CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah returns home to the friendly confines of Eccles Coliseum to take on Austin Peay in a key UAC matchup this week. The game will kick off on Saturday, November 1, at 6:30 p.m. MT and is available to stream on ESPN+. Live stats can be found at suutbirds.com.
The Game
The Thunderbirds are coming off the rivalry win over Utah Tech in the Battle for the Ax. The T-Birds enter the game with a 3-5 record and sit at 2-2 in conference play. Southern Utah's calling card all season has been an explosive offense, but the last two weeks, the defense has proven to be a key factor for the Thunderbirds. SUU will look to continue the improvement on the defensive side of the ball this weekend against a high-powered Austin Peay offense that averages over 36 points per game.
The Governors enter the weekend coming off a 56-28 drubbing of North Alabama and are looking to continue a strong second season under Head Coach Jeff Faris. Austin Peay is 5-3 on the year with a 3-2 record against conference opponents. The Governors are currently ranked No. 22 in the Stats Perform FCS poll and have an impressive FBS win over Middle Tennessee State.
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 Joshua Dye and defensive back Josiah Dye as they break down Battle for the Ax and preview this weekend's home game against Austin Peay.
Key T-Birds to Watch
Southern Utah's offense continues to dominate, powered by one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the FCS. Leading the charge is standout running back Joshua Dye, who has been nearly unstoppable this season. Through seven games, Dye has piled up 1,166 yards on 166 carries, averaging 7.0 yards per attempt and 145.75 yards per game. He leads the entire FCS with 18 rushing touchdowns, firmly establishing himself as one of the nation's elite backs. Behind him, Will Burns has provided a burst of speed and versatility, tallying 281 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries, while Braedon Wissler has chipped in 169 yards and two scores.
Through the air, veteran quarterback Bronson Barron has kept the Thunderbirds' offense balanced and efficient. Barron has thrown for 1,560 yards and 11 touchdowns, completing 63% of his passes and averaging just over 222 yards per game. His top target, Gabe Nunez, leads the receiving corps with 43 catches for 505 yards and three touchdowns. Shane Carr has emerged as another explosive threat, posting 29 receptions for 423 yards and four scores, while Devin Downing and Braedon Wissler continue to make reliable contributions. In total, Barron has connected with 15 different receivers, helping Southern Utah amass 1,965 passing yards and 12 touchdowns through seven contests.
On defense, linebacker Sebastian Adamski has been the heartbeat of the unit, leading the team with 83 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Josh Dunn has provided consistent production with 53 tackles, a pass breakup, and two quarterback hurries, while defensive back Blake Stillwell has added 34 tackles and three pass breakups from the secondary. Linebacker Mason Stromstad continues to make plays all over the field, recording 34 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Up front, Lando Brown has been a force in the trenches with a team-best 10 sacks and 33 total tackles, and Joe Tongamoa has helped apply pressure with three quarterback hurries and two tackles for loss.
Gauging the Governors
Austin Peay's offense has been explosive this season, fueled by quarterback Chris Parson, who has thrown for 1,966 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 357 rushing yards and 10 more scores. The ground game has been equally effective, with Javious Bond averaging 9.2 yards per carry and totaling 294 yards and four touchdowns, while Courtland Simmons and Corey Richardson have combined for over 450 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Through the air, Parson's top targets have been Jaden Robinson and Shemar Kirk, who have posted nearly identical numbers with 426 and 418 yards and 11 touchdowns combined. With a balanced attack that averages more than 460 yards and 36 points per game, the Governors have proven to be one of the most dynamic offenses in the conference.
On the other side of the ball, Austin Peay's defense has been a force this season, led by Montreze Smith Jr., who anchors the unit with 50 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions, and one sack. Davion Hood has been a disruptive presence up front, leading the team with eight tackles for loss and four sacks, while Charles Crews III and TJ Cox Jr. have added valuable pressure with six and three tackles for loss, respectively. In the secondary, Ellis Ellis Jr. has been a lockdown defender, tallying 33 tackles and a team-high six pass breakups, while Raylyn Manley and Trevor Hardy have combined for over 60 tackles and key plays in coverage. The Governors' defense has been opportunistic all year, compiling 17 sacks, six interceptions, and six forced fumbles, proving to be a tough, playmaking group that consistently sets the tone for the team.
Tickets
Season tickets and single-game tickets are now available! Get yours today by visiting tbirdtickets.com
Follow Us
For all the latest on Southern Utah football, follow @SUUFB_ on Twitter, @SUUFB on Instagram, and like the Southern Utah Football Facebook page.
Donate
Consider donating today to support Thunderbird athletics. To learn more about how you can help, click here.
