CEDAR CITY, Utah - Fresh off the bye week, the Thunderbirds are ready to get back on the field for another electrifying conference matchup. Southern Utah will take on the Austin Peay State Governors at home in Eccles Coliseum on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The game promises to be an exciting battle as the teams are vying for position in the early United Athletic Conference standings.
Game Information
Southern Utah vs. Austin Peay
Date: October 21st, 2023
Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM MT
Venue: Eccles Coliseum
Stream: ESPN+
Radio: KSUB 590
Stats: LiveStats
Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
"They have a very good coach and a very good football team, Scott Walden has done a nice job of recruiting good football players there."
"They don't have a weakness on offense, two wide receivers that can play, a good quarterback, and an offensive line that is very serviceable. They're playing with their backup tailback who has now rushed for three straight 100-yard games."
"They probably have the highest scoring defense in the conference… They'll give you a little bit of even front but they're an odd front base and a very attacking style team. They bring people from all over the place so Justin will have to be on his game and know where the blitz is coming from."
"We're excited to have a home game. We haven't had many home games this year so the players are excited to play a home game and we're gonna go out and give it all on Saturday night."
Check out this Week's Coaches Show
Power in Pink Information
As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. SUU is proud to support Power in Pink - Iron County, a non-profit organization started 11 years ago by 4 local breast cancer survivors wanting to provide support to local breast cancer patients going through treatment. Join your fellow T-Birds at the annual Power in Pink - Iron County 5k Walk/Run on Saturday, October 21st at the West Canyon Park Pavillion to raise breast cancer awareness and honor breast cancer survivors and warriors. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., or you can pre-register by visiting powerinpink-ironcounty.com. SUU Students can register for $15 and breast cancer survivors are free! The College with the most participants will take home the SUU Traveling Trophy where it will be housed for the next year. You are also invited to "Pink Out" your attire at the home volleyball and football games on October 21st to show your support. Power in Pink - Iron County thanks SUU and SUU Athletics for their ongoing support and sponsorship. Remember: no one fights breast cancer alone in T-Bird Nation!
The Game
The Thunderbirds enter this game with a 2-4 record, but they are far from a pushover. Two weeks ago, they pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind victory against Tarleton State, winning 27-26. Their offensive unit has shown its capabilities, scoring 149 points this season, and averaging 24.83 points per game. The passing game has been a standout feature, with 1,467 passing yards and 14 touchdown passes. Defensively, the Thunderbirds have shown promise with five interceptions and 11 sacks. They'll be aiming to build on their recent success and maintain their momentum in this crucial conference matchup.
The Governors are on a hot streak. They have a 4-2 record and have won their last four games, including an impressive 41-14 victory over Gardner-Webb. Their offense has been potent, scoring 214 total points and averaging 35.67 points per game. Their balanced approach to offense is evident, with 889 rushing yards and 1,788 passing yards. They've scored 15 passing touchdowns and 9 rushing touchdowns, showcasing their versatility and ability to put points on the board. On the defensive side, Austin Peay has been aggressive with eight interceptions and 11 sacks.
Key T-Birds to Watch:
The offensive lineup of the Southern Utah Thunderbirds is home to key players who play pivotal roles in both the running and passing aspects of the game. In the rushing department, Braedon Wissler and Targhee Lambson have stood out, with Wissler gaining 71 yards on the ground against Tarleton and Lambson impressively scoring five touchdowns so far this season. These two dynamic athletes are eagerly anticipating a breakout performance in week seven. Meanwhile, returning quarterback, Justin Miller, maintains an impressive passer rating of 129.49, showcasing his efficiency in the passing game. Miller has already accumulated 1,424 passing yards and 14 touchdowns, with Zach Mitchell and Isaiah Wooden emerging as his primary targets. The two wide receivers boast identical stat lines of 32 catches for 416 yards and four touchdowns. Timothy Patrick also wowed the crowd at the last home game with three impressive touchdown receptions.
Southern Utah University's defense has been marked by tenacity and a talent for making crucial plays early in the 2023 season. Led by standout defenders like linebackers Kohner Cullimore and Aubrey Nellems, as well as defensive back Trevon Gola-Callard, the Thunderbirds have consistently shown their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Gola-Callard leads the team with 44 tackles, three pass break-ups, and one forced fumble. Cullimore has been a dominant force on the field amassing an impressive 43 total tackles and recording six tackles for a loss, constantly pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Nellems closely follows with 41 tackles to his name including three tackles for a loss and one sack. The Thunderbirds' defense has also applied relentless pressure on opposing offenses, thanks to their formidable pass rushers up front.
The secondary has been bolstered by safety George Ramirez and defensive back Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson, who have collectively contributed 44 tackles and provided crucial pass defense. Safety Quadir Lockett-Smith has emerged as a ballhawk, tallying 21 tackles, four tackles for loss, and securing an interception. The Thunderbirds' defense has demonstrated its expertise in disrupting opposing ground attacks, limiting teams to an average of 91.3 rushing yards. Their defensive prowess is certain to be a critical asset in the upcoming matchup.
Greeting The Governors
When it comes to the offensive firepower of the Austin Peay Governors, several standout players have been instrumental in the team's success this season. Leading the charge in the backfield is Jevon Jackson (#22), who has demonstrated his rushing prowess with 555 yards on 97 carries, averaging an impressive 92.50 yards per game. He's found the end zone five times and boasts a remarkable 5.7 yards per carry. In a limited number of games, CJ Evans Jr. (#5) has also been effective, with 153 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Mike DiLiello (#12) serves as the maestro of the Governors' offense, maintaining a high 68.97% completion rate with 1,717 passing yards and 14 touchdown passes. His dynamic style extends to running the ball, making him a dual-threat quarterback. When it comes to receiving targets, Trey Goodman (#1) has been a deep threat, averaging an impressive 22.11 yards per catch and finding the end zone four times. Tre Shackelford (#4) and Kam Thomas (#8) have also been pivotal in the passing game, providing the team with consistent yardage and scoring opportunities. Together, these players form a well-rounded and explosive offense that can challenge any defense they face. As the season progresses, their performances will continue to be critical in Austin Peay's pursuit of success on the gridiron.
