ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Wisconsin-River Falls football team defeated the University of Northwestern 71-13 on Saturday evening, wrapping up nonconference play.
With the win and school record point total, the Falcons improve to 3-0, the best start to a season since 1996.
UWRF collected an impressive 732 yards of total offense, 459 through the air and 273 on the ground while scoring five rushing touchdowns and five passing touchdowns.
The Falcons' 732 yards of total offense was the most since a 788-yard effort during the 2000 season versus UW-Eau Claire.
Defensively, UWRF limited the Eagles to 175 yards of total offense and forced UNW to just a 4/14 conversion rate on 3rd downs.
The Falcons took a commanding 50-13 lead through the first half, compiling 478 yards of total offense while scoring on each drive, a perfect 7-for-7.
In the first half,
Luke Fugate,
Anthony Silva, and
Tim Oeun (career first) each scored on the ground while
Luke Kush collected a pair of receiving touchdowns (the first two of his career), along with one from
Alex Traxler. Quarterback
Kole Hinrichsen was 24-for-27 with 325 passing yards.
Calvin Rosen also contributed three points in the first quarter, bringing a blocked PAT attempt 98 yards to the Eagle endzone.
While the offense quieted down a bit in the second half, the Falcons outscored Northwestern 21-0 in the final two quarters.
The second half was highlighted by some more career firsts, with
Garrett Myren and
Isaiah Randall rushing for their first career touchdowns, and
Konnor Aufenthie throwing his first career TD pass to
Ean Marniciak, his first career TD reception.
Fugate rushed for a career-high 121 yards while
AJ Morrison, Kush, and
Tanner Canfield had career nights as part of the receiving core.
UWRF compiled eight tackles for loss, led by two each from
Kwashon Collins and Jacob Lyle.
Kenny Fesenmaier and
Isaiah Karels added solo sacks.
Up Next
The Falcons have a week off before returning to Smith Stadium at Ramer Field to host the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse during homecoming and the Wisconsin Intercollege Athletic Conference opener. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2.
