CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Thunderbirds celebrated senior day with a 28-21 victory over the University of Central Arkansas on Saturday night. Southern Utah improves to 6-5 on the season with a 5-2 mark against the United Athletic Conference. Central Arkansas falls to 3-8 in 2025 with a 2-5 mark against the UAC.

Despite falling behind early, Southern Utah rallied and scored crucial points in the middle and third quarters of the game to take the lead. The offense was balanced, racking up 204 yards through the air and adding 218 yards rushing. Bronson Barron posted an incredible completion percentage of 77%, and Joshua Dye bulldozed for 181 yards and three touchdowns in a historic night. Dye set a new single-season record for rushing touchdowns in a single season, now with 25 and one game to go. Dye also set the record for points scored in a single season with 150. Southern Utah kicker Jayden Rogers added his name to the record books, tying the single-season program record for PATs made in a single season.

Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said

1st Quarter:

The Thunderbirds' first drive ended in a quick three-and-out, and the Bears took the ensuing drive down the field to take an early 7-0 lead. 

2nd Quarter: 

Southern Utah had the ball to start the second quarter, and Joshua Dye exploded on a fourth-down play for a 25-yard touchdown run. The Thunderbirds pulled ahead 14-7 on their next drive with Joshua Dye's Record-setting 24th rushing touchdown of the season. Central Arkansas pulled even with a short rushing touchdown of its own with just over three minutes to play in the half. Both teams got a chance with the ball, but neither could quite put points on the board to finish the second quarter.  

3rd Quarter: 

Southern Utah kicked off to start the second half, and the Bears took the ball 75 yards to take the 21-14 lead with just over 12 minutes to play in the third. The Thunderbirds rallied for a long drive, taking over seven minutes of clock and pushing the ball in with Dye's third touchdown of the game. Southern Utah capitalized on a big-time interception by Mikey Allen, driving 48 yards and scoring on a one-yard rush by Bronson Barron.

4th Quarter: 

Both teams stood tall on defense, trading drives but not finishing with points. In the final quarter, the Thunderbirds let the air out to take time off the clock, finishing out with a 28-21 win. 

Offensive Leaders

​​Southern Utah's offense delivered a physical, workmanlike performance in Saturday's win over Central Arkansas, once again leaning on the relentless running of Joshua Dye to set the tone. Dye imposed his will on the Bears' defense, piling up 181 yards and three touchdowns on a career-high 39 carries as the Thunderbirds controlled the line of scrimmage from start to finish. Quarterback Bronson Barron managed the attack with efficiency, going 20-for-26 for 204 yards and adding a rushing score to cap a balanced offensive showing. In the passing game, Gabe Nunez and Devin Downing provided steady production, combining for 11 receptions and 143 yards to keep the chains moving. With Dye punishing defenders on the ground and Barron spreading the ball through the air, the T-Birds dictated the tempo all night and powered their way to a key conference victory.

Defensive Leaders

Southern Utah's defense turned in a gritty, playmaking effort against Central Arkansas, with multiple Thunderbirds stepping up in key moments to seal the win. Barron Taylor led the charge with a team-high eight tackles and a crucial pass breakup, anchoring a secondary that came up big throughout the night. Mikey Allen delivered one of the game's biggest momentum swings with an interception, finishing with six tackles and a breakup as he patrolled the back end. Up front, Henry Harper was a force in the trenches, registering two tackles for loss and the team's lone sack while adding a quarterback hurry. Mason Stromstad and Josh Dunn were active all game as well, combining for 12 total tackles and generating pressure with multiple quarterback hurries. With timely takeaways, consistent pressure, and swarming pursuit at every level, the T-Bird defense set the tone and shut the door on the Bears down the stretch.

Next Up

Southern Utah will hit the road again next week for the final game of the season. The Thunderbirds will take on North Alabama in their last game in the United Athletic Conference on Saturday, November 22. The game will kick off at 12:00 p.m. MT and can be streamed on ESPN+. Live stats will be available on suutbirds.com.

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