Wisconsin Whitewater and Mount Union have played some great games in the Stagg Bowl over the years, but this was quite a different story to tell. UW Whitewater pulled away from the Purple Raiders of Mount Union in the second half y going on a 31-0 run after halftime. UW Whitewater captured their fourth D3 national championship in five years with a dominating 52-14 victory over Mount Union.
UW Whitewater quarterback Matt Behrendt was unstoppable in this one, completing 20 of 28 pass attempts for 249 yards and four touchdowns, including two in the first quarter to get the Warhawks off on the right foot. Mount Union avoided a double-digit halftime deficit by picking up a late touchdown in the first half with Bradley Mitchell powering his way up the middle of the field for an 11-yard score, cutting the UW Whitewater lead to 21-14 just before the half.
Jordan Ratliffe capped a drive starting on Mount Union’s side of the field with an 18-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter to get UW Whitewater back on the scoreboard, and it was all Warhawks from there. Ratliffe ended the night with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The defense for UW Whitewater forced four turnovers in the game, including a pair of interceptions off Mount Union quarterback Kevin Burke. The rushing defense also slammed the door shut on Mount Union, holding the Purple Raider to 32 yards on 27 carries.
This was the eighth time out of the last nine years UW Whitewater and Mount Union have met in the Stagg Bowl for the D3 national championship. UW Whitewater now holds a 5-3 advantage in championship games against their D3 rivals from Ohio. UW Whitewater failed to reach the championship game last season, allowing Mount Union to pick up the win against St.Thomas (MN). The models of consistency exhibited by both programs is truly something special and a testament to the stability at both programs. The last time neither school reached the Stagg Bowl was 2004, but that is only the second year since 1995 that happened (1999).
