CEDAR CITY, Utah - As the sun sets on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the majestic Eccles Coliseum, fans of Southern Utah University will be gearing up for a Homecoming football game that promises to be an exhilarating showdown. The Thunderbirds will lock horns with the Western Illinois Leathernecks in a battle that carries the weight of anticipation and pride.

Game Information

Southern Utah vs. Western Illinois

Date: September 23rd, 2023

Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM MT

Venue: Eccles Coliseum 

Stream: ESPN+

Radio: KSUB 590

Stats: LiveStats

Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said

"They are much improved from last year. Their head coach is in a similar situation to our coaching staff, this is their second year and they got better in the offseason."

"They are a very good first-half team and they led at halftime for each of their first three games. They start very fast… and we have got to counter that by matching their energy and intensity to start the football game."

Check out this Week's Coaches Show

The Game

In the lead-up to this Homecoming spectacle, the Thunderbirds are fresh from a heart-pounding encounter against #16 UC Davis, which ended in a narrow 21-23 defeat. The game showcased the Thunderbirds' resilient defense and late-game determination in the face of a formidable opponent. 

On the other side of the line of scrimmage, Western Illinois enters the contest with the memory of a nail-biting 43-40 loss against Lindenwood. Both teams are hungrier than ever for a taste of victory, setting the stage for a thrilling gridiron clash.

Key T-Birds to Watch:

The Southern Utah Thunderbirds offense showcases key players who play pivotal roles in both the running and passing games. In the rushing department, Braedon Wissler and Targhee Lambson have been the top performers with Wissler gaining 81 yards and Lambson scoring two touchdowns. These two are seeking a breakout performance in week four. Returning quarterback Justin Miller maintains a passer rating of 127.85, demonstrating his efficiency in the passing game. Miller has thrown for 682 yards and five touchdowns, with Zach Mitchell and Isaiah Wooden emerging as his primary targets. Mitchell has averaged an impressive 93.00 receiving yards per game, while Wooden's two-touchdown performance in California last weekend highlights his big-play capability. Together, these offensive stars form a cohesive unit that's poised to light up the scoreboard and keep the Thunderbirds in contention throughout the remainder of the season.

Southern Utah University's defense has displayed tenacity and a knack for making crucial plays in the early stages of the 2023 season. Led by standout defenders, including linebackers Kohner Cullimore and Aubrey Nellems, as well as defensive back Trevon Gola-Callard, the Thunderbirds have showcased their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Cullimore has been a force on the field, amassing 20 total tackles and registering 2 tackles for a loss, constantly pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Nellems isn't far behind with 19 tackles, while Gola-Callard rounds out the top three with 18 tackles. The Thunderbirds' defense has also been applying relentless pressure on opposing offenses with big pass rushers up front.

Additionally, safety George Ramirez and defensive back Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson have played pivotal roles in the secondary, combining for 28 tackles and providing crucial pass defense. Safety Quadir Lockett-Smith has been a ballhawk, tallying 11 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and an interception. The Thunderbirds' defense has showcased its ability to disrupt opposing ground attacks holding teams an average of under 100 yards rushing through the first three games. 

Looking at the Leathernecks

The Western Illinois Leathernecks' offense has been a dynamic force in the early stages of the 2023 season, showcasing a high-powered attack that keeps defenses on their toes. Quarterback Matt Morrissey has been the catalyst, orchestrating the offense with poise and precision. Morrissey has thrown for an impressive 845 yards and six touchdowns, making him a formidable threat through the air. His ability to read defenses and connect with a talented group of receivers has allowed the Leathernecks to put up points at an average of 26.33 per game. Jaylin Jackson has emerged as Morrissey's favorite target, hauling in 14 receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns, while Jay Parker and Donald McKinney have also made significant contributions to the passing game.

