The No. 2 ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team continues Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play this Saturday, Oct. 5, at fellow unbeaten UW-La Crosse at 1 p.m. The winner of Saturday's game takes sole possession of first place in the WIAC.


Fans can listen to Saturday's game live on KOOL 106.5 FM WKCH in the Whitewater area, or online at 940wfaw.com. Live video and live statistics are also available.

In front of an NCAA Division III record crowd of 17,535 at Perkins Stadium, the Warhawks earned a thrilling 17-14 victory over then-No. 5 UW-Oshkosh on a 16-yard touchdown run by Drew Patterson (Sussex, Wis./Hamilton) with 55 seconds to play in regulation. UW-Whitewater forced three turnovers and held UW-Oshkosh scoreless on three of the Titans' five trips inside the red zone.

UW-Whitewater remained at No. 2 in both the D3football.com Top 25 and the American Football Coaches Association Division III Coaches Poll. The team garnered three first-place votes from D3football.com voters and four from the AFCA. The Warhawks were ranked second in Lindy's Sports Division III Preseason Top 25 and third in both The Sporting News' preseason national rankings and the D3football.com Preseason Top 25.

UW-La Crosse broke open a tightly contested game with 21 points in the second quarter to cruise to a 42-6 triumph at UW-Stout last Saturday. The Eagles forced five turnovers, including four fumbles, defensively and totaled 410 yards of offense, including 313 passing. UW-La Crosse is receiving votes in the latest AFCA Division III Coaches Poll.

SERIES

Saturday's game is the 66th meeting between the two teams. UW-Whitewater took a 33-32 lead in the all time series with a 30-12 victory over UW-La Crosse last season at Perkins Stadium. The Warhawks outgained the Eagles 537-291 in total yards and picked off three passes in the victory. Running back Jordan Ratliffe (Milwaukee/Milwaukee Vincent) posted 12 carries for 130 yards and a touchdown to lead the rushing attack, and Chris Nelson (Twin Lakes/Wilmot Union) passed for 246 yards and a score. Shawn Shillcox (Two Rivers/Two Rivers) and Ryan Winske (Omro/Omro) led the defense with seven tackles apiece. UW-Whitewater currently holds a 13-game winning streak in the series (2005-15).

WHAT'S NEXT

The Warhawks host UW-Stevens Point on October 22, which is Homecoming Saturday at UW-W.

NOTABLE

• UW-La Crosse and UW-Whitewater have combined to win or share 12 of the last 14 WIAC titles.
• The Warhawks lead the WIAC in red zone defense, allowing opponents to convert points on only 9-of-19 opportunities inside the 20-yard line.
• Sophomore RB Drew Patterson (Sussex, Wis./Hamilton) leads the conference in rushing (88 carries, 582 yards, 8 TDs), and senior DB Colin Buck (Greendale, Wis./Franklin) leads the league with four interceptions.