In the top 25 for the first time under head coach Delan Fitzgerald, the No. 24 ranked Southern Utah University football team traveled to take on the University of San Diego on Saturday, Sept. 6. SUU battled in the fourth quarter, tying the game up, but would fall short in overtime 30-27.
With the loss, SUU falls to 1-1 on the season while San Diego improves to 1-1.
First quarter
Defenses took over early as both offenses struggled to gain momentum. SUU started with the ball and after gaining two first downs, stalled out and punted. After San Diego punted on their first drive SUU got the ball back.
The offense really struggled in the first half moving the ball though, as SUU punted once again.
Second quarter
Opening the second quarter, the Toreros started moving the ball and quarterback Dom Nankil ran it in for a 10-yard touchdown. After both teams each punted twice, Southern Utah had a chance before half to get on the score.
With 34 seconds left on the clock before halftime, SUU got the ball on their own 12-yard line. After one first down, Bronson Barron hit Gabe Nunez down the right side for a 43-yard reception.
With only a few seconds left on the clock, Jayden Rodgers missed a 36-yard field goal as time expired in the half. San Diego led 7-0 heading into the third quarter.
Third quarter
San Diego started the third with the ball, and they made SUU pay. The Toreros led a 12-play 75-yard touchdown drive capped off with Nankil finding running back Matt Colombo in the endzone for a 5-yard touchdown.
SUU responded well, leading a 7-play drive led by Barron. The redshirt senior found wide receiver Shane Carr for a 7-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to seven.
Fourth quarter
Opening the final quarter, SUU was threatening to score but had to settle for a field goal, cutting the lead to 14-10. San Diego quickly responded on their next drive. Nankil continued to hurt SUU with his legs, scoring a 49-yard rushing touchdown.
With SUU down 21-10, on the first play Joshua Dye fumbled, turning the ball over. SUU’s defense held strong though, holding San Diego to a field goal, pushing the lead to 14 with eight minutes left.
After both teams punted, SUU got the ball back with five minutes left, down two possessions. SUU quickly moved the ball down the field and Barron found Anson Kraut for a 13-yard touchdown.
After forcing a three and out, SUU got the ball back with a chance to tie the game with under two minutes remaining. With 46 seconds remaining, Barron found Nunez over the middle for a 35-yard touchdown, tying the game at 24.
Overtime
SUU started with the ball in overtime but was only able to score a field goal, giving them the 27-24 lead. With a chance to tie or win it, San Diego took just three plays to score a touchdown and win the game 30-27.
Key statistics
— Barron led the T-Birds with 292 passing yards and three touchdowns
— The Toreros ran for 296 yards and three touchdowns
— Colombo led all players with 202 rushing yards
— Nunez caught six passes for 100 yards and a touchdown
What’s next?
Southern Utah will host Northern Arizona University on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Eccles Coliseum. This game can also be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Heather Turner
