CEDAR CITY, Utah - The stage is set for an electrifying first-ever matchup this Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 6 p.m. in Eccles Coliseum as the Southern Utah Thunderbirds square off against the Central Arkansas Bears. Both teams are coming off impressive wins, and they're hungry for another taste of victory. With the Thunderbirds at 1-3 and the Bears at 2-2, this game is critical for both sides as they seek to establish themselves as contenders in the newly formed United Athletic Conference.

Game Information

Southern Utah vs. Central Arkansas

Date: September 30th, 2023

Kickoff Time: 6:00 PM MT

Venue: Eccles Coliseum 

Stream: ESPN+

Radio: KSUB 590

Stats: LiveStats

Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said

"They are a well-coached football team and might be the most talented team in our conference. They may have the best three running backs in FCS football. Obviously, they have recruited well on both sides of the ball."

"They are a very good team and their 2-2 record is deceiving because they have played some tough games… They are ranked in several different polls"

"The best matchup in this game is that our run defense is top five in the country and their run offense is the best in the country so it will be a battle of strength on strength." 

Check out this Week's Coaches Show

The Game

The Thunderbirds are riding high after a convincing 37-17 victory over Western Illinois in their last outing. The offense finally clicked into gear late during the homecoming matchup, and their defense stood tall, signaling that they are a force to be reckoned with. Southern Utah is eager to build on this momentum and notch their second win of the season.

The Central Arkansas Bears are flying high as well, coming off a dominant 52-17 win against Abilene Christian. Their explosive offense has been putting up big numbers, and their defense is showing signs of being very strong as well. With a .500 record, the Bears are determined to rise up and secure a winning record.

Key Matchup Factors:

• Offensive Firepower: Both teams boast offenses that have the potential to light up the scoreboard. Southern Utah's passing attack, led by Justin Miller, will look to exploit the Bears' secondary. Central Arkansas, on the other hand, will rely on their versatile running game including the reigning UAC offensive player of the week ShunDerrick Powell who notched his second 200+ yard rushing game last week. The Bears also have deep passing threats to keep the Thunderbirds' defense guessing.

• Defensive Resilience: The team that can make crucial stops and force turnovers will likely come out on top. Southern Utah's defense has shown an impressive ability to stop the run, ranking 5th in the nation in FCS allowing just 66.8 yards per game and in the most recent game, forced 4 turnovers. 

• Momentum and Confidence: Riding the wave of their recent victories, both teams will aim to maintain their newfound confidence. The team that can harness their momentum and translate it into a strong performance on the field will have the upper hand.

Key T-Birds to Watch:

The Southern Utah Thunderbirds' offensive lineup boasts key players who hold pivotal roles in both the running and passing games. In the rushing department, Braedon Wissler and Targhee Lambson have emerged as standout performers, with Wissler gaining 122 yards on the ground and Lambson impressively scoring four touchdowns and 112 yards rushing. These two dynamic athletes are eager to deliver a breakout performance in week five. Meanwhile, returning quarterback, Justin Miller, maintains an impressive passer rating of 129.61, highlighting his efficiency in the passing game. Miller has already racked up 924 passing yards and seven touchdowns, with Zach Mitchell and Isaiah Wooden emerging as his primary targets. Mitchell's impressive average of 89.25 receiving yards per game speaks to his reliability, while Wooden's remarkable four touchdowns showcase his big-play capability. 

Southern Utah University's defense has been characterized by tenacity and a knack for making crucial plays in the early stages of the 2023 season. Led by standout defenders such as linebackers Kohner Cullimore and Aubrey Nellems, as well as defensive back Trevon Gola-Callard, the Thunderbirds have consistently demonstrated their ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Cullimore, in particular, has been a dominant force on the field, amassing an impressive 26 total tackles and registering 4.5 tackles for a loss, continually pressuring opposing quarterbacks. Nellems is close behind with 24 tackles to his name, while Gola-Callard rounds out the top three with 22 tackles. The Thunderbirds' defense has also applied relentless pressure on opposing offenses, thanks to their formidable pass rushers up front.

The secondary has been fortified by safety George Ramirez and defensive back Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson, who have collectively contributed 32 tackles and provided crucial pass defense. Safety Quadir Lockett-Smith has emerged as a ballhawk, tallying 17 tackles, four tackles for loss, and securing an interception. The Thunderbirds' defense has showcased its prowess in disrupting opposing ground attacks, holding teams to an average of 66.8 rushing yards through the first three games. Their defensive prowess is sure to be a critical asset in the upcoming matchup.

Breaking down the Bears

The Central Arkansas offense boasts a multifaceted attack with several key players who have been instrumental in their success. Leading the ground game is running back ShunDerrick Powell, who has been a true workhorse, accumulating a staggering 632 rushing yards in just four games, averaging an impressive 11.3 yards per carry. Powell's ability to break tackles and explode for big gains has made him a constant threat in the backfield, and his five rushing touchdowns underscore his value as a scoring machine. Additionally, Kylin James and Darius Hale have provided crucial support, with James averaging 10.2 yards per carry and Hale contributing both as a runner and a receiver, helping to diversify the offensive options.

