The Southern Utah University football team concludes their two-game road trip when they face Abilene Christian University on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Abilene Christian is ranked No. 17 in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Abilene Christian
The Wildcats come into this game 5-3 on the season and 4-1 in the United Athletic Conference. Abilene Christian is 3-1 in their last four games, including win over No. 5 ranked Central Arkansas University.
ACU ranks first in the UAC in total offense, averaging 37.6 points per game as well as 493.5 yards per game. Graduate student Maverick McIvor has been outstanding behind center. The quarterback from San Angelo, Texas is averaging 319 passing yards per game.
Mclvor’s favorite target has been wideout Nehemiah Martinez l. The senior from Lubbock, Texas has eight touchdowns on the year. Martinez l is also averaging 86.1 yards per game.
The one struggle for the Wildcats have been on the defensive side of the ball. ACU ranks second to last in the conference in total defense, giving up 32 points a game.
Southern Utah
The T-birds find themselves 4-4 on the year and 3-1 in the UAC. Southern Utah has looked great on the road and is 2-0 in conference play away from Cedar City. The last time these two teams met, Southern Utah dominated Abilene Christian 52-14.
SUU ranks middle of the pack in the UAC in offense. The Thunderbirds have used a strong running game to carry the offensive production. Targhee Lambson has been one of the best running backs in the nation. The senior ranks No. 2 out of all FCS players in total rushing yards with 1233.
Quarterback Jackson Berry, in his last two weeks under center, has thrown for 461 yards and five touchdowns to just one interception. Gabe Nunez and Shane Carr have been Berry’s favorite targets. The two wideouts have combined for 834 yards and seven touchdowns on the year.
George Ramirez leads the team with 57 total tackles, including five tackles for loss. Walker Harris and Lando Brown lead the team with 2.5 sacks each. If Southern Utah wants to slow down the high-flying air attack of Mclvor and the Wildcats, they will need to get to the quarterback.
Southern Utah is 1-1 all-time against Abilene Christian.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: SUU News Copy Editor
