By Stephen Eibes —
After a dismal 2-8 record last season, the University of Wisconsin–Stout football team showed great signs of improvement in their season opener against No. 20 Bethel University (Minn.).
Stout scored on their second possession of the game taking a 7-0 lead on four plays, including a 45 yard pass from Hank Kujak (Sr, Blair, Wis.) to Brian Alvarez (Sr, Atwater, Calf.) that included a pass interference call that put Stout on the 9 yard line. From there Kujak connected with Chris Pica-Anderson (Jr, Eleva, Wis.) for a 9 yard touchdown pass.
Bethel proceeded to score two touchdowns before the half ended putting them up 14-7.
The second half was a different story, Stout scored 13 points in the second half, but surrendered 21 points to the Royals. The Blue Devils lost by 15 posting a final score of 35-20.
Throughout the game Stout showed improvements in their no-huddle offense and their passing game. Kujak set personal records throwing for 341 yards and on 30 completions and 50 attempts, including hitting 9 different receivers and throwing two touchdowns. The Blue Devil defense also showed improvement; they forced three turnovers and recorded four tackles for loss.
Stout will look to improve on both sides of the ball as the season progresses.
Their next game will be at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa and then they will return home September 19 for a battle against Wartburg College.