goodman (Jr. • South Wayne) notched eight stops and one sack. The Warhawks’ effort featured 10 stops from Kyle Wismer and eight tackles (three for loss) by Cole Klotz.

UW-Oshkosh has its only night home game of the season when it faces UW-La Crosse on Saturday (Oct. 29) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

UW-Oshkosh posted its best defensive performance in 50 games during a 24-3 football victory over UW-Platteville on Saturday (Oct. 15) in Platteville.

The Titans (5-1/3-0 WIAC), who entered the contest ranked 25th in the NCAA Division III by D3football.com, had not allowed fewer than seven points since shutting out UW-River Falls in 2006. UW-Oshkosh's defense forced two turnovers and eight punts, while holding the Pioneers (3-3/1-2 WIAC) to just 2-of-14 conversions on third down. The Titans relied on their rushing offense once again, totaling 237-plus yards for the third time in four games.

After the teams traded punts to begin the contest, the Titans got in gear. Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) connected with Wesley Price (Sr. • San Mateo, Calif.) for 16 yards and Caleb Voss (So. • Van Dyne) for 11 more. On third-and-goal from the 1, Justin Budiac (Sr. • Mukwonago) snuck through the left side for a touchdown.

Budiac struck again late in the first quarter. On the opening play of the drive, Wara ran an option right and pitched to Budiac. He cut back across the field and sprinted free for an 82-yard score that made it 13-0. This marked the third consecutive game that Budiac ran for two touchdowns.

The lone scoring drive of the second quarter was a 79-yard march by the Titans. Among the 12 plays were catches of 45 yards by Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison) and 12 by Budiac. Nate Becker (Jr. • Waukesha) then drilled a 26-yard field goal two minutes before the break to give UW-Oshkosh a 17-0 cushion.

UW-Platteville finally scratched out some points on its 10th possession. Lee Vlasak got the 12-play drive started with a 21-yard run. Facing 4th-and-4, John Kelly delivered a 10-yard pass to Aaron Loferski to stay on the field. Zach Litchfield later split the uprights from 36 yards out, as 3:25 remained in the third period.

The Pioneers got into the red zone early in the fourth quarter, but a trio of incomplete passes turned the ball over. On its next opportunity, UW-Platteville drove to the Titan 32-yard line before failing on fourth down. Brian Hardy (So. • Bristol) later intercepted a Kelly pass with 3:02 remaining to seal UW-Oshkosh's third straight win over UW-Platteville.

The Titans punctuated their victory with a 32-yard scoring drive. Both Nick Olla (So. • Kewaskum) and Cole Myhra (So. • Menomonee Falls) converted third downs with a run. On fourth-and-goal, Olla ran into the end zone for the game's final touchdown. Olla replaced Wara at quarterback and completed 7-of-12 passes for 100 yards.

Totaling 400 offensive yards, UW-Oshkosh earned a 16-8 advantage in first downs. Before his exit, Wara completed 8-of-12 passes for 63 yards and added another 49 on the ground. Budiac led the Titans with 86 rushing yards, while Fox caught three passes for 77 yards. UW-Oshkosh's defense, which held the Pioneers to their lowest scoring output in 22 games, was paced by the 10 tackles from Taylor Goodman (Jr. • South Wayne) and the eight from Ryan Stefaniak (So. • Muskego).

UW-Oshkosh also yielded under 137 passing yards for the third time in four contests. The Pioneers’ 71 passing yards included 50 by Kelly and 21 by Nick Anderson. Vlasak topped the ground game with 44 yards on 15 carries, in addition to his team-highs of four catches and 31 receiving yards. UW-Platteville had outscored its opponents 42-7 in the first quarter this season, but the Titans notched a 14-0 advantage in this bout.

Nick Snyder recorded 14 tackles to lead the Pioneers, while Jacob Zilbar added 12 and Jesse Lindemulder 11.

For their homecoming contest, the Titans welcome top-ranked UW-Whitewater (6-0/3-0 WIAC) on Saturday (Oct. 22). The two squads share first place in the league standings.

The UW-Oshkosh defense forced incomplete passes on the last four plays to clinch a 23-16 football victory over UW-Eau Claire on Saturday (Oct. 8) in Eau Claire.

After the Blugolds (3-2/1-1 WIAC) earned a first down at the Titan five-yard line, Austin Neu had his attempts at the end zone fall harmlessly to the ground. On fourth down with two seconds left, Neu’s throw to Mike O’Connell came up short and capped UW-Oshkosh’s (4-1/2-0 WIAC) second-half comeback.

