The UW-La Crosse football team has basically been in playoff mode since Oct. 12, when it blew a 19-point second-half lead and lost 34-33 to UW-Oshkosh.
That was the Eagles (5-3, 3-2 WIAC) third consecutive loss.
Since, UW-L has won three in a row, as they face likely their last big obstacle standing between them and the D3 playoffs when they welcome in UW-Whitewater (5-3, 3-2) to Roger Harring Stadium on Saturday.
The matchup, which will stream on WKTY, beginning at 12:45 p.m., is basically an elimination game.
HOW TO WATCH WKTY GAMES
Pregame Saturday at 12:45 P.M., kickoff at 1:05 PM.
HOW TO WATCH WKTY GAMES
Watch on ROKU or Apple TV by searching WKTY Sports.
LISTEN OR STREAM: WKTY website here or on the WKTY App.
LISTEN: 96.7 FM / 580 AM
UW-L coach Matt Janus says the record doesn’t show the big picture. He doesn’t buy the notion UW-Whitewater, which is ranked just outside the Top 25, is experiencing a down year.
“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 Michael Stack kicked a winning 51-yard field goal as time expired. Janus said 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 added that forcing turnovers will also be key in the game. The Eagles forced three Warhawks fumbles last year.
UW-L will wrap up the regular season next Saturday hosting UW-Stevens Point.