CEDAR CITY – Nov. 4 – SUU football (2-7, 2-3 Big Sky) is coming off a bye week and will face the Sacramento State (4-5, 1-4 Big Sky). The Thunderbirds received some much-needed rest, as they were able to let some of the injured players heal. The game this week will be played in Sacramento at Hornet Stadium.
The SUU offense is making teams around the Big Sky take notice. Quarterback Ammon Olsen had another fantastic game in his last start against North Dakota. He completed 23 of 25 passes for 320 and four touchdowns. He also ran for one more giving him five total touchdowns on the day. Overall, the Thunderbirds have thrown for almost 2,800 yards, averaging 310 yards per game.
The running game is still looking for the identity it had earlier in the season. SUU's offense has made a shift from the start of the season as they continue to focus on the pass as Olsen develops in the system. SUU is 56 yards shy of breaking 1,000 rushing yards for the season and they are still averaging more than 100 yards per game. Malik brown has been the leading rusher for the 'Birds in recent games, but he is still not breaking more than 10 carries per game.
Olsen continues to spread the ball to a wide variety of receivers. In the game against North Dakota, 10 different receivers had at least one catch. Mike Sharp and Chris Robinson have developed as great slot receivers, while Justin Brown and Mitch Jessop continue to be the deep threat receivers. Running back Raysean Pringle has the longest touchdown catch of the year, an 87-yard touchdown catch against UND.
The Thunderbird defense continues to improve, with sophomore linebacker Chinedu Ahanonu and junior defensive end James Cowser leading the charge. Cowser leads the team with 9.5 sacks on the year, placing him second in the Big Sky Conference. Cowser also leads the Big Sky in tackles for loss with 21.5. Ahanonu is second in the Big Sky in tackles with 119 on the year, which gives him an average of 13.2 tackles per game. He is also second in the conference in fumbles forced.
Sacramento State
Once again, the Thunderbirds go up against a very prolific offense. CSUS is fourth in the conference in scoring offense, averaging 36.3 points per game. They place fourth in passing offense and fifth in total offense and are led by quarterback Garrett Safron.
Safron is a senior for the Hornets who is second in the Big Sky in passing average per game, and first in total offense. Combine his rushing and passing attack and you get 346.3 yard per game of offensive production.
Sacramento State is coming off a loss to No. 12 Montana last week.
Big Sky Individual Standings
Josh Smith is third in the Big Sky in interceptions.
Ammon Olsen is fourth in the Big Sky in passing average per game and total offense. He is also third in pass efficiency.
Chris Robinson is seventh in receiving yards per game at 74.2.
Tate Lewis ranks fourth in punting average.
Chinedu Ahanonu is currently second in the Big Sky in tackles with 119, averaging 13.2 tackles per game. He is also second in fumbles forced with three.
James Cowser ranks second in sacks with 9.5, and first in tackles for loss with 21.5.
The Series
The series between the two teams is currently 7-7, with SUU getting the most recent win, a 24-21 overtime victory last year.
