After completing its second consecutive 10-0 regular season in 2011, the St. Thomas football team is looking to continue its success in 2012 with its opening game against UW-Eau Claire at 3:10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at Carson Park.

Although the likes of Fritz Waldvogel, Dakota Tracy and Colin Tobin will no longer be terrorizing opponents, coach Glenn Caruso said he is welcoming one of his “deepest” recruiting classes to the squad this season.

Amidst the changes, one thing remains the same: the target placed squarely on the defending MIAC champion’s backs.

“The target is definitely there,” senior safety Josh Carey said. “The target keeps on getting bigger and bigger after every successful season.”

Sophomore starting quarterback Matt O’Connell said he feels he’s ready for his first career start.

“Being able to play behind a great quarterback in Dakota Tracy last year was a real blessing and gave me great experience,” O’Connell said. “I need to perform at the highest level to help the team.”

The Tommies open the season as the favorite to win the MIAC and are ranked No. 8 in D3Football.com’s 2012 top 25 preseason poll.

Caruso is 43-7 heading into his sixth season at the helm and needs just 13 wins to become the winningest coach in the program’s history.

This year’s Tommies feature preseason Division III All-American senior center Curtis James and seven other All-MIAC honorees.

The defense is led by a strong secondary featuring seniors Carey and Tyler Erstad at safety along with senior cornerback Chinni Oji. Each amassed over 43 tackles last season.

Facing UW-Eau Claire

The Tommies have never played the Blugolds before, something O’Connell thinks will be a good learning experience.

“We haven’t seen them on the field besides on film,” O’Connell said. “It’s exciting to game plan for a team you’ve never faced.”

UW-Eau Claire finished 5-5 last season and will return 14 starters, including preseason All-American senior tight end Austin Goetsch.

The Tommie defense will also look to stifle senior quarterback Austin Neu and junior running back Joel Sweeney, both earning preseason Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors. In 2011, Neu had 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions, averaging 247.9 yards per game. Sweeney averaged 60.2 yards per game and had eight touchdowns last season.

Carey has his eyes on Neu, calling him a “competitor.”

“You can scheme for almost anyone, but for competitors, it’s a much tougher situation,” Carey said.

Junior linebacker Sean Graham and senior defensive lineman Pat Hendricks lead a determined Blugold defense that finished second in the WIAC last year in total defense.

While St. Thomas has its work cut out for its opening contest, O’Connell feels the team is well prepared.

“We’ve had a great week of practice,” O’Connell said. “The coaches have done an outstanding job getting us ready.”

Ross Schreck can be reached at schr8250@stthomas.edu.