CEDAR CITY, Utah - This Saturday marks the second to last home game for the Thunderbirds as they welcome in the Wildcats of Abilene Christian. Eccles Coliseum should be packed to witness the T-Birds play against a tough conference opponent. The game is set to kick off at 1:00 p.m. MT and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Game Information
Southern Utah vs. Abilene Christian
Date: October 28th, 2023
Kickoff Time: 1:00 PM MT
Venue: Eccles Coliseum
Stream: ESPN+
Radio: KSUB 590
Stats: LiveStats
Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
"They have a good football program… Keith Patterson is the head coach and he is a long-time defensive coordinator who worked at a lot of FBS schools."
"They run the football better than a lot of teams in our conference and do it with a lot of different tailbacks… Offensively they are a very sound team."
"They have an impressive football program and we will have to bring our "A" game on Saturday."
Check out this Week's Coaches Show
Salute to Service
This Saturday the Thunderbirds are honoring Military and First Responders at the game. All first responders and military personnel can show their ID at the ticket office for one free admission. Thunderbird Athletics is proud to honor those who protect and serve our community and nation.
The Game
The Thunderbirds enter this game with a 2-5 record, but they have proven time and again that they are a formidable opponent. Southern Utah has battled against a barrage of top 25 FCS teams this season and has lost four games by a combined total of 10 points. Last week the Thunderbirds battled #24 Austin Peay to double overtime before falling 48-45. The T-Bird offensive unit has shown it can score, raking up 194 points this season, and averaging 27.71 points per game. The passing game has been a standout feature, with 1,805 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes. Defensively, the Thunderbirds have impressed with seven interceptions and 14 sacks. Southern Utah will try to bounce back and even up its United Athletic Conference record in this crucial matchup.
The Wildcats are coming off an impressive road victory at Stephen F. Austin. Abilene has built up a 4-3 record on the season so far and is sitting at 2-1 in conference play. Their offense has been great scoring 208 points and averaging 29.71 points per game. Their balanced approach to offense is evident, with 1,203 rushing yards and 1,485 passing yards. They've scored 14 passing touchdowns and 9 rushing touchdowns, showcasing their versatility and ability to put points on the board. On the defensive side, Abilene has been aggressive with eight interceptions and 13 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 earning his first 100-yard game of the year against Austin Peay. Lambson leads the team in rushing touchdowns with four. These two dynamic athletes are eagerly anticipating a breakout performance in week seven. Meanwhile, quarterback, Justin Miller, maintains an impressive passer rating of 131.04, showcasing his efficiency in the passing game. Miller has already accumulated 1,715 passing yards and 17 touchdowns.
Last week Miller set a new school record for passing touchdowns in a career. Isaiah Wooden and Zach Mitchell have emerged as his primary targets though Timothy Patrick has also put up quite an impressive stat line. Wooden leads all wide receivers with 35 catches for 447 yards and five touchdowns. In all, eight different receivers have scored touchdowns this season. The Thunderbirds also have five receivers with more than 100 yards receiving this season.
The Thunderbird defense has been led by several standout athletes. Trevon Gola-Callard leads all tacklers with 52 total takedowns while Kohner Cullimore and Aubrey Nellems are right behind him with 51 apiece. The Thunderbirds have consistently shown their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. The defensive front has been led by graduate transfer defensive lineman Robert Horsey. Horsey has accumulated 28 tackles and leads the team with 3.5 sacks and eight tackles for a loss.
The secondary has been bolstered by safety George Ramirez and defensive back Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson, who have collectively contributed 50 tackles and provided crucial pass defense. Cornerback AJ Felton has emerged as a ballhawk, tallying a team-leading 7 pass breakups and two interceptions. The Thunderbirds' defense has demonstrated its expertise in disrupting opposing ground attacks, limiting teams to an average of just over 100 rushing yards.
Checking in on the Cats
The Abilene Christian Wildcats have showcased an impressive offensive lineup with several standout performers in the 2023 season. On the ground, running back Jay'Veon Sunday has been a force to be reckoned with, amassing 436 yards in 71 attempts over 7 games, with an impressive 5.9 yards per carry and contributing 3 touchdowns. Following closely is returning running back Jermiah Dobbins, who has rushed for 318 yards on 56 attempts, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and finding the end zone twice. Meanwhile, quarterback Maverick McIvor has led the passing game, recording a passer rating of 141.62. He has completed 99 passes on 181 attempts for 1410 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The receiving corps has been instrumental in the Wildcats' offensive success. Blayne Taylor has been the primary target, amassing 393 yards on 21 receptions, averaging an impressive 18.71 yards per catch, and scoring 5 touchdowns in 7 games. Tristan Golightly, Cooper McCasland, and Jed Castles have also made significant contributions to the passing attack, showcasing their ability to make crucial receptions and pick up yards after the catch. Abilene Christian's offensive unit has displayed versatility and skill, making them a formidable force on the field in the 2023 season.
The Abilene Christian Wildcats have a strong defensive lineup in the 2023 season. Standout performers include Darius Moore, who's been consistent with 55 total tackles, and Elijah Moffett with 54 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 1 interception.
Cirby Coheley adds to the strength of the Wildcats' defensive front with 37 total tackles, and Patrick Jolly has contributed 37 total tackles and 4 interceptions in the secondary. Jerry Lawson has played a key role with 27 total tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss. These top performers, along with their teammates, have formed a well-rounded and effective defensive unit for Abilene Christian.
Last Time Out: Southern Utah vs. Austin Peay
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.
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 Merrellfor 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.
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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