Tommies cruise to shutout win with balanced effort

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, the 25th return TD of the Caruso era on interceptions, fumbles, kickoffs and punts;
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.

"I think we displayed great growth as a defense from week one to week two," said Tommie defensive coordinator Wallie Kuchinski. "We knew it would be a physical, tough game, and they would try to run the ball. The biggest thing is we made plays and were able to get off the field on third down. Last week, we missed assignments and let some third-down plays get converted and suddenly they would go on a 12-play drive."

It was the sixth shutout of the seven-year Caruso era and the 32nd time has St. Thomas allowed 10 or fewer points in that span.

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.

In-Game Notes

St. Thomas plays its second game of the 2014 football season Sat. Sept. 13 at home against the Eagles of UW-LaCrosse. Kickoff is 1:10 p.m. at Palmer Field in O'Shaughnessy Stadium.

It's the first football meeting between these schools since 1983. The schools also played six times prior to that, with the first clash 95 years ago on the UST campus.

Tommies lead Eagles 7-0 with 12:00 remaining in the first quarter. Matt O'Connell connects with Nick Waldvogel for 32-yard TD.

Toms capitalize on Eagles' short punt. Jack Gilliland rushes for 40-yard TD on second play of following drive with 9:33 on the clock in the first. Score: 14-0.

QB Matt O'Connell exits game with injury in late second quarter. Backup QB John Gould completes pass to Nick Waldvogel for 10-yard TD. 21-0.

Tommies cruise into halftime up 21-0.

John Gould hits Charlie Dowdle with 7-yard TD pass with 10:15 remaining in 3rd quarter. Dominic Truocco rushes for two points. 29-0.

Tommies take a commanding 36-0 lead after Jack Kaiser rushes for 1-yard TD. 3:07 remaining in 3rd.

Cavan Metzler forces and takes Eagle fumble in for 33-yard TD. 43-0, 2:19 on the clock in 3rd.

Paul Graupner adds 36-yard field goal with 8:20 remaing in the contest. 46-0.\

Final score: 46-0, UST.

Live stats will also be available here:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/108640996/XLIVE.HTM

Live photos will also be available on tommiesports.com at this link:

https://tommiesports.prestosports.com/information/Test