CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Thunderbirds are headed to Florence, Alabama, for the final UAC game of the season this Saturday, November 22. The T-Birds will take on North Alabama at noon MT, looking to finish out the 2025 campaign as one of the hottest FCS teams in the country. The game can be streamed on ESPN+, and live stats are available at suutbirds.com.
The Game
The Thunderbirds are riding a five-game winning streak and are fresh from beating Central Arkansas at home last week. The T-Birds enter the game with a 6-5 record and sit at 5-2 in conference play. Southern Utah has controlled the clock in its last two games, possessing the ball for 15 or more minutes than its opponents in each of the two contests. The Thunderbirds' explosive offense has continued to shine, averaging 33.55 points and over 420 yards per game.
The Lions are 2-9 (1-6 UAC) on the season but have played well at home, with both of their victories coming in Braly Stadium. This week's matchup will be the final game at Braly before North Alabama moves to its new facility in 2026. The Lions average 24.45 points per game with a relatively balanced attack. The defense has been brutal to overcome for North Alabama, allowing nearly 40 points per contest.
Check out this Week's Coaches Show
On this episode of the Thunderbird Coaches Show, Coach Fitzgerald and host Jon Smith are joined by defensive lineman Seni Tuiaki as they break down the Senior Day win over Central Arkansas and preview this weekend's game on the road at North Alabama.
Key T-Birds to Watch
Southern Utah's offense has been one of the most explosive units in the FCS this season, thanks in large part to a dominant ground game that has overwhelmed opponents. At the center of it all is running back Joshua Dye, who has been nearly unstoppable. Through 11 games, Dye has racked up 1,723 rushing yards on 272 carries—averaging more than 6 yards per attempt and 156.6 yards per game—and his 25 rushing touchdowns lead all of Division I. Behind him, Will Burns and Braedon Wissler have added valuable depth, combining for nearly 500 yards and six touchdowns to round out a backfield that can beat defenses in waves.
Quarterback Bronson Barron has given the Thunderbirds steady, efficient play through the air, guiding a balanced offense that keeps defenses guessing. Barron has thrown for 2,204 yards and 11 touchdowns while completing 65.3 percent of his passes, spreading the ball to 16 different receivers. His top targets—Gabe Nunez with 704 yards and three touchdowns, and Shane Carr with 659 yards and four scores—have been reliable playmakers. At the same time, a deep supporting cast featuring Devin Downing, Anson Kraut, and Wissler continues to produce in big moments.
On defense, linebacker Sebastian Adamski has been the heartbeat of a tough, disciplined unit. Adamski leads the team with 101 tackles, along with seven tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, setting the tone each week. Josh Dunn has brought physicality with 72 tackles and two forced fumbles, while defensive back Blake Stillwell has anchored the secondary. Up front, the Thunderbirds have gotten game-changing production from defensive end Lando Brown, who has racked up 12 sacks, and Henry Harper, who has added 5.5 sacks and consistent pressure. Together, they've helped Southern Utah build a defense that's as disruptive as it is dependable.
A Look at the Lions
North Alabama's rushing attack is led by Jayvian Allen, who has been the Lions' workhorse with 717 yards, seven touchdowns, and a strong 5.0 yards per carry. Quarterback Destin Wade adds another dimension on the ground with 469 rushing yards and five scores, while Jalyn Daniels provides explosive depth, averaging an impressive 8.2 yards per carry. Through the air, Wade has thrown for 1,188 yards and 10 touchdowns, with Ari Patu contributing 517 yards and five more scores. In the receiving corps, Justin Pegues leads the team with 459 yards and four touchdowns, while deep-threat Tanaka Scott has posted 414 yards and a team-best 17.3 yards per catch. KJ Fields and Noah Gregg round out a versatile group of weapons, helping the Lions average over 180 passing yards per game and giving the offense multiple ways to attack defenses.
North Alabama's defense is anchored by standout linebacker Demarcious Robinson, who has put together an elite season with a team-high 91 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks, plus an interception and two fumble recoveries. Seth Hampton has been another reliable force with 74 tackles and steady production across the board, while Tango McCauley Jr. has added 54 stops and disruptive play in the front seven. In the secondary, Brian Dilworth has emerged as a playmaker with two interceptions and a team-leading five pass breakups, complemented by Lonell Cunningham II and Jermaine Ray Jr., who have combined for 14 breakups of their own. The Lions also generate pressure up front with Kaleb Brown and Fred Vili combining for five sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, while Jyheam Ingram brings versatility with 21 tackles, two sacks, and multiple quarterback hurries.
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