CEDAR CITY, Utah – Saturday night marked the third time this season that Southern Utah has squared off with a top-25 FCS team. Justin Miller set a new school record for career touchdown passes with 62, but the Thunderbirds fell in double overtime to #24 Austin Peay State 48-45. Southern Utah battled to the end and beyond in the heartbreaking loss in front of the home crowd.
Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
1st Quarter: Thunderbirds Strike Fast
The Thunderbirds kicked off to the Governors to start the game and sent the defense out to make a quick stop. After taking over possession on its own 29-yard line Justin Miller led the T-Birds quickly down the field for the score, connecting with Freshman tight end Chase Merrell for a seven-yard touchdown pass. The Governors would bounce back on the ensuing drive marching down the field and tying the game up at 7-7 on a 23-yard touchdown rush. The Thunderbird offense went back out onto the field and had the drive stall due to a penalty. Despite a booming punt by Alyas Vigil the Speedy return man for Austin Peay raced 82 yards for a touchdown making the score 14-7.
2nd Quarter: T-Birds Add on With Late Half Touchdown
The Thunderbirds started the second quarter with a solid 16-play and 75-yard drive capped off with a 2-yard touchdown run by Braedon Wissler. Southern Utah would force another punt for the Governors which would pin the Thunderbirds deep in their territory. It looked as though Austin Peay would force a three and out but the T-Birds would use a well-timed fake punt to earn a first down. On the next play, Grady Robison would run up the middle 73 yards for the T-Bird Touchdown making the score 21-14. The Thunderbirds would get the ball back with just over a minute to go in the half. The drive didn't go anywhere but an offsides penalty with no time left on the clock gave Southern Utah a single untimed down from the Austin Peay 47-yard line. Grady Robison came into the game and heaved up a prayer that fell into the waiting arms of Gabe Nunez for the touchdown. This sent the Thunderbirds into the break with a 28-14 lead.
3rd Quarter: Governors Come Back
The Thunderbirds received the opening kick of the second half and promptly took the ball 87 yards in just seven plays to score on a five-yard touchdown pass from Justin Miller to Isaiah Wooden. The Governors would strike back with a 75-yard drive of their own. Austin Peay quarterback Mike Diliello would collect the touchdown with a one-yard run up the middle to make the score 35-21 in favor of the T-Birds. After a three-and-out by the Thunderbirds, the Governors would drive 69 yards in just over four minutes to bring the game back within a single possession.
4th Quarter: Battle to a Tie
After another SUU punt the Governors would drive 97 yards tying the game up at 35-35 on a 46-yard reverse pass. Austin Peay would score again to take the lead with just over two minutes left in the game. The Thunderbirds would even it up once again by taking the next drive 75 yards in only six plays. The drive was capped by a 16-yard touchdown pass from Miller to Josh Acord. The Southern Utah defense held tough and sent the game into overtime.
1st Overtime: Missed Field Goal, Missed Opportunity
The Thunderbirds won the toss and elected to defend first. On the back of a solid defensive effort including a key interception by A.J. Felton, the T-Birds would get the ball needing only a field goal to win. The 42-yard kick hit the left upright and bounced back into the field giving the Governors a second shot to win the game.
2nd Overtime: Governors Seal the Win
The Thunderbirds got the ball back and despite earning a first down eventually had to settle for a 40-yard field goal which Tyler Graham put through making the score 45-42. The Governors would get their chance and though the Thunderbird put them behind the sticks with a Robert Horsey tackle for a loss. The Governors found Trey Goodman for a touchdown to seal the game.
Offensive Leaders
The offensive leaders for the Thunderbirds put up an impressive performance. Justin Miller completed 24 of his 42 passing attempts, accumulating 291 passing yards and throwing three touchdowns, with a long pass of 49 yards. Grady Robison also contributed significantly, with a big 47-yard Hail Mary touchdown. The team had a total of 338 passing yards and four passing touchdowns, displaying a strong aerial attack.
On the ground, Braedon Wissler and Grady Robison showcased their running prowess. Wissler carried the ball 24 times for 106 yards and a touchdown, while Robison had a remarkable 79 yards on just two carries, including a 73-yard touchdown run. In total, the Thunderbirds rushed for a season-high 223 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. The receiving corps was also productive, with multiple players contributing to the team's total of 338 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. Notably, Gabe Nunez had a 96-yard reception for a touchdown, and Josh Acord and Chase Merrell also found the end zone through the air. Isaiah Wooden also collected his fifth receiving touchdown of the year.
Defensive Leaders
In the game against Austin Peay, Southern Utah's defense was led by a group of standout players who contributed significantly to the team's performance. Aubrey Nellems and Kohner Cullimore led the way in tackles, with Nellems recording 10 total tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, while Cullimore made 8 total tackles. These players played key roles in disrupting the opposing offense's rhythm and applying pressure to the quarterback.
In addition to Nellems and Cullimore, Tre Gola-Callard and Anisi Purcell also made significant contributions, each recording 8 total tackles. The defense, as a whole, registered 5 tackles for loss and 3 sacks. While the team's defense was solid in their efforts, the standout performance came from AJ Felton, who not only contributed to tackles but also grabbed two interceptions.
Next Up
The Thunderbirds will host Abilene Christian for another United Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday, October 28th. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
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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