It may feel like deja vu but the Thunderbirds will once again match up with the Trailblazers this Saturday afternoon. The first time Southern Utah and Utah Tech faced off this season it ended in a hard fought 31-17 Homecoming victory for the T-Birds. While the earlier contest between the two WAC foes counted toward conference standings, this second game is considered non-conference. This time the Thunderbirds will travel to St. George to try and play spoilers for the Utah Tech Homecoming.

Game Information

Southern Utah at Utah Tech 

Date: November 5th, 2022

Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM MT

Venue: Greater Zion Stadium

Stream: ESPN+

Live Stats: https://bit.ly/3DRi8X9  

Southern Utah is coming off a bye week. The last game for the T-Birds was a 38-41 loss at home against Stephen F. Austin. The Thunderbirds have had a rough patch losing the last four games by a combined total of 15 points. Southern Utah had chances to win each of those games, the last three of which were all within a field goal difference. The Thunderbirds are looking to put the recent string of tough losses behind them and grab a road win against the team from just down the road. With wins against St. Thomas, Western Illinois, and Utah Tech and three games left in the season the T-Birds still have a chance to achieve a winning season. 

Southern Utah was second in Division I FCS in net punting (42.05), fourth in fumbles lost (1) and fifth in team tackles for loss (7.9). Jake Gerardi remained the national punting leader with an average of 48.8 yards per boot, with teammates Aubrey Nellems third in forced fumbles (0.38) and Isaiah Wooden fourth in yards per reception (22.81).

Other key contributors for the Thunderbirds are Justin Miller who has thrown for 2186 yards this season and 15 touchdowns. The quarterback has worked his way into the 4th spot all time in passing yards for Southern Utah and 5th all time in passing touchdowns. Isaiah Wooden has been on the receiving end of six of those touchdowns this season and has 784 receiving yards. The ground game may be finding its footing with Braedon Wissler who became the only T-Bird to rush for over 100 yards in a single game this season against SFA. 

On the defensive side of the ball the Thunderbirds have been able to count on Kohner Cullimore who leads the team in tackles with 67. Rodrick Ward has been steady in the back half of the defense and is second in the nation in passes defended per game with 1.8. Rylen Sua-Filo has been a rock on the defensive line garnering 22 tackles and a pair of sacks on the season. 

The Trailblazers are coming off their second win of the season last week on the road at Stephen F. Austin where they stunned the Lumberjacks pulling off the 47-44 victory. The other win for Utah Tech this season came against Chadron State. The Trailblazers have relied on their offense but have started three different quarterbacks this season. The inconsistency at a key position has caused some struggle for Utah Tech as they currently sit 2-6 on the season.

Victor Gabalis led the offense last week for the Trailblazers and has passed for 873 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. The leading receiver for Utah Tech is Joey Hobert who has 61 catches for 874 yards and 10 touchdowns. On the ground the ball has gone to Quali Conley who has 664 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns. 

The defensive effort for the Trailblazers has been reliant on linebacker Malaki Malaki who has 63 tackles. Will Leota who is another one of the UTU linebackers at the top of the tackle chart with 54. The leading tackler for the Trailblazers is actually defensive back Tyrell Grayson. The defensive line has been anchored by Syrus Webster who has 33 tackles and a couple of sacks to lead the team. 

Look for an intense game this Saturday in St. George as the Thunderbirds look to right the ship while holding off a Utah Tech team seeking to avenge the loss from earlier in the season. The Game will kick off at 6:00 PM and can be seen on ESPN+ or listen live on KSUB.

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