One year ago, UW-Oshkosh quarterback Cole Warren found himself in the midst of his final season at Hononegah High School. He has truly arrived, etching his name into UWO history by orchestrating one of the most remarkable comebacks you will ever see. Despite UW-La Crosse looking poised to take control of the game, Warren and his teammates kept the faith. In the competitive world of the WIAC, hard-fought victories are the norm, not the exception. Facing a nineteen-point deficit in the second half, the Titans defied expectations, coming back to defeat UW-La Crosse 34-33. This victory improved the Titans’ record to 3-2 and solidified their status as a team to watch.

Photo Cred: Terrance Biggs

The Adjustment

Whatever UWO defensive coordinator Craig Steinbroten conveyed to his defense during halftime needs to be bottled and shared throughout college football. After allowing twenty-eight points in the first half, Steinbroten’s squad surrendered just three points in the final thirty minutes, courtesy of a 29-yard field goal by UWL that ricocheted off the crossbar. The Titans showcased an aggressive defense that stifled the Eagles’ offense and rushed the passer with renewed determination. Senior linebacker Connor Lund capped off a dominant defensive effort by intercepting Kyle Haas to end a UWL drive.

Going Alone

UW-La Crosse quarterback Kyle Haas typically operates within a two-quarterback system, but with injuries sidelining others, he took the reins solo. Haas amassed 290 total yards and accounted for three touchdowns, moving the offense effortlessly down the field. The sophomore displayed a strong connection with his backs and receivers, illustrating a promising future for the Eagles.

Turning Point

With under twelve minutes remaining, Oshkosh needed to maintain momentum deep in Eagles’ territory. However, two penalties—a fifteen-yard personal foul followed by a five-yard false start—stalled their drives, pushing UWO back to the UWL 48-yard line. Facing a daunting third-and-thirty, Warren connected with running back Justice Lovelace on a short pass. Lovelace broke free for a stunning thirty-three-yard gain. Converting such a lengthy third down is rare, but Lovelace seized the opportunity and dashed downfield. While games usually hinge on more than one play, without that conversion, a fourth-and-thirty would have loomed large.

Three Minutes, Seven Seconds, Ten Plays, 54 Yards

As Oshkosh began their drive into Eagles’ territory, a sense of calm and execution emerged. Operating exclusively in a no-huddle offense, Warren targeted wideout Trae Tetzlaff five times, culminating in the sixteen-yard game-winner with just sixty-one seconds left. Tetzlaff proved to be a persistent threat, repeatedly beating defenders, especially in the closing moments. The chemistry between quarterback and receiver was evident to all. If the Titans embark on a successful run in the WIAC, this pivotal moment could be seen as the turning point of their season. After a heartbreaking loss to UW-Whitewater the previous week, UW-Oshkosh needed to regroup, and they did so spectacularly.

Overview

The WIAC offers fans, players, coaches, and alumni a competitive brand of football that continues to impress every Saturday. The AFCA routinely ranks several conference teams in its weekly polls, and for good reason. Those who navigate the grueling conference schedule successfully are poised to make a postseason impact. Oshkosh and La Crosse demonstrated why they will be key players in the standings as October draws to a close.

The UAB Blazers’ struggles reached new lows this weekend as they were handed a demoralizing 41-10 defeat by the undefeated Army Black Knights at Michie Stadium. This loss added to a season already teetering on the edge of collapse, as the Blazers failed once again to perform on either side of the ball. Despite some early-season optimism that a turnaround was possible, particularly with hopes of a statement win over Army, UAB now heads back to Birmingham with yet another loss, a sinking morale, and almost no hope left to salvage their season.

Photo Cred: Army

Stepping in for the injured Jacob Zeno was Jalen Kitna, a former three-star recruit, tasked with leading the offense. Unfortunately, UAB’s troubles were evident from the very first offensive snap. The offensive line, which has struggled throughout the season, once again faltered, losing the battle in the trenches and leaving Kitna with little support. Kitna himself seemed out of sync, repeatedly making poor reads and struggling to find rhythm. By the time the final whistle blew, the Burleson High School product had racked up 242 passing yards, a single touchdown, and two costly interceptions—hardly the stat line needed to take down a conference rival on a hot streak.

On the ground, UAB’s rushing attack was equally lackluster. Lee Beebe Jr., the team’s star running back, had what was likely his most disappointing performance of the season, managing only 36 yards on nine carries without finding the end zone. For a player of his caliber, this was a particularly disheartening showing, as Army’s defense had no trouble containing him. The only bright spot in the Blazers’ offensive performance came from the receiving corps.

Freshman wideout Kam Shanks showed flashes of brilliance, leading all receivers with nine catches for 119 yards. His athleticism and playmaking ability were some of the few highlights in an otherwise dismal day for the Blazers. Sophomore receiver Amare Thomas also added a late touchdown, hauling in an eight-yard pass in the fourth quarter, but by then, the game was already out of reach. Defensively, UAB’s woes continued to deepen, particularly in their efforts—or lack thereof—to stop Army’s relentless ground game.

Photo Cred: Army

The Blazers were completely outmatched, allowing a staggering 413 rushing yards and five touchdowns. The defensive line, which has been under scrutiny all season, was particularly ineffective in the first half, as Army’s offensive scheme repeatedly gashed them with little resistance. By the time the game was over, UAB’s defense had once again proven incapable of containing the run, a troubling theme that has persisted all season.

With this latest loss, UAB’s once-promising hopes of competing for a conference title have all but evaporated. The team has now suffered three significant losses, all of which were winnable games had the coaching staff implemented better game plans and made the necessary adjustments. Instead, poor preparation and questionable decision-making have become the hallmarks of this season.

Head coach Trent Dilfer, who was once seen as a potential leader to steer the program in a positive direction, appears disengaged, and the players, drained from underperforming week after week, are visibly worn down. All three phases of the team—offense, defense, and special teams—are operating well below expectations. It seems inevitable that change is on the horizon for UAB, with significant offseason moves likely in the coaching staff and leadership positions. Barring a miraculous turnaround, UAB’s 2024 campaign will be remembered as one of squandered potential and disappointing performances.

In the Week 7 FWAA-NFF Super 16 Poll, released on October 13, 2024, Texas holds the top spot after a dominant 34-3 win over Oklahoma. The Longhorns (6-0) secured 47 first-place votes. Following Texas, Oregon (6-0) surged to second place after a significant victory over Ohio State, which dropped the Buckeyes (5-1) to third. Penn State (6-0) climbed to fourth, while Georgia (5-1) rounded out the top five. Other notable teams include Miami (FL) at sixth and Alabama in seventh.

FWAA-NFF SUPER 16 POLL (Week 7 – Oct. 13)
Ayokunle Spencer (Panel)
WEEKLY SUPER 16
POLL
1 Texas
2 Oregon
3 Georgia
4 Penn State
5 Miami (FL)
6 Ohio State
7 BYU
8 LSU
9 Pittsburgh
1 0 Notre Dame
1 1 Texas A&M
1 2 Alabama
1 3 Iowa State
1 4 Clemson
1 5 Indiana
1 6 Tennessee