The Titans’ defense scored two points in the second half while allowing none. Despite averaging 240 passing yards per game, UW-Oshkosh totaled just 68 for the game. The rushing attack made up for it with 241 yards, including 89 on 18 carries by Cole Myhra (So. • Menomonee Falls). The Titans also kept numerous drives alive by converting 4-of-6 fourth-down chances.

UW-Eau Claire amassed a quick 13-0 lead in the opening quarter. On the game’s first possession, Neu connected with David Goodman for gains of 35 and 12 yards. Joel Sweeney then ran in from two yards out to take a 6-0 advantage.

On their first defensive snap, the Blugolds’ Kalan Stittleburg intercepted a pass and returned it to the 31-yard line. UW-Eau Claire needed just eight plays from there, as Sweeney rushed the last three times and scored a one-yard touchdown to make it 13-0.

The Titans put together a 13-play drive to cut into their deficit. Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) had runs of seven, five and three yards, with the final one converting a fourth down. UW-Oshkosh had a 4th-and-14 on the edge of field goal range, so Wara fired to Wesley Price (Sr. • San Mateo, Calif.) for a 27-yard pickup. Justin Budiac (Sr. • Mukwonago) then registered a two-yard scoring run with 13:56 left in the second quarter.

A 14-play drive by the Blugolds ended with a 31-yard Josh Albrecht field goal, upping the lead to 16-7. Alex Plaster hauled in a 33-yard pass to start another threat later in the quarter. However, Sweeney fumbled at the one-yard line during the closing seconds to waste a prime scoring opportunity.

Neither offense tallied during the third quarter, but Kyle Calhoun (Sr. • Waukesha) downed a punt at the Blugolds’ one-yard line. On the next play, Sweeney got trapped in the end zone for a safety that cut the margin to 16-9.

UW-Oshkosh’s game-tying drive consumed 5:03 and spanned the third and fourth periods. All 13 plays on the drive were runs, including gains of 17, 12 and nine yards by Wara. The 17-yard scamper on 4th-and-4 moved the Titans within yards of pay dirt. Wara then faked a handoff and plunged in for a one-yard score with 13:01 remaining.

The Titan defense came up clutch again with a three-and-out. The offense then ran on its next nine plays, utilizing a 29-yard burst from Budiac. On 4th-and-1 from the two-yard line, Budiac plowed his way in to give UW-Oshkosh its first and only lead of the day. The Titans held on for the final 7:42 by forcing a punt and running 4:40 off the clock, before stopping the Blugolds as time expired.

In a battle of two potent offenses, each squad achieved 18 first downs. UW-Eau Claire outgained its homecoming visitors, 329-309, with Neu passing for 212 yards. Goodman led the way with six catches for 83 yards, while Sweeney marked 79 rushing yards. Sean Graham topped the Blugold defense with 13 tackles, as Jimmy Hall booked 10 stops and two sacks.

Wara tried just 12 passes, but he contributed 65 rushing yards. Budiac tacked on 64 yards (11 carries) while scoring his fourth touchdown in two weeks. Four Titans caught a pass, with Charlie Weissman (Sr. • Colgate) totaling two grabs for 20 yards. Ryan Stefaniak (So. • Muskego) starred in leading UW-Oshkosh’s defense with nine tackles and two sacks. The Titans also received six solo tackles from Nick Jolin (Jr. • Three Lakes) and five solo tackles and one assisted tackle from Taylor Goodman (Jr. • South Wayne).

The Titans, who are 4-1 for the first time since 2007, opened WIAC play 2-0 for the second straight year. Jeremy Roach (Sr. • Deerfield) also recorded a milestone by upping his career kick return yardage to 2,027. That figure is a new school record and the second-highest total in league history.

UW-Oshkosh has its fourth road game in five contests when it faces UW-Platteville on Saturday (Oct. 15).

UW-Oshkosh’s offense totaled 551 yards, while its defense forced eight consecutive punts, during a 42-7 football victory over UW-River Falls on Saturday (Oct. 1) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. The game was the WIAC opener for both squads.

The Titans (3-1/1-0 WIAC) racked up at least 535 yards and six touchdowns for the second straight contest. Attempting 22 passes, UW-River Falls (0-4/0-1 WIAC) gained just 37 yards through the air. UW-Oshkosh held the Falcons to 3-of-19 conversions on third down, as the Falcons punted on their first eight possessions of the game.

