CEDAR CITY, Utah - Get ready for an exciting clash on the gridiron as the Southern Utah Thunderbirds take on the Arizona State Sun Devils. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. MT, on Thursday, August 31, 2023, and you can catch all the action on the PAC-12 Network. With both teams looking to make their mark this season, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest that fans won't want to miss.

Game Information

Southern Utah at Arizona State

Date: August 31st, 2023

Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM MT

Venue: Mountain America Stadium

Stream: PAC-12 Network

Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said

"Our Job is to do the best we can with this preparation time we have and come Thursday night we will tee it up and play our best three hours of football" 

"They (Arizona State) Brought in a ton of transfers and that new talent helps them a lot and we are going to have to play our best football to compete with them on Thursday." 

Check out this Week's Coaches Show

The Game

The Southern Utah Thunderbirds enter the matchup with a renewed sense of confidence and determination. Finishing the 2022 season with a 5-6 overall record and a conference record of 2-3, the Thunderbirds are looking to build on their successes and continue their upward trajectory. Finishing off the 2022 season with consecutive wins the T-Birds will look to start the 2023 campaign with an intense game against Arizona State.

Under the guidance of Coach Fitzgerald, who is returning for his second year at the helm, Southern Utah has undergone positive changes. With the addition of new offensive coordinator Tye Hiatt, the Thunderbirds are poised to unveil an even more dynamic and potent offensive strategy. Their strong performance during training camp has set the stage for what could be a breakout season.

Key Players to Watch:

Southern Utah boasts a roster of standout players who could make a significant impact in this matchup. Quarterback Justin Miller is expected to lead the offensive charge, while wide receivers  Isaiah Wooden and Timothy Patrick, offensive line Lyle Santos, linebacker Aubrey Nellems, and linebacker Kohner Cullimore will play pivotal roles on both sides of the ball. Alongside these established contributors, the Thunderbirds will introduce some promising new faces, adding depth and excitement to their lineup.

Scouting the Sun Devils

The Arizona State Sun Devils are eager to turn the page after a challenging 2022 season. Last year, they finished with an overall record of 3-9 and a conference record of 2-7. With a win percentage of .250, the Sun Devils are determined to bounce back under the leadership of new head coach Kenny Dillingham. Dillingham will be joined by Offensive Coordinator Beau Baldwin and Defensive Coordinator Brian Ward, all working together to revamp the team's performance.

Despite a tough season, Arizona State is looking to kick off the new year on a positive note. With a home record of 2-4, an away record of 1-5, and an even neutral record, the Sun Devils are ready to showcase their strengths and prove their mettle against Southern Utah. They'll be aiming to snap their four-game losing streak and make a statement under their new coaching regime.

Last Time Out: Southern Utah vs. Sam Houston 

HUNTSVILLE, Texas. November 19, 2022 - The Southern Utah football team buried the Bearkats, 17-7, on the road at Sam Houston State on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Bowers Stadium.  With the victory, SUU improved to 5-6 overall and 1-3 in Western Athletic Conference play. 

Defiant Defense

The Southern Utah defense stepped up for the second straight week causing three turnovers and forcing the Bearkats to turn the ball over on downs six times. The T-Birds held Sam Houston to just 4-16 on third down as well. Southern Utah opted for a bend don't break mentality allowing 349 yards of total offense but only one touchdown.  

Big Time Performances

Junior wide receiver Isaiah Wooden led the Thunderbirds on offense with 99 yards on the ground and 33 yards receiving. Graduate student running back Elijah Burns found the endzone on the ground while junior quarterback Justin Miller hooked up with sophomore tight end Mata'ava Ta'ase through the air for a score. Miller finished the game 13-30 for 154 yards through the air. Wide receiver Brennon Hutchings had three receptions for 41 yards to lead the team in his final game as a T-Bird. 

Graduate student defensive end Zach Strand led the charge for SUU's defensive effort. Strand notched six total tackles and two huge sacks. Sophomore defensive back Davin Wilson and junior defensive back Rodrick Ward each gathered interceptions in the second half of the game. Graduate student defensive back Mitchell Price picked up six tackles and freshman linebacker Kohner Cullimore added six stops of his own including a forced fumble. 

Recap

First Quarter
Junior wide receiver Isaiah Wooden jump-started the T-Birds to a fast start with a huge 58-yard sweep, leading to a 44-yard field goal from sophomore kicker Micah Pettit to lead 3-0. The Thunderbirds took the ball back when Cullimore stripped the ball away from the Sam Houston quarterback returning it 35 yards out to the SUU 39-yard line. Southern Utah capped a successful drive with a short pass from Miller to Ta'ase for an eight-yard touchdown to lead 10-0.

Second Quarter
The Thunderbird defense stepped up in a big way during the second quarter coming up with two big-time fourth-down stops and a stuffed fake punt attempt. The Bearkats finally broke through on the scoring column with just under a minute to go in the first half when quarterback Trapper Pennell ran the ball in from two yards out to cut the SUU gap to 10-7.

Third Quarter
The Thunderbirds smothered the Bearkats on an early punt attempt giving the offense the ball with a short field. Southern Utah capitalized with a four-yard run into the endzone by graduate student running back Elijah Burns to take a 17-7 advantage. The Thunderbird defense once again came up big with another fourth-down stop near the end of the third quarter to keep its 10-point advantage. 

Fourth Quarter
Redshirt junior defensive back Rodrick Ward and redshirt sophomore Davin Wilson each came up with big interceptions in the first part of the fourth quarter. The 'Bird defense would continue to be the story of the game as the Thunderbirds held on for the 17-7 win.

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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