SAN DIEGO, California - Southern Utah hit the road this week to San Diego and fell in a heartbreaking overtime battle  30-27. The Thunderbirds dropped to 1-1 on the season, while the win improved the Toreros to 1-1 this year.  

The T-Birds struggled to get the offense going until it was too late. Southern Utah was held to just 142 yards of total offense in the first half but found a rhythm in the back half, finishing with 410. Bronson Barron threw for over 300 yards (328), the first SUU quarterback to do so since Justin Miller in 2023. Gabe Nunez was effective in the receiving game, becoming the first T-Bird to eclipse 100 yards receiving this season. The Thunderbirds' defense locked up the secondary, allowing just 64 yards of passing, but the Toreros shifted to the running game, racking up 296 yards on the ground.

Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said

1st Quarter:

The two teams traded short drives ending in punts throughout the first quarter. Neither team was able to sustain a drive to completion. The first quarter expired with a score of 0-0.

2nd Quarter: 

San Diego had the ball in Thunderbird territory to start the second quarter and finally broke through for a score on a 10-yard run by the quarterback. Southern Utah looked to have something going in the final minute of the second quarter, but the T-Birds ran out of time and were forced to take a field goal try from 36 yards out. The kick sailed wide right, and the Thunderbirds went to the break trailing 7-0. 

3rd Quarter: 

San Diego received the kick to open the second half and promptly drove 75 yards to extend the lead to 14-0. Southern Utah found an answer on its first drive of the second half with an impressive 70-yard touchdown drive. The T-Birds finished it off with a 7-yard laser from Bronson Barron to Shane Carr, bringing the score to 14-7. 

4th Quarter: 

Southern Utah had the ball at midfield to start the final quarter. The drive stalled deep in Torero territory, and Jayden Rogers hit the 32-yard field goal to bring the score to 14-10. San Diego bounced right back, however, scoring on a 49-yard run by quarterback Dom Nankil. Southern Utah turned the ball over on a fumble in the shadow of their own endzone, and the Toreros capitalized quickly with a field goal, making the score 24-10. With just over two minutes to go, the T-Birds drove down the field and scored on a 13-yard pass to Anson Kraut. Southern Utah's defense stepped up in a big way, forcing a punt at the two-minute warning. Bronson Barron drove the offense down the field with confidence, finding Gabe Nunez on a 35-yard touchdown pass to knot the game up at 24-24 with 46 seconds to go. Southern Utah killed the Toreros' drive and took the game to overtime. 

Overtime

Southern Utah had the first possession of the extra period, and despite earning a big-time first down, was forced to take a field goal to make the score 27-24. A crucial pass interference gave the Toreros a first down on their possession, and they were able to capitalize on it for the 30-27 win. 

Offensive Leaders

The Thunderbird offense was led by quarterback Bronson Barron, who delivered a strong performance through the air, completing 24 of 40 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, the rushing attack was balanced, with Joshua Dye pacing the group with 32 yards, while Braedon Wissler and Burns each added over 20 yards to keep the chains moving. The receiving corps showed its depth, highlighted by Gabe Nunez, who hauled in six catches for 100 yards and a touchdown, including a game-long 43-yard grab. Shane Carr (54 yards, one touchdown) and Anson Kraut (45 yards, one touchdown) also found the end zone. 

Defensive Leaders

The Thunderbird defense was anchored by a standout performance from Sebastian Adamski, who led all tacklers with 12 stops, including nine solo tackles and two tackles for loss, setting the tone in the middle of the field. Josh Dunn followed closely behind with nine total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, providing a steady presence in the box. Salofi Leasiolagi added five tackles with a stop behind the line. At the same time, Blake Stillwell and Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner each chipped in with key plays in coverage, recording pass breakups to halt San Diego drives. Up front, Joe Tongamoa also contributed a tackle for loss to disrupt the Toreros' rushing attack.

Next Up

The Thunderbirds return home to Cedar City next Saturday, September 13, 2025, when they take on Northern Arizona at Eccles Coliseum. That game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. MT and can be streamed on ESPN+. 

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