Neither team was able to score in the first quarter, as the Titans punted on their opening four drives. Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) finally got things going with a 28-yard completion to Caleb Voss (So. • Van Dyne). Just two plays later, Wara drilled a strike to Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison) over the middle. Fox pinned the ball against his shoulder and hung on while absorbing a hit for the 26-yard touchdown.

Voss started the next Titan drive with a 14-yard reception. This time, he finished it off by himself. Voss hauled in a pass at the five-yard line, where he spun out of a tackle and walked in for a 30-yard score and the 14-0 lead. UW-Oshkosh maintained that cushion until halftime.

The Falcons took advantage of excellent field position for their only score of the day. Greg Klingelhutz took a punt and returned it 63 yards down to the one-yard line. Joel Yogerst then found pay dirt on the ground and cut the deficit in half with 11:57 on the third-quarter clock.

UW-Oshkosh bounced right back with a trio of big plays. Cole Myhra (So. • Menomonee Falls) rushed up the middle untouched and gained 70 yards to reach the red zone. Justin Budiac (Sr. • Mukwonago) handled things from there, running three yards for a touchdown. The Titans upped their margin to 28-7 minutes later, as Fox got free and Wara found him with a back-shoulder throw for a 15-yard score.

Wara used his legs to record a 38-yard run near at the conclusion of the third period. Budiac punched it in from the one-yard line to book his second touchdown of the day. Later in the fourth quarter, Nick Olla (So. • Kewaskum) went downfield with a 56-yard rainbow to Jeremy Roach (Sr. • Deerfield) and a 29-yard hookup to Zach Kasuboski (Fr. • Wautoma). Kasuboski was fully extended in the back of the end zone to post the touchdown and a 42-7 lead.

With his three touchdown passes, Wara upped his career total to 41, which ranks third in school history. Wara also finished with 272 passing yards and 43 rushing yards. His top targets were Fox, who totaled 108 yards, and Voss, who compiled 102. Myhra finished with 97 rushing yards on seven carries. UW-Oshkosh, which marked 535 yards and 56 points last week, notched 22 first downs and 7.3 yards per play.

The Falcons mustered three yards per play en route to 206 total yards. The WIAC’s leading rusher, Taylor Edwards, picked up 117 yards on his 24 attempts. Meanwhile, B.J. Letourneau completed 5-of-16 passes for 20 yards. Yogerst paced the visitors with three grabs for 26 yards, while the Titans held the conference’s top receiver, Nathan Brandt, without a catch.

UW-Oshkosh kept its opponent in single digits for the first time since 2008. The swarming defense featured nine tackles apiece from Jack Breese (Sr. • Kewaskum) and Nate Gross (Sr. • Hartland). Led by the eight stops of Lincoln Bjorklund, the Falcons also received two sacks by Nate Smits.

The Titans will play next Saturday (Oct. 8) at UW-Eau Claire, which owns an identical 3-1 (1-0 WIAC) record.

Fans attending UW-Oshkosh home football games can catch a ride on the Titan Shuttle beginning Oct. 1.

The free shuttle service will be from Reeve Memorial Union (748 Algoma Boulevard) to J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium (450 Josslyn Street).  Shuttles will depart one hour before game time and run continuously until kick-off.  The shuttle service begins three hours prior to the start of the Homecoming contest.  Buses will operate for one hour after the game.

“This is a great way for UW-Oshkosh students, faculty and staff to go to the game,” said UW-Oshkosh Director of Athletics Darryl Sims.  “I hope that everybody gets on board and leaves the driving to us.”

The shuttle service kicks off with UW-Oshkosh’s football game on Oct. 1 (2 p.m.) against UW-River Falls.  The Titans then play UW-Whitewater in their Homecoming contest on Oct. 22 (1:30 p.m.) before concluding their home schedule with games against UW-La Crosse on Oct. 29 (6 p.m.) and UW-Stout on Nov. 12 (2 p.m.).

UW-Oshkosh quarterback Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) was named to the D3football.com Team of the Week for his effort in the Titans' 56-10 victory over UW-Stout on Sept. 22.

Wara, one of only two WIAC players named to the week four squad, rushed and passed for 357 yards and four touchdowns to lead UW-Oshkosh to the lopsided non-conference win.

