WashU football ends CCIW era with bowl loss to UW-Stout

Playing in their last game as members of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), the Washington University in St. Louis football team lost to UW-Stout 31-23 in the 5th Annual Culver's Isthmus Bowl held in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. The Bears ended their season with a record of 8-3.

Washington University started strong, scoring first with a 20-yard field goal by junior Jacob Weinstein after several successful passes and runs led by junior quarterback Levi Moore. The Bears extended their lead to 10-0 following a 71-yard touchdown pass from Moore to junior Drew Bomar, with sophomore Matias Adrogue adding the extra point.

Early in the second quarter, WashU increased its advantage to 17-0 after Moore connected with junior Matthew Kinoshita for a seven-yard touchdown. However, UW-Stout responded with two consecutive touchdowns before halftime, narrowing the score to 17-14.

UW-Stout took control in the third quarter. After forcing a WashU punt, UW-Stout's Chandler Ross finished off a drive with a nine-yard rushing touchdown. Garrison Jackman's extra point put them ahead for the first time at 21-17. Jackman later added a field goal to make it 24-17.

In the fourth quarter, WashU narrowed the gap after Moore threw a one-yard touchdown pass to senior Will Gardner, but Adrogue’s kick attempt failed, leaving them trailing by one point at 24-23. On their next possession, UW-Stout sealed the win when Davonte Evans caught a 38-yard touchdown pass from Adam Moen.

Statistically, WashU gained more total offense yards than UW-Stout—419 compared to 365—with Moore passing for 311 yards and three touchdowns. Fred Ware led WashU’s rushing attack with 49 yards on nine attempts; Makael Carter was top receiver with nine catches for 174 yards.

On defense, Joy Chane recorded nine tackles including three tackles-for-loss and one sack. Ryan Schmadtke had seven tackles while Brady Willmer contributed six tackles along with half a tackle-for-loss and half a sack.