On the ground, Ludovick Choquette and Seth Glatz have formed a dynamic running back duo. Choquette, with 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns, brings power and elusiveness, while Glatz, with 52 yards, provides a change of pace and agility. The Leathernecks' offensive line has been a key factor in their success, providing protection for Morrissey and creating running lanes for the backs. Western Illinois' offense is characterized by its ability to strike quickly and efficiently, making them a formidable challenge for any defense they face. As the season progresses, they'll look to maintain their high-scoring ways and keep their opponents on edge.

The Western Illinois Leathernecks have showcased a hard-hitting defense in the early stages of the 2023 season. Led by standout linebacker Bradyn Smith, who has accumulated an impressive 33 tackles in just three games. He's closely followed by Juan DelaCruz and JJ Ross, who have contributed significantly to the team's tackling prowess.

The Leathernecks have been disruptive in the opponent's backfield, amassing 11 sacks as a unit. Defensive end Juan DelaCruz, with 19.0 tackles and 2.0 sacks, has been a constant presence for opposing quarterbacks to account for. The secondary has been led by Ross who recorded the only interception for Western Illinois so far this season. As the season unfolds, they'll aim to improve their defensive efficiency and create challenges for opposing offenses.

Last Time Out: Southern Utah at UC Davis 

DAVIS, California - In a high-stakes clash under the California lights, Southern Utah Football took on #16 UC Davis at UC Davis Health Stadium on September 16, 2023. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying incredible resolve and skill on the field. When the dust settled, UC Davis narrowly edged out Southern Utah, with a 23-21 victory.

First Quarter Drama (0-3):

The contest kicked off with UC Davis taking an early lead. After an interception on the first T-Bird play from scrimmage, the defense shut the Aggies down and Hunter Ridley's trusty leg booted a 43-yard field goal, giving UC Davis a 3-0 advantage. Ridley wasn't done for the game, as he added to his tally with another field goal, this time from 22 yards out. As the first quarter concluded, UC Davis held a slim 6-0 lead.

A Defensive Standoff (0-0):

The second quarter was marked by a defensive showdown as both teams dug in. Neither squad managed to put any points on the board during this period. Both teams recorded some impressive stops keeping the score unchanged heading into halftime.

Third-Quarter Action (7-13):

The third quarter brought more excitement to the game. The Aggies extended their lead when Miles Hastings connected with Josh Gale for a 14-yard touchdown pass. Southern Utah answered back, finally breaking onto the scoreboard when Justin Miller found Isaiah Wooden for a 3-yard touchdown pass to the front corner of the end zone. At the close of the third quarter, UC Davis held a 13-7 lead.

Fourth-Quarter Fireworks (21-23):

The final quarter of play saw the game's most exhilarating moments. UC Davis surged ahead once more as Miles Hastings unleashed a 73-yard touchdown pass to Lan Larison, with Ridley's extra point extending their lead to 20-7. However, Southern Utah refused to go quietly, launching a spirited comeback. Justin Miller connected with Isaiah Wooden for a remarkable 66-yard touchdown pass. 

UC Davis moved the ball well but the dagger touchdown was not to be, as the Thunderbirds' defense held them to a field goal, stretching the Aggies advantage to 23-14. With time ticking away, Southern Utah mounted a furious rally. Miller orchestrated a 75-yard drive, culminating in a 13-yard touchdown pass to Zach Mitchell. In a nail-biting finish, Southern Utah's valiant comeback attempt fell just short when the Aggies fielded the onside kick to close the game at 23-21.

Offensive Leaders

Despite a slow start, Justin Miller displayed impressive resilience, completing 20 of 42 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns, while tossing just one interception. Isaiah Wooden shone as a standout receiver, amassing seven receptions for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receivers Zach Mitchell and Timothy Patrick each secured big games, going for 92 and 72 yards respectively. Mitchell brought his touchdown total to three on the year with the late score. 

Defensive Leaders

On the defensive side, linebacker Kohner Cullimore led the charge, tallying 12 total tackles and two tackles for loss. Linebacker Aubrey Nellems was also impressive in the game totaling nine tackles. Defensive back Trevon Gola-Callard had another big game for the Thunderbirds with seven tackles and two pass break-ups. 

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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