Wara rushed the football 15 times for 185 yards and two scores. He put the Titans ahead 6-0 with a 52-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and 20-3 with a six-yard touchdown run in the second.

In the air, Wara completed 11-of-16 passes for 172 yards and two scores. He gave the Titans leads of 34-4 and 41-10 with third-quarter touchdown passes of 36 and 26 yards to Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison).

For the complete D3football.com Team of the Week, click here.

UW-Oshkosh had two of the three award winners as linebacker Taylor Goodman (Jr. • South Wayne) and quarterback Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) received Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Football Player of the Week citations for their performance in the Titans' 56-10 victory over UW-Stout on Sept. 22.

Goodman, who was named the league's top defensive performer, totaled 10 tackles to help UW-Oshkosh snap UW-Stout's four-game winning streak.

Goodman had three assisted tackles in the first quarter, two solo tackles and one assisted tackle in the second and one solo tackle and three assisted tackles in the third.

Wara rushed and passed for 357 yards and four touchdowns to earn the conference's top offensive prize.

Wara rushed the football 15 times for 185 yards and two scores. He put the Titans ahead 6-0 with a 52-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and 20-3 with a six-yard touchdown run in the second.

In the air, Wara completed 11-of-16 passes for 172 yards and two scores. He gave the Titans leads of 34-4 and 41-10 with third-quarter touchdown passes of 36 and 26 yards to Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison).

Placekicker Zach Litchfield of UW-Platteville was named the WIAC Special Teams Player of the Week.

UW-Oshkosh rushed for 370 yards and scored 14 points in every quarter to demolish UW-Stout, 56-10, on Thursday (Sept. 22) in Menomonie. The game was a non-conference bout between the WIAC rivals.

Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) highlighted the offensive showcase with 185 rushing yards, while his two tailbacks each averaged better than 14 yards per carry. Justin Budiac (Sr. • Mukwonago) totaled 74 yards on the ground as Cole Myhra (So. • Menomonee Falls) churned out 69 more. The passing game was also effective, with Garrie Fox (Sr. • Madison) registering 131 yards on six catches.

UW-Stout (2-1) had allowed just 114 rushing yards per game entering the night, while the UW-Oshkosh (2-1) offense averaged 108. The Titans’ quarterback, backfield and offensive line more than tripled both of those figures. UW-Oshkosh’s point total was its highest since scoring 62 against Lakeland College during 2007.

The Titan defense forced punts on UW-Stout’s first three possessions. Wara and the UW-Oshkosh offense then quickly turned its first six plays into 14 points. After running for 16 yards to approach midfield, Wara broke free for a 52-yard touchdown to make it 7-0 just 3:23 into the contest.

Wara handed off on the Titans’ third play of their next drive, and Budiac took his carry 46 yards for the score and a 14-0 advantage. UW-Stout would respond early in the second quarter with a 13-play drive and 36-yard field goal by Ricky Marteney.

UW-Oshkosh got the ball back and continued to deliver explosive plays. Wara found Fox for 34 yards and Caleb Voss (So. • Van Dyne) for gains of 17 and 15. Utilizing his legs once again, Wara rushed into the end zone from six yards out to gain a 21-3 cushion.

The Blue Devils reached opposition territory twice during the second quarter, but they turned it over on downs at the 35 and 21-yard lines. Just before halftime, Wara found a seam and raced 78 yards to just short of the goal line. Charlie Weissman (Sr. • Colgate) later carried the final yard to put the Titans up, 28-3, with 1:29 on the clock.

Weissman kept the momentum going by returning the third-quarter kickoff 49 yards. UW-Oshkosh ran four plays for minimal gains, including a fourth-down conversion, before lighting up the scoreboard again. Wara took to the air this time and connected with Fox for a 36-yard score.

UW-Stout found success with a 14-play drive that consumed nearly seven minutes. Ross Carey hit Josh Peterson on consecutive passes to pick up 22 yards. Paul Bernier carried the rock on 10 plays, finally plunging in for a two-yard score that cut the deficit to 35-10 midway through the third period. Bernier booked 95 yards on his 21 rushing attempts for the game.

A fortunate special teams play assisted the Titans with their next touchdown. When UW-Oshkosh punted, a Blue Devil roughed the kicker to award a first down. Wara took advantage with a 14-yard run on his next snap. He then dropped back and fired a strike to Fox, who hauled in a 26-yard touchdown to regain a 32-point advantage.

