After last week’s overtime loss to UW-Platteville 30-27, the UW-La Crosse Eagles’ football team (2-2, 0-1) has lost two straight games for the first time since Head Coach Matt Janus took the job in 2020.
The #12 Eagles won’t get a break in the schedule this Saturday as they travel to #20 UW-Oshkosh to take on the Titans.
Janus however isn’t panicking based on losses to Platteville and Grand Valley State, the #2 team in Division 2.
“It was six or seven plays we didn’t make. It’s frustrating for our group but that’s how these games go,” Janus said. “In games in the past we’ve found a way to make one more play.”
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UW-Oshkosh is no stranger to close games. The Titans (2-2, 0-1) are 2-1 in one score games, losing to UW-Whitewater last week 21-14. Despite losing quarterback Kobe Berghammer who threw for 93 career touchdowns, including 39 last season, Janus says the Titans have built a roster and a play style that’s in perfect harmony.
“They are a size and speed team,” Janus said. “They are huge upfront including two tight ends, and they recruited slot receivers with speed. There is speed all over the field. You have to be able to protect the seams.”
The Eagles led 24-9 with 9:58 remaining in last week’s 4th quarter before being outscored 21-3 the rest of the way. The offense didn’t get it’s first touchdown until 15 seconds left in the first half.
Janus says having success on offense early is key to beating the Titans
“We have to get our swagger back,” Janus said. “We have to play the style of football we’re used to which is running, throwing over the top and getting the ball in Jack Studer’s hands, and do the things that have been so successful for us.”
UW-La Crosse will be on the road next week as well at UW-Eau Claire.