CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Thunderbirds are set to begin the second half of the season back in Eccles Coliseum this Saturday, October 18. Southern Utah will battle No. 13 Abilene Christian in a crucial UAC conference matchup. The game is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. MT and can be streamed on ESPN+.
The Game
The Thunderbirds are coming off the bye week and enter the game with a 1-5 record and sit at 0-2 in conference play. The T-Birds' offensive unit has been strong, averaging 37 points per game. Southern Utah has been consistent, averaging nearly 200 yards rushing per game and nearly 250 yards passing per contest. Running back Joshua Dye currently sits third nationally in rushing yards (783) and first in rushing touchdowns (13).
Abilene Christian has been stout so far this season with a 4-3 overall record and a 3-0 mark against conference opponents. The Wildcats are coming to Cedar City fresh off their third ranked win of the season, downing West Georgia 30-13. The Wildcats have done well offensively, scoring almost 30 points per game and averaging 237 yards per game through the air. Quarterback Stone Earl is in the top ten in the country in passing yards and touchdowns.
Check out this Week's Coaches Show
On this episode of the Thunderbird Coaches Show, Coach Fitzgerald and host Jon Smith are joined by running back Braedon Wissler as they break down the bye week and preview this weekend's game against the Wildcats.
Key T-Birds to Watch:
Southern Utah's offense continues to thrive behind its dominant ground attack, powered by standout running back Joshua Dye. Through six games, Dye has been nearly unstoppable, rushing for 783 yards on 116 carries—an impressive 6.8 yards per carry and 130.5 per game. He leads the entire FCS with 13 rushing touchdowns, highlighted by a 59-yard burst that showcased his breakaway speed. Will Burns has provided explosive support, turning just 16 carries into 263 yards and three touchdowns, while Braedon Wissler has contributed 157 yards and two scores of his own.
Through the air, veteran quarterback Bronson Barron has kept the Thunderbirds balanced and efficient. Barron has thrown for 1,339 yards and 10 touchdowns, completing 62.5% of his passes and averaging nearly 268 yards per game. His top target, Gabe Nunez, leads the way with 36 receptions for 457 yards and three touchdowns, while Shane Carr has emerged as another big-play threat with 23 catches for 352 yards and three scores. Devin Downing and Braedon Wissler have also provided consistent production, as Barron has spread the ball to 13 different receivers, fueling an offense that's totaled 1,693 passing yards and 13 touchdowns through six contests.
On defense, linebacker Sebastian Adamski has been the heartbeat, racking up a team-high 57 tackles in just five games, including six tackles for loss and a sack. Josh Dunn has remained a steady force with 36 tackles and a pass breakup, while freshman defensive back Baron Taylor has made an early impact with 22 tackles, a forced fumble, and a tackle for loss. In the trenches, Lando Brown has been a relentless disruptor, tallying a team-best seven sacks and 21 total tackles, while Joe Tongamoa has added pressure up front with three quarterback hurries.
Watching the Wildcats
The Abilene Christian offense has found success through a balanced and explosive attack led by quarterback Stone Earle, who has thrown for 1,652 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing nearly 68 percent of his passes. Earle has spread the ball effectively across his receiving corps, with Javon Gipson leading the way at 353 yards, and both J.J. Henry and Dallas Dudley adding over 260 yards and two touchdowns apiece. On the ground, the Wildcats rely on a steady rotation of backs, highlighted by Rovaughn Banks Jr., who's piled up 397 yards, and Jordon Vaughn, who's added 292 yards and four scores. Earle has also contributed with his legs, rushing for 239 yards and four touchdowns, helping Abilene Christian maintain a dynamic offensive rhythm capable of attacking defenses in multiple ways.
The Wildcats' defense has been anchored by Rashon Myles Jr., who leads the team with 63 total tackles, including two tackles for loss, while also adding an interception and four fumble recoveries to his stat line. Will Shaffer has been another key contributor, tallying 55 stops and a pair of tackles for loss as a steady presence in the middle. Up front, Kaghen Roach has been a force in the trenches, posting 23 tackles, a team-high three sacks, and four tackles for loss. Dorian Plumley and Chris Wright have added depth and disruption, combining for over 70 tackles and contributing sacks, pressures, and takeaways. In the secondary, Tyson Williams has made his mark with 36 tackles and an interception, helping the Wildcats maintain a physical and opportunistic defensive front that's capable of changing the momentum of a game.
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