After giving up 436 yards of total offense the previous week in a blowout loss against St. John’s (Minn.), the UW-Eau Claire defense responded in a big way against nationally ranked Wheaton (Ill.).

But the offense didn’t respond to the defense’s call as the Blugolds fell 17-0 to the host Thunder.

It was 3-0 heading into the fourth quarter before a touchdown pass and a pick six put Eau Claire out of the contest.

The Blugold defense cut the total yardage down almost 100 yards in the contest, but eight Thunder third-down conversions kept drives alive and quarterback Mark Munger and the offense off the field.

Munger led drives that had opportunities for points, but two missed field goals hurt the Blugolds.

At the end of the day, Munger was 22-for-35 with 154 yards passing with the one crucial interception.

The Blugold running game struggled to get going once again as it gained only 83 yards on 34 attempts.

With some injuries starting to pile up, head coach Todd Glaser’s squad will get a much-needed weekend off before a bout with No. 8 UW-Platteville Oct. 4 at Carson Park.

Homecoming kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. against the Pioneers.