RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The No. 6-ranked UW-River Falls football delivered a memorable Homecoming victory Saturday, defeating UW-Oshkosh 34-31 in overtime in front of nearly 4,000 fans at Smith Stadium at Ramer Field.
The Falcons, now 4-1 overall and 1-1 in the WIAC, rallied to force overtime before completing a dramatic Homecoming victory. After Austin Rush's 21-yard touchdown reception from Frank Daniels tied the game with three minutes remaining in regulation, the Falcons' defense delivered in overtime as Prince Frahm blocked a 40-yard field goal attempt. Johnny Figgins then connected on a 35-yard field goal to seal the win and improve UWRF to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in WIAC play.
The win marked the Falcons' first overtime game since Oct. 19, 2024, when UWRF defeated UW-Stout 40-37 in River Falls.
UWRF made its biggest impact on special teams and defense. Jared Schultz returned a blocked punt by Taylor Sussner 15 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, giving UWRF a 21-14 lead, while the defense intercepted three passes from UW-Oshkosh quarterback Demir Ashiru. Jared Schultz, Braden Jones and Noah Nusbaum recorded one interception apiece, and Nusbaum also blocked a field goal in the fourth quarter.
UW-Oshkosh led 24-21 at halftime and extended its advantage to 31-24 on a 37-yard touchdown pass with four seconds remaining in the third quarter. UWRF answered in the fourth, putting together a six-play, 68-yard drive capped by Daniels' touchdown pass to Rush to even the score at 31-31.
Rush finished with eight receptions for 36 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Cade Fitzgerald led the Falcons on the ground with 106 net rushing yards on 24 carries and added a six-yard rushing touchdown. UWRF totaled 211 rushing yards, while the defense held on through a high-volume passing attack from the Titans, who finished with 409 passing yards but were undone by the three interceptions and the blocked field goal in overtime.
Figgins connected on both of his field-goal attempts, including a 32-yarder in the third quarter and the decisive 35-yard kick in overtime, to help the Falcons secure the Homecoming win.
UWRF heads back on the road to face nationally ranked UW-Platteville next Saturday, Oct. 17.
