CANTON, Ohio — Kaleb Blaha had a game to remember, leading the Wisconsin-River Falls Falcons to their first-ever Division III title with a 24-14 win over the North Central Cardinals. This victory broke North Central’s impressive 29-game winning streak and ended their run of three consecutive championships.
Blaha’s performance was outstanding. He completed 27 out of 41 passes for 291 yards and rushed for 126 yards on 18 carries. With a total of 6,189 yards this season, he surpassed the previous NCAA record of 6,039 yards held by Joe Burrow from LSU in 2019.
The Falcons made their mark in the postseason, advancing for the first time since 1996 and winning 11 straight games. Blaha connected with Blake Rohrer for a 13-yard touchdown in the first half and followed up with two rushing touchdowns in the second half that sealed the game for River Falls.
The game started with Donovan McNeal scoring on a 48-yard run just over two minutes in. UWRF later closed the gap with a 25-yard field goal from Justin Scheberl. McNeal, who ended with 133 rushing yards, scored again on a 2-yard run, putting the Falcons in a tough spot at 14-3, the biggest deficit they faced all season.
In a crucial defensive play, freshman Taylor Sussner intercepted a pass in the end zone on the last play of the first half, keeping the score in check. North Central’s quarterback struggled, throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble.
What’s fascinating is North Central, known for its powerful scoring offense averaging 49.4 points per game, faced a tough challenge against UWRF’s solid defense, which had allowed only 10.1 points per game.
This title game is not just a win for UWRF; it symbolizes a shift in Division III football. Teams coming out of nowhere to win championships are becoming more common, highlighting the evolving landscape of college sports.
For anyone following NCAA stats, it shows how valuable innovative coaching and strong individual performances can be. As Blaha’s record-setting season demonstrates, it’s all about seizing opportunities when they arise.
With the landscape of college football constantly changing, this game will be remembered. For more insights on college sports trends, consider exploring resources from the NCAA.
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