MENOMONIE, WIs. - Big plays and turnovers cost the UW-Stout Blue Devils (3-2, 1-1) in a 42-21 loss to ninth ranked UW-La Crosse (4-1, 1-1) Saturday afternoon at Don & Nona Williams Stadium.
The Blue Devils threw four interceptions, one of which was returned 95 yards for a score, and gave up two long touchdown runs as the UW-La Crosse Eagles rushed for 321 yards to stop Stout's three game winning streak.
La Crosse struck first, moving the ball 64 yards in 12 plays ontheir first possession to take a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
The Blue Devils were unable to get the offense clicking early on and found themselves in a 14-0 hole early in the second quarter. Stout responded with a eight-play 67-yard drive when
Sean Borgerding found his tight end
Bradley Sarauer open over the middle for a 12 yard touchdown reception. La Crosse wasted no time regaining the 14 point advantage when Keyser Helterbrand raced down the right side for a 69 yard score to give the Eagles the 21-7 lead.
Borgerding then found
Arthur Cox for a 46-yard catch to set the Blue Devils up inside the 10 yard line. Two plays later Cox ran it in from three yards out to bring the score to 21-14.
La Crosse looked to score again right before halftime, moving the ball downt the field, but Cade Garcia's pass was intercepted by
Carson Strong and returned 50 yards back to the La Crosse 25 yard line. Stout was unable to capitalize on the turnover and their 28-yard field goal attempt was blocked just before the end of the half.
La Crosse wasted no time scoring in the third quarter Helterbrand got loose and raced 77 yards for another score to take a 28-14 lead just seconds into the second half.
Stout went three and out and threw interceptions on their next three possessions and La Crosse took advantage scoring from jut 15 yards out to up their lead to 35-14 heading into the fourth quarter.
Stout moved the ball down the field and into the red zone but Borgerding arm was hit as he threw and his pass was intercepted and return 95 yards for a touchdown and the Eagles lead 42-14. The Borgerding and the Blue Devils then marched 79 yards in nine plays in a nice drive that ended with a three yard touchdown pass to
Levy Hamer.
Borgerding finished 24 of 40 for 295 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions.
NOTES
- The two La Crosse quarterbacks combined to go 11 of 18 for 136 yards.
- Keyser Helterbrand rushed for 182 yards on 14 carries
- La Crosse had 457 yards of offense and the Blue Devils had 371.
UP NEXT
The Blue Devils will be on the road next week when they travel to UW-Stevens Point. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m.from Community Stadium at Goerke Park.