The Titans tacked on a pair of fourth-quarter scores with Myhra’s 61-yard run and James Steffens’ (Fr. • Waterford) 74-yard interception return. The pick-six by Steffens capped a strong night by the UW-Oshkosh defense, which held Carey to 9-of-30 passing for just 91 yards. Peterson topped the Blue Devil receivers with four grabs for 57 yards.

UW-Oshkosh compiled 535 yards overall, with Wara hitting 11-of-16 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns. The Blue Devils (316 yards) won the time of possession category by holding the ball for almost 35 minutes. UW-Stout also equaled UW-Oshkosh’s total of 19 first downs. The major difference came in yards per play, where the Titans averaged nine yards to the Blue Devils’ four.

Taylor Goodman (Jr. • South Wayne) paced all tacklers with 10, as the Titans also received a sack from Andrew Thompson (Jr. • Greendale). UW-Stout was led by eight tackles apiece from Aaron Kobes and Damian Guggenbuehl.

The Titans begin their conference slate by hosting UW-River Falls on Oct. 1.

The University of Mount Union (Ohio) won its 50th consecutive home game after scoring 24 second-quarter points during a 41-17 victory over the UW-Oshkosh football team on Saturday (Sept. 10) in Alliance, Ohio.

Mount Union (1-0), ranked second in the NCAA Division III by D3football.com, prevailed in its season opener for the 24th straight year. The regular-season victory was also Mount Union's 54th in a row, just one short of the NCAA record that the Purple Raiders set from 2000-03. UW-Oshkosh (1-1) and Mount Union scored just seven points each in the second half, but the Purple Raiders' second-quarter output was too much for the Titans to overcome.

The Purple Raiders took advantage of a short field to obtain its early cushion. Mount Union had four drives start inside the Titans’ 39-yard line, and it turned those opportunities into 20 points. UW-Oshkosh went three-and-out to start the game, but Alex Ferrara punctuated the stop by blocking a punt. Seven plays later, Tyler Almeida booted a 20-yard field goal to give the Purple Raiders a 3-0 lead.

The Titans responded during the middle of the first quarter to take their only lead. The 90-yard march required 15 plays, with six of them being runs by Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh). Four of those carries went for at least eight yards. On 4th-and-8 from the Mount Union 21-yard line, Wara found Charlie Weissman (Sr. • Colgate) with a touchdown pass. The extra point made it a 7-3 UW-Oshkosh advantage with 6:06 left in the opening period.

On UW-Oshkosh's next punt, Mount Union's Jasper Collins returned the ball to the Titan 35-yard line. Jeremy Murray needed just two carries from there to reach the end zone. His 16-yard scamper in the first quarter and two-yard run in the second period put the Purple Raiders in front by a 17-7 tally. Mount Union recovered two fumbles during a 10-minute span to set up its offense.

Each team went airborne to continue the scoring in the second. Caleb Voss (So. • Van Dyne) hauled in a 52-yard reception to set up a UW-Oshkosh 28-yard field goal by Nate Becker (Jr. • Waukesha). Moments later, Matt Piloto connected with Julius Moore for a 42-yard gain. Mount Union capped that possession with Piloto’s 26-yard touchdown pass to Chris Denton for a 24-10 lead.

The Purple Raiders closed the first half by marking a 76-yard drive during the final three minutes. Neal Seaman quarterbacked this series and found Collins three times for 23 yards. On third-and-long, Murray grabbed a 20-yard scoring pass with 13 seconds on the clock. Mount Union carried a 34-10 cushion into the locker room.

The third quarter also saw the offenses go quiet with a total of four punts. Using rushes of 20 yards by Wara and 18 by Justin Budiac (Sr. • Mukwonago), the Titans finally moved the ball to begin the fourth quarter. Cole Myhra (So. • Menomonee Falls) capped the 82-yard drive with a one-yard run to make it a 34-17 score. Mount Union added a 16-yard touchdown run by Jake Simon with 7:31 left to conclude the scoring.

The stout Purple Raider defense was led by the 13 tackles, including three for a loss, by Nick Driskill. The Titans were paced by the 14 tackles of Jack Breese (Sr. • Kewaskum), nine of Zach Wettengel (Jr. • Appleton) and the eight of Jacob Juedes (Sr. • Sheboygan Falls).

