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No. 11-ranked St. Thomas scored early then let its defense take center stage in Saturday's 46-0 non-conference football win over UW-LaCrosse before 4,212 fans at O'Shaughnessy Stadium.
Nick Waldvogel's 32-yard reception and Jack Gilliland's 40-yard reverse both went to the end zone for TDs in the game's first 5:27 for a quick 14-0 Tommie lead.
After barely holding off another Wisconsin opponent, Eau Claire, one week earlier for a 22-17 home victory, the Tommies were clicking in all phases today. They improved to 14-0 in regular-season non-conference games under Glenn Caruso.
UST's offense didn't have a 100-yard passer; had no 50-yard receiver or 70-yard rusher. But with a balanced attack it:
- rolled up 519 yards, including 302 rushing;
- punted just twice;
- had only one turnover;
- used three quarterbacks;
- converted 4-of-4 on fourth down and 9 of 16 on third down;
- had 12 different players catch a pass.
The Tommie defense:
- pitched a shutout;
- allowed just 67 rushing yards and 133 total yards;
- surrendured just eight first downs;
- got a TD from linebacker Cavan Metzler on a 33-yard fumble return;
- had 9.5 tackles for loss, including two sacks.
Last week against Eau Claire, UST's defense was on the field for 95 plays, allowed 25 first downs and 393 total yards; and gave up an uncharacteristic 15-of-28 in third- and fourth-down conversions.
On this Saturday, LaCrosse converted just 3-of-12 on third down and punted nine times.
Tommie starting QB Matt O'Connell played most of the first half before leaving with a minor injury. He rushed 11 times for a game-high 64 yards and passed 9-of-15 for 99 yards with no interceptions. Backup quarterback John Gould led three scoring drives and passed 11-of-13 for 97 yards, plus rushed four times for 21 yards.
Waldvogel caught two TD passes and had 117 yards of total offense on 13 touches.