Missed opportunities cost Tommies in rare road loss

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Missed early opportunities came back to haunt No. 4-ranked Tommie Football in Saturday's 25-22 road loss at UW-Stout.

The Blue Devils (2-0) outscored the Toms 11-0 over the final 25:00 on the game clock. Stout took its first lead of the day with a touchdown and two-point conversion pass in the final 2:00. That erased a 22-17 Tommie lead.

In the final 90 seconds, St. Thomas gained one quick first down but had a dropped snap to lose five yards. UST was stopped on its final three passes in its last bid to tie or win.

St. Thomas had two long winning streaks halted -- 10 road wins, and 24 regular-season victories. UST came into the game 19-0 in regular-season non-conference contests in 10 seasons under Coach Glenn Caruso.

The Tommies had three turnovers, had a field goal blocked, missed a PAT kick, had nine penalties, and converted just 2-of-16 on third downs against an inspired Stout team. UST halfbacks Jordan Roberts and Tucker Trettel were held to 90 rushing yards on 24 carries.

QB Jacques Perra threw one TD pass, ran for another and threw for 215 yards, but was sacked four times and was picked off twice.

Logan Petersmeyer and Mark Dowdle had interceptions, and Blake Weber had a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery. On special teams, Emitt Peisert had a 65-yard kikoff return.

The Toms start MIAC play next Saturday at Carleton.