Murray compiled 125 yards on 20 carries to pace the Mount Union offense. At quarterback, Seaman completed 18-of-29 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown, while Piloto completed 7-of-10 passes for 120 yards and one score. Collins racked up 96 yards on 10 catches and Moore 80 yards on five grabs to top the receiving department.

UW-Oshkosh posted 146 yards on the ground, with 79 earned by Wara. Voss compiled 58 yards on his two catches as Wara totaled 138 yards passing on 16 completions in 31 attempts. The Titans equaled the Purple Raiders’ 6-of-17 figure on third downs, but Mount Union prevailed in total offensive yardage, 417-284.

There will be some time off before UW-Oshkosh faces UW-Stout (2-0) in Menomonie on Thursday (Sept. 22).

UW-Oshkosh exploded for an early lead and held on with five takeaways to post a 31-28 season-opening football win over Central College (Iowa) on Saturday (Sept. 3) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium.

The Titans wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Following a Dutch fumble on the opening kickoff, Charlie Weissman (Sr. • Colgate) bolted up the middle for a 29-yard touchdown run. The UW-Oshkosh defense forced a punt to set up another score. On third-and-long, Nate Wara (Jr. • Oshkosh) fired deep downfield for Caleb Voss (So. • Van Dyne), who caught the ball in stride and went 84 yards for a 14-0 lead just five minutes into play.

Central College (0-1) continued the scoring on its next drive. Nate Snead found Jeremy Snead three times, with the final connection going 22 yards for a touchdown. UW-Oshkosh answered back as Nick Olla (So. • Kewaskum) passed to Weissman for a pickup of 57 yards. That gain set up a Nate Becker (Jr. • Waukesha) 24-yard field goal that gave the Titans a 17-7 lead.

Just five snaps occurred in the third quarter before the Titans executed another big play. Wara tossed a perfect rainbow over the middle to Voss for a 51-yard score. Central College came right back with a grind-it-out, 16-play drive to make it 24-14. Nate Snead registered nine rushing attempts during the series, including a one-yard plunge for the touchdown.

Wara showed his own versatility on the ensuing possession. He had runs of 14 and 12 yards while recording a 15-yard pass completion. On first down at the Central 15-yard line, Wara rolled right and threw all the way back to the left pylon to an outstretched Weissman for the touchdown. UW-Oshkosh’s margin stood at 31-14 with 1:26 left in the third quarter.

The Dutch put together two touchdown drives in the final 13 minutes to put the outcome in doubt. After Nate Snead found Jeremy Snead on consecutive plays for 20 yards, Nate Snead ran two yards for a touchdown with 10:15 remaining. Central College then used a 41-yard pass reception by Ben Lechtenberg to threaten again. Jeremy Snead hauled in a 17-yard pass with 3:13 on the clock to pull the Dutch within 31-28.

Central College threatened in the game's closing minutes, but Jacob Juedes (Sr. • Sheboygan Falls) and Zach Wettengel (Jr. • Appleton) intercepted passes for UW-Oshkosh. Wettengel sealed the Titans' 28th season-opening victory in 31 years with his theft at UW-Oshkoh's 22-yard line with 1:35 remaining.

Wara finished the game by completing 17-of-25 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns. He also added another 36 yards rushing. Weissman caught four passes for 88 yards and rushed 11 times for another 43. The Titans' leading pass receiver was Voss, who tallied 148 yards on four catches.

Central College lost its season opener for the first time since 2004 despite the efforts of Nate Snead. He racked up 291 passing yards and four total touchdowns. His 26 carries resulted in just 66 yards. Jeremy Snead totaled nine catches for 98 yards and Lechtenberg six for 99.

The Dutch owned most statistical categories, including marks of 23-12 in first downs, 390-369 in total yards and 32:44-27:16 in time of possession. UW-Oshkosh made up for its 3-of-16 efficiency on third downs by posting four plays of 29-plus yards. Central College ended up with conversions on 11 of its 17 third downs.

Jack Breese (Sr. • Kewaskum) paced the Titans with nine tackles, while Manfred Johnson (Jr. • Milwaukee) added eight solo tackles and Andrew Thompson (Jr. • Greendale) six stops and two quarterback sacks. The Central College defense was highlighted by the nine tackles of Keith Rush and the eight tackles of Ryan Schmidt.

UW-Oshkosh has quite a challenge when it travels to second-ranked University of Mount Union (Ohio) on Saturday (Sept. 10).