5th Annual Culver's Isthmus Bowl

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin Stout earned the program’s first-ever bowl game victory Saturday afternoon, overcoming a 17–0 deficit to defeat Washington University 31–23 in the 5th Annual Culver’s Isthmus Bowl. 

Stout (5–5 entering the game) appeared in the Isthmus Bowl for the second straight year, while WashU (8–2 entering the game) made its third all-time appearance. Both programs had previously played in the event, but neither had claimed the trophy until Stout broke through. 

WashU controlled the early portion of the game, scoring on a 20-yard field goal and two quick passing touchdowns to build a 17–0 lead early in the second quarter. The Bears’ roster featured 19 seniors playing in their final game, a group head coach Aaron Keen called the most cohesive he has coached in his five-year tenure. 

“This game is different from the playoffs because you know it’s going to be your last game, so there’s a lot of emotion that goes into it. But it’s been a pleasure to be around these guys for an extra week of practice and this trip in itself." said Keen. “And to compete against really good competition in a really good conference has been great for us and the growth of this program.”

Stout answered midway through the second quarter. Quarterback Adam Moen guided a six-play, 71-yard drive capped by an 18-yard touchdown to Davonte Evans. Moen later broke loose for a 26-yard rushing touchdown with 1:53 remaining in the half, cutting the deficit to 17–14. 

The Blue Devils carried that momentum into the second half. Stout opened the third quarter with a seven-play, 53-yard scoring drive finished by a 9-yard run from Chandler Ross. Garrison Jacken then extended the lead to 24-17 late in the third quarter with a 20-yard field goal. 

WashU tightened the score to 24–23 early in the fourth, but Stout responded immediately. On the third play of the next drive, Moen found Evans down the sideline for a 38-yard touchdown, giving the Blue Devils an eight-point lead. 

Stout’s defense closed the game with two critical red-zone stops. The Blue Devils turned WashU away on fourth down at the 8-yard line, then intercepted a pass inside the 10 in the final minute to secure the win. Senior linebacker Blaine Seidl, who returned this season after missing most of last year with an ACL injury, recorded seven tackles and an interception.

“It was a big journey from last year to this moment now, but I couldn’t have done it without my boys behind me,” said Seidl. “I’ve never ended my season on a win before, so to do it in my senior year is really awesome.” 

Moen was named the game’s MVP after totaling 150 passing yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 78 yards and another score. Ross ran for 118 yards and a touchdown. Evans finished with 59 receiving yards and two touchdowns on three catches. 

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to play another game. We came into this not knowing we would get a chance at playing in the post season,” said Moen. “Thank you Culvers and everyone involved with the Isthmus bowl for making some dreams come true.” 

WashU finished with 419 yards of total offense, including 311 passing yards. Stout totaled 365 yards, powered by 215 on the ground. 

Stout concludes the season 6–5 with back-to-back winning seasons. Washington University finishes 8–3, closing out the careers of a senior class that helped shape the program’s culture and consistency.

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