The Austin Peay Governors boast a formidable group of individual defensive players who have been making a significant impact throughout the season. Leading the charge is Sam Howard (#4), a tenacious linebacker with 48 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss totaling 17 yards, and a sack for a loss of 6 yards. He's also shown his ability to disrupt plays with a forced fumble. Alongside him, Kory Chapman (#6), a versatile defensive lineman, has contributed 36 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and half a sack. Chapman has showcased his coverage skills with an interception and 2 pass breakups, adding to the team's ability to halt opposing offenses.
Jevon McIver Jr. (#13), another standout linebacker, has recorded 27 total tackles and displayed his ball-hawking abilities with an interception and multiple pass breakups. Michael Ruttlen Jr. (#2), a reliable defensive back, has made his presence felt with 27 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble. Hosea Knifeley Jr. (#10), a dynamic defensive lineman, has been a force in the trenches, amassing 22 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble. These defensive stalwarts form the core of a robust Austin Peay defense that consistently pressures opponents, creates turnovers, and makes pivotal stops on the field. They will undoubtedly play a vital role as the Governors continue their pursuit of defensive excellence throughout the season.
Last Time Out: Southern Utah at Tarleton
STEPHENVILLE, Texas- In a thrilling comeback effort, Southern Utah triumphed in a battle with the Texans of Tarleton State 27-26. The game featured impressive second-half performances on both sides of the ball for the Thunderbirds culminating in a defensive score to seal the victory.
1st Quarter: Texans Take Early Lead
The Thunderbirds received the opening kickoff and after moving the ball a bit turned it over on an interception in the middle of the field. The Texans took advantage of the miscue and drove the short field scoring on a 14-yard touchdown pass. The T-Birds drove nearly the length of the field before the Texans made a fourth down stop to turn the ball back over.
2nd Quarter: Texans Continue to Score
Tarleton started the second quarter by booting a 35-yard field goal extending the lead to 10-0. The Thunderbirds once again seemed to have the offense clicking but the drive stalled at about the 35-yard line. The Texan offense remained steady moving the ball well into plus territory before settling for a 40-yard field goal to make the score 13-0. Tarleton would add to their lead once more before the half with a rushing touchdown bringing the halftime score to 20-0.
3rd Quarter: T-Birds Find the Endzone
The second half of the game started slow for both teams but the T-Birds were finally able to break through on a 48-yard touchdown from Justin Miller to freshman Anson Kraut. Southern Utah scored again just a few minutes later when Miller found Timothy Patrick for a five-yard touchdown to make the score 20-14 in favor of the Texans.
4th Quarter: Comeback Completed
Tarleton bounced right back in their ensuing drive marching down the field to score another touchdown. The Texans attempted a 2-point conversion but failed making the score 26-14. The Thunderbirds refused to go quietly though as Miller would throw his third touchdown of the game finding Targhee Lambson in the corner of the endzone to bring Southern Utah back within one score. The Thunderbird defense would deliver the final blow in the comeback as Rylen Sua-Filo and Trevon Gola-Callard forced a fumble that was scooped up by Josh Lopezwho returned it for a Touchdown. The defense would hold the Texans on the final drive to give Southern Utah its first United Athletic Conference victory of the year.
Offensive Leaders
Southern Utah quarterback, Justin Miller, has been a key contributor to the team's passing game. He finished the game with an impressive completion percentage of 76%, completing 34 out of 45 pass attempts for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns with just 1 interception. His quarterback rating for the contest was an impressive 151.7.
In the receiving corps, Isaiah Wooden stood out with 10 receptions for 48 yards. He was followed closely by Zach Mitchell and Josh Acord with 6 receptions for 34 yards and 5 receptions for 62 yards, respectively. Additionally, freshman wide receiver Anson Kraut made a significant impact in his Thunderbird debut with 4 receptions for 68 yards, including one touchdown. In the rushing game, Braedon Wisslerled the charge with 14 carries for 69 yards, showcasing an average of 4.9 yards per carry.
Defensive Leaders
Several players made significant contributions in the game for Southern Utah's defense. Linebacker Aubrey Nellems led the team with 14 total tackles, including 5 solo tackles. He applied pressure on the quarterback with 1 quarterback hurry. Trevon Gola-Callard, a defensive back, was another standout performer with 10 total tackles, 3 of which were solo tackles. He managed 1.5 tackles for loss and forced a crucial fumble during the game. Robert Horsey and Rylen Sua-Filo added to the defensive effort with their work on the defensive line, contributing sacks and tackles for loss. Horsey also had a pass breakup to his name.
Linebacker Kohner Cullimore recorded five total tackles and was effective in pressuring the quarterback with two quarterback hurries and adding one tackle for a loss. These key defensive contributors, along with other members of the Southern Utah defense, played pivotal roles in the game by making tackles, generating pressure on the opposing team's offense, and creating turnovers when the opportunity arose. Their collective efforts helped the team maintain its defensive prowess and contributed to the overall success of the defense during the game.
Single Game Tickets
Single-game tickets for the 2023 season are now available. Get over to tbirdtickets.com to get your seats for this year's home games!
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