CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Thunderbirds are back on the road this week to continue UAC play. Southern Utah will take on No. 3 Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas, on Saturday, October 4, at 5:00 p.m. MT. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+. 

The Game

The Thunderbirds enter the week with a 1-4 record and sit at 0-1 in conference play. The T-Birds' offensive unit has been strong, averaging 36 points per game. Southern Utah has been consistent, averaging nearly 200 yards rushing per game and nearly 300 yards passing per contest. Running back Joshua Dye currently sits second nationally in rushing yards (595) and second in rushing touchdowns (9), and quarterback Bronson Barron is fifth in the FCS for passing yards (1339) and tied for seventh in passing touchdowns (10).

Tarleton State has had an incredible start to the season. The Texans are sitting at 5-0 with a 1-0 record against the UAC and a win over FBS Army. The Tarleton State offense has also been in top form, scoring nearly 50 points per game. The Texans have so far maintained a balanced attack, averaging 211.8 yards per game on the ground while throwing for 238.4 yards per game. The true star for TSU, however, is the defense, which has held opposing offenses to 12.8 points per game.  

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 Talmage Brown as they break down the tough homecoming loss to West Georgia and preview this weekend's game against the Texans.

Key T-Birds to Watch:

Southern Utah's offense has leaned heavily on the power of its ground game, and running back Joshua Dye has been the driving force. Through five games, Dye has racked up 594 rushing yards on 97 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per touch and 118.8 per game. He's punched in nine touchdowns, including a 59-yard breakaway, establishing himself as the heartbeat of the Thunderbirds' rushing attack. Complementing him, Will Burns has delivered big-play flashes, piling up 162 yards and two scores on just 16 carries, while Braedon Wissler has chipped in with another 162 yards and two touchdowns.

Through the air, veteran quarterback Bronson Barron has kept the offense balanced with an efficient, steady hand. Barron has thrown for 1,339 yards and 10 touchdowns, completing 62.5 percent of his passes while averaging nearly 268 yards per contest. His go-to target has been Gabe Nunez, who leads the receiving corps with 31 catches for 407 yards and three scores. Shane Carr has emerged as another dangerous option, hauling in 22 receptions for 349 yards and two touchdowns, while Devin Downing and Wissler have added steady production. In total, Barron has spread the ball to 13 different receivers, helping the Thunderbirds post 1,511 passing yards and 10 scores through five games.

Defensively, the Thunderbirds have been led by linebacker Sebastian Adamski, who has piled up a team-high 45 tackles in just four games, including five tackles for loss and a sack. Josh Dunn has been a steady presence with 32 tackles and a pass breakup, while freshman defensive back Baron Taylor has made an immediate impact with 22 tackles, a forced fumble, and a tackle for loss. Up front, Lando Brown has been the disruptor, collecting a team-best 6.5 sacks for 37 yards lost among his 15 total tackles, while Joe Tongamoa has added to the pressure with three quarterback hurries.

Tracking the Texans

Tarleton State's offense has been explosive this season, powered by a balanced rushing and passing attack. On the ground, Tre Page III leads the way with 475 yards and four touchdowns, while Caleb Lewis has added 297 yards and a team-high seven scores. Quarterback Victor Gabalis has been sharp, throwing for 966 yards and 12 touchdowns with no interceptions, while Daniel Greek has chipped in three more scores through the air. Peyton Kramer headlines the receiving corps with 399 yards and three touchdowns, joined by Trevon West and Cody Jackson as consistent playmakers. Dawson Hearne has been a major red-zone weapon with five touchdown grabs, giving the Texans one of the most well-rounded offenses in the conference.

Tarleton State's defense has been anchored by a strong group of playmakers who have stepped up across the board. Linebacker AJ Owens leads the Texans with 33 total tackles, while Bam Smith has added 30 stops of his own. Yasir Holmes has also been a force with 17 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, and two sacks, and Brandon Tolvert has chipped in 4.5 tackles for loss. Jadan Aubert has been opportunistic with an interception, while Omar Emmons has been all over the field with 15 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups. The pass rush has been effective as well, led by Josh Griffis with 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, and Stephen Woods Jr, adding another sack and four tackles for loss. With multiple defenders contributing in key moments, the Texans' defense has proven to be disruptive and opportunistic throughout the season.

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.