CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Thunderbirds will host the No. 18 West Georgia Wolves this Saturday for homecoming. The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. MT at Eccles Coliseum and can be streamed on ESPN+. This will be the first UAC conference game for the Thunderbirds, while the Wolves are 1-0 in conference play. This will be just the second time the two teams have met on the field, with the T-Birds taking the first matchup last season in Georgia.
The Game
The Thunderbirds enter the week with a 1-3 record. The offensive unit for the T-Birds has been strong, averaging an incredible 39 points per game. Southern Utah has been consistent, averaging over 200 yards rushing per game and nearly 300 yards passing per contest. Running back Joshua Dye currently sits second nationally in rushing yards (588) and third in rushing touchdowns (7), and quarterback Bronson Barron is fourth in the FCS for passing yards (1153) and tied for seventh in passing touchdowns (9).
West Georgia is coming to Cedar City with an incredibly fast 4-0 start to the season. The Wolves have taken down some pretty good competition en route to earning a No.18 ranking in the latest Stats Perform Polls. The Wolves' offense averages 34 points per game on 378 yards of offense. The real story has been the defense, which has allowed just 14 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 offensive lineman Jeremy Perkins as they break down the road battle at UC Davis and preview this weekend's homecoming game against West Georgia.
Key T-Birds to Watch:
The Thunderbird offense has been powered on the ground by standout running back Joshua Dye, who has been a consistent force through four games. Dye has carried the ball 81 times for 538 net yards, averaging an impressive 6.6 yards per carry and 134.5 yards per game. He's already found the end zone seven times, including a long run of 59 yards, establishing himself as the focal point of SUU's rushing attack. Behind him, Will Burns has been explosive in limited touches, averaging nearly 10 yards per carry with 146 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 attempts. Braedon Wissler has also been a reliable contributor, racking up 145 yards and two scores, helping the Thunderbirds average over 200 rushing yards per game as a team.
Through the air, Bronson Barron has commanded the passing game with efficiency and production. The senior quarterback has thrown for 1,153 yards and nine touchdowns, completing 63 percent of his passes while averaging 288 yards per game. His top target has been Gabe Nunez, who leads the receiving corps with 25 catches for 357 yards and three touchdowns, averaging just under 90 yards per contest. Shane Carr has also been a key playmaker, hauling in 20 passes for 303 yards and two scores, while Devin Downing and Braedon Wissler have chipped in with reliable secondary production. In all, Barron has spread the ball around to 12 different receivers, keeping defenses off balance and helping the Thunderbirds post 1,212 total receiving yards and 10 touchdowns through four games.
Southern Utah's defense has been anchored by linebacker Sebastian Adamski, who leads the team with 34 total tackles, including 14 solo stops, 4.5 tackles for loss, and a sack through just three games. Josh Dunn has also been a steady presence with 23 tackles and a pass breakup, while defensive back Baron Taylor has made an early impact with 21 tackles, a forced fumble, and a tackle for loss. Up front, Lando Brown has been disruptive, recording 10 tackles and a team-high four sacks for 31 yards lost. Joe Tongamoa has added pressure with 10 tackles and two quarterback hurries. The unit as a whole has combined for 234 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and three forced fumbles, setting a physical tone on defense.
Wolves to Watch
West Georgia's offense has been fueled by a balanced attack on the ground and through the air. Leading the way in the rushing game is Latrelle Murrell, who has racked up 422 yards on 66 carries, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per attempt and 105.5 yards per game, highlighted by a 67-yard burst. Complementing him is TJ Lester, who has powered his way into the end zone five times while adding 209 rushing yards. Quarterback Davin Wydner has been a dual threat, rushing for 188 yards while also pacing the passing game with 630 yards and seven touchdowns, including a long strike of 62 yards. His favorite target has been Jordan Dees, who leads the receiving corps with 177 yards and two touchdowns on 14 catches. Murrell has also been dangerous through the air, averaging 28.5 yards per reception with two scores, while Owen Dupree and T.J. Lockley have chipped in with over 100 receiving yards each. Altogether, the Wolves' offensive leaders have showcased versatility and explosiveness, keeping defenses on their heels.
The Wolves' defense has been flying around the field this season, with linebacker Jay Carter setting the tone as the team's top tackler with 32 stops, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Up front, David Hoage has been a nightmare for opposing offenses, racking up 20 tackles, a team-best seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and five quarterback hurries. Festus Davies and Christian Hanson have added plenty of pressure of their own, each notching two sacks to keep quarterbacks on the run. On the back end, the Wolves have been opportunistic, with Jyarius Carter, Jalen Burton, and Kyeaure Magloire all pulling down interceptions, while Chancellor Bryant has made his presence felt with 14 tackles, two breakups, and three quarterback pressures. With playmakers at every level, West Georgia's defense has proven to be a tough, physical unit capable of swinging momentum in any game.
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