No. 17 SUU (4-1; 6-2) will look to extend their four-game winning streak when they play North Dakota (2-4; 2-2) on Saturday at the Eccles Coliseum. North Dakota won last year’s matchup in Grand Forks 45-23.
The second-place Thunderbirds have won four consecutive games, including two against ranked opponents. In week nine, SUU picked up a 27-14 road win over Northern Colorado thanks to three total TD by senior quarterback Patrick Tyler.
The Thunderbird offense is eighth in the Big Sky with 29.9 points per game. Patrick Tyler has thrown for 1,948 yards, 16 TD and 11 interceptions this season. Tyler has also rushed for 304 yards and three TD. Sophomore running back James Felila leads the team with 733 yards. Felila has also scored eight touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Landen Measom leads the team with 584 yards and five TD.
SUU’s defense has surrendered 35 points per game which ranks tenth in the conference. Senior linebacker Mike Needham leads the team with 70 total tackles. Needham has also recorded four pass break-ups and recovered one fumble.
North Dakota has averaged 26.9 points per game, ranking them tenth in the Big Sky. Senior quarterback Keaton Studsrud has accumulated 1,396 passing yards, six TD and eight interceptions. Junior running back Brady Oliveira has rushed for 574 yards and three TD. Sophomore wide receiver Noah Wanzek leads the team with 482 yards and three TD.
UND’s defense is the ninth in the Big Sky, allowing 34.8 points per game. Freshman linebacker Jake Rastas leads the Fighting Hawks with 63 total tackles.
The game kicks off at 6 p.m. MST with a tailgate party beginning at 4 p.m. If you can’t make it out to the Eccles Coliseum, the game will be streamed on Pluto TV. Audio will be available on KSUB 590.
Story By
Aaron Peterson for SUU News
aapete3232@gmail.com
Featured Photo Courtesy of SUU Athletics Strategic Communications
