Aaron Peterson for SUU News
aapete3232@gmail.com
The Thunderbirds (1-1) will kick off their home schedule this Saturday at Eccles Coliseum against No. 18 Northern Iowa (1-1). It will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2011, a game in which UNI won 34-21.
SUU was firing on all cylinders in a 51-14 win at Stephen F. Austin in week two. Quarterback Patrick Tyler completed 28 passes for 414 yards and four touchdowns. Tyler also picked up 49 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground. Tyler’s performance earned him the ROOT SPORTS Offensive Player of the week.
Landen Measom was the leading SUU receiver for the second consecutive week, totaling five receptions for 131 yards and one touchdown. Freshman running back Terrance Beasley led the Thunderbird rushing attack with 77 yards on only nine carries.
Senior linebacker Taylor Nelson led the team in tackles with eight, including one sack. Sophomore safety Alex Sims recorded his first interception of the season.
The Northern Iowa Panthers will be entering Cedar City on a high note following a thrilling 45-38 overtime victory over Cal Poly on Sept. 9.
The Panther offense will be led by junior quarterback Eli Dunne who has tallied 584 yards and seven touchdowns in two games this season. Sophomore Trevor Allen comes into the game having amassed 158 rushing yards on 20 attempts, and one touchdown. Briley Moore should be targeted in the passing game as he leads the team in receptions and yardage with 11 catches and 127 yards.
Pay close attention to senior linebacker Jared Farley as he leads the Panther defense with 25 tackles, including two tackles for loss. Farley was also named a co-Missouri Valley Conference player of the week following the Cal Poly game. Junior linebacker Duncan Ferch has recorded 24 tackles and is the only Panther with an interception thus far.
The game kicks off at 6 p.m. MST with a tailgate party starting at 4 p.m. MST. If you can’t make it out to the game watch it on Pluto TV-Ch. 236 or listen on KSUB 590.
To stay up to date on all SUU Football news follow @SUUFB on Twitter and Instagram and by liking the Southern Utah Football page on Facebook.
