The UW-La Crosse Eagles football team have basically been in playoff mode since October 12th when they lost 34-33 to UW-Oshkosh for their third straight defeat.
Now, with the Eagles having won three in a row, they face likely their last big obstacle standing between them and the D3 playoffs when they welcome in UW-Whitewater this Saturday at Roger Harring Stadium.
The Eagles and Warhawks have identical records on the season. 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the WIAC, making Saturday’s contest an elimination game. Head Coach Matt Janus says the record doesn’t show the big picture on the Warhawks, and he doesn’t buy the notion they’re experiencing a down year.
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“We had to play the same brutal non-conference schedule,” Janus said. “For 10 straight weeks you have to play these kinds of games. People say take a look at their record, but it’s a one possession loss to Platteville and Stout. A school with these kinds of resources, you never drop. Its the same team we’ve always seen.”
The Eagles ended a 19 game losing streak against the Warhawks last season, winning 37-34 when Sophomore Michael Stack kicked a game winning 51 yard field goal as time expired. Janus says he expects a similar kind of game again this week.
“It’s going to be a bloodbath,” Janus said. “You have two of the best rushing offenses and two of the best rushing defenses. I told our guys they’re going to be hurting at the end of it. It comes down to who is the most physical in the trenches.”
Janus says forcing turnovers will also be key in the game. The Eagles forced 3 Warhawk fumbles last year.
UWL will wrap up the regular season next Saturday hosting UW-Stevens Point.