WATCH: Another challenge and opportunity for UW-L WR Studer to add to historic career Saturday
UW-La Crosse football coach Matt Janus wasn’t sure if wide receiver Jack Studer knew about his record setting 31st touchdown reception last week.
His teammates, however, sure did. Beyond securing a win over UW-Eau Claire — keeping the football from going back into the regular rotation was priority No. 1.
“The entire team ran down the sideline and yelled at the refs to keep the ball, so we could give it to Jack afterwards,” Janus said. “Jack just wants to win football games, but you see the embrace from his teammates. Pretty cool to be a part of that as a head coach.”
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UW-L (3-3, 1-2 WIAC) has not been devoid of talented receivers since Janus arrived as defensive coordinator in 2017.
Cole Spieker, Jake Simuncak, Nick Holcomb, and Cameron Sorenson have all come through the program. Janus said Studer has the best parts from all of the above.
“He matches Nick Holcomb with the high point and ability to get the ball,” Janus said. “He matches Cole with just his size and athleticism, and he’s got Jake’s wiggle after the catch.”
Studer will have another tough test Saturday as the 22nd-ranked Eagles battle No. 10 UW-River Falls at Roger Harring Stadium.
UW-L will likely have to win out over to make the playoffs, though just a game back of the leader, the conference championship is still in play.
Janus is impressed by the size of the Falcons secondary.
“They’re three and four year starters,” Janus said. “Both guys are 6-3 and their defensive coordinator allows them to just get after the wide receivers. We’re not going to see 9,000 fronts. They let their guys just play.”
Janus is expecting a high-paced attack from the Falcon offense, and noted the UW-L offense needs to help the defense by having sustained drives and giving them rest on the sideline.