Football Preview: Muskies Try to Stay Unbeaten at UW-Oshkosh
Sept. 18, 2003
Lakeland (2-0, 0-0) vs. UW-Oshkosh (2-0, 0-0)
Game Time: Saturday, Sept. 20, 6:00pm
Location: University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Titan Stadium (10,000 capacity)
by: Corey Kempf
Players to Watch: Lakeland (stats through two games) - Brent Leubke, Sr., QB (23 for 54, 231 yards, 1 TD; 29 rushes for 90 yards, 3 TD), Nick Hunter, Jr., RB (31 rushes for 167 yards, 1 TD), Marcus Denham, Fr., RB (19 rushes for 56 yards), Travis Gervais, Jr., FB (8 rushes for 41 yards, 1 TD), Jeff Taff, Sr., WR/KR/PR (6 receptions for 66 yards), Ryan Van De Loo, So., LB (13 tackles, 1 INT), Jacob Vigilante, Jr., DB (8 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT), Sam Scharinger, So., LB (10 tackles, 1 sack), Roosevelt Moore, Sr., LB (10 tackles), Shane Schrimpf, So., DL (6 tackles, 3 sacks), David Benton, So., DL (7 tackles, 2 sacks), Joe List, So., DL (4 tackles, 2 sacks). Oshkosh (stats through two games) - Andrew Stern, So., RB (15 rushes for 142 yards, 1 TD), Chris Kirch, Fr., RB (30 rushes for 124 yards, 2 TD), Aaron Chaltry, Jr., FB (28 rushes for 121 yards, 2 TD), Nick Wara, Jr., QB (14 for 32, 208 yards, 1 TD; 18 rushes for 89 yards, 1 TD), Chad Lindsley, Sr., TE (3 receptions for 69 yards, 1 TD), Jason Boehlke, Jr., DL (19 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 FR), Craig Korth, Jr., LB (18 tackles), Jason Manikowski, Fr., DB (11 tackles), Ryan Neff, Fr., DL (9 tackles, 2 sacks), Ryan Slowik, So., DB (8 tackles, 1 INT).
Outlook: So far this season Oshkosh's defense has been a formidable wall, allowing an average of 166 yards per game. Leading the way for the defense is Junior Defensive Lineman Jason Boehlke, recording 19 tackles and five sacks in two games. Where Oshkosh's defense leaves off, the offense picks right up. The Titans have a power rushing attack that has amassed 556 yards in two games, including 357 in their first game against Upper Iowa University. Together, the Titans have combined a great defense and a near unstoppable offense to outscore their opponents 59-6 on the season so far. Oshkosh will look to continue their power running game against a relatively young Lakeland defense.
Lakeland, under first year Head Coach Jim Zebrowski, is coming off its first 2-0 start since 1998. The Muskies will show the Titans its own effective running game, which has out gained opponents 432-155 over the first two games. Also, the Muskies' stingy defense has forced five turnovers, recorded nine sacks, and blocked one kick. It will be interesting to see how well the defense plays against the Titans rushing attack, but if they can stop Oshkosh repeatedly, the game will be very close. Expect a timely turnover to decide the outcome of this game.
Coaches: Lakeland's Jim Zebrowski, in his first year as head coach, is 2-0. Titan coach Phil Meyer is 12-19 at UW-Oshkosh and is in his fourth year as head coach.
Last Year: Lakeland lost 33-14 at Oshkosh.