In the passing department, quarterback Will McElvain has been a model of efficiency, boasting a remarkable 66.7% completion rate and 742 passing yards in four games. McElvain's ability to distribute the ball to various targets is evident in the balanced receiving corps. Myles Butler, with his 194 receiving yards and three touchdowns, has been a deep threat, while Jarrod Barnes has been a reliable possession receiver with 200 yards and a touchdown. Kylin James, not only a proficient rusher but also a receiver, adds another dimension to the passing game with 109 receiving yards. With McElvain's precision passing and a talented group of receivers, Central Arkansas presents a formidable aerial assault that keeps defenses on their toes.

The Central Arkansas Bears have showcased a resilient and formidable defense in the 2023 season, led by a core group of standout players. Demetri Charles has been a force to be reckoned with, tallying 17 total tackles and making critical plays, including a key interception. David Walker and TaMuarion Wilson have been dominant pass rushers, with each recording 3.5 sacks, disrupting opposing quarterbacks and forcing turnovers. Jake Golday has been a ball hawk in the secondary, notching an interception and contributing to the team's stellar pass defense.

The Bears' defensive depth is evident as well, with players like Cameron Godfrey, TD Williams, and Detravion Green consistently making plays and providing crucial support to the team's defensive efforts. Additionally, Deorious Cobbs has been a disruptive presence in the backfield, accumulating 2.0 sacks and contributing to a total of 10 tackles for loss by the defense. With a tenacious pass rush, solid run defense, and effective coverage in the secondary, the Central Arkansas Bears' defense has proven to be a formidable unit capable of taking on any challenge that comes their way in the 2023 season.

Last Time Out: Southern Utah vs. Western Illinois 

CEDAR CITY, Utah - Under the bright lights of Eccles Coliseum Thunderbird fans witnessed an intense gridiron clash between the Western Illinois Leathernecks (WIU) and Southern Utah. The Homecoming game was brimming with heart-stopping moments and electrifying plays. It was the Thunderbirds who emerged triumphant, sealing their victory with a resounding 37-17 final score.

1st Quarter: Thunderbirds Take Early Lead

As the game kicked off the Thunderbirds made their presence felt with a quick drive down the field. Tyler Graham delivered a 31-yard field goal, marking the game's first points. Shortly after, SUU quarterback Justin Miller connected with Zach Mitchell on a 10-yard touchdown pass, and with Graham's successful extra point, the Thunderbirds commanded a 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

2nd Quarter: Leathernecks Claw Back

The second quarter witnessed a resurgence from the Leathernecks. Kicker Owen Valek displayed his accuracy with an impressive 49-yard field goal, putting WIU on the scoreboard. However, Southern Utah's Targhee Lambson responded with authority, scoring a powerful 2-yard rushing touchdown up the middle. The teams exchanged blows as Matt Morrissey of WIU found Jaylin Jackson for a 44-yard touchdown pass. Ludovick Choquette then added a 1-yard rushing touchdown for WIU, capping an eventful second quarter with the score tied at 17-17.

3rd Quarter: Thunderbirds Regain Control

Southern Utah regained momentum in the third quarter. Targhee Lambson powered through WIU's defense with a for his second rushing touchdown of the game. The strong run gave the Thunderbirds a 24-17 lead at the end of the third quarter.

4th Quarter: Thunderbirds Seal the Deal

The final quarter belonged to the Thunderbirds as they continued to assert their dominance. Justin Miller orchestrated a 43-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Wooden on a beautiful double move. Defensive back Cody Coleman added an exclamation point with a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown. The game concluded with Southern Utah celebrating a commanding 37-17 victory.

Offensive Leaders

Southern Utah's offensive leaders showcased their prowess in the game, contributing significantly to the Thunderbirds' impressive victory. Quarterback Justin Miller led the charge through the air, completing 24 of his 35 pass attempts for a total of 242 yards. Miller's accuracy and composure in the pocket were evident as he orchestrated two crucial touchdown passes, including a 43-yard bomb to Isaiah Wooden that left a lasting mark on the game. Despite facing some pressure with one sack, Miller's ability to bounce back from some early struggles and connect with his receiving corps played a pivotal role in Southern Utah's success.

In the receiving department, several key players made significant contributions. Zach Mitchell led the way with 6 receptions for 78 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown reception that set the tone for the Thunderbirds. Joshua Acord showcased his reliability with 8 receptions for 61 yards, while Isaiah Wooden made a significant impact with 4 catches for 60 yards, including a touchdown grab. Targhee Lambson and Braedon Wissler also chipped in with receptions, rounding out a balanced and effective passing attack for Southern Utah. With these offensive leaders stepping up and making big plays, the Thunderbirds demonstrated their ability to move the chains and put points on the board.

Defensive Leaders

Linebacker Kohner Cullimore stood out as a relentless force on the defensive line, recording 6 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His disruptive presence in the backfield forced hurried decisions by the opposing quarterback and included a crucial quarterback hurry that disrupted the passing game. Cullimore's ability to penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield was instrumental in the Thunderbirds' defensive success.

In the secondary, Quadir Lockett-Smith showcased his coverage skills with 6 tackles and a pass breakup. His knack for reading plays and disrupting passing lanes played a pivotal role in limiting Western Illinois' offensive opportunities. Lockett-Smith's tenacity and coverage were evident throughout the game, contributing to the Thunderbirds' defensive dominance. Additionally, other defensive leaders like Aubrey Nellems and Cody Coleman made key contributions with tackles for loss, sacks, and a game-changing interception return for a touchdown. Together, Southern Utah's defensive stalwarts stifled the opposing offense, generated turnovers, and disrupted plays, playing an instrumental role in their impressive victory.

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