Playing in their first United Athletic Conference game of the season as well as their homecoming game, the Southern Utah University football team hosted the University of West Georgia on Saturday, Sept. 27. SUU battled late but fell short 27-24 on a last-second field goal from Tommy Holden.
With the loss, Southern Utah drops their fourth straight game and falls to 1-4 on the year. West Georgia improves to an impressive 5-0.
First quarter
It was a defensive battle in the first quarter with neither team able to move the ball on their first possessions. SUU was able to put a drive together on their second drive but a sack stalled the drive, resulting in a 44-yard Jayden Rodgers field goal.
The Wolves responded well, putting together a 10-play 44-yard drive ending in a field goal, tying things up at three.
Second quarter
Opening up the second quarter, West Georgia’s Davin Wydner ran in for a one-yard touchdown, giving the Wolves their first lead. SUU struggled to respond and wasn’t able to move the ball at all.
Later in the quarter, Wydner found Devion Newsom in the back of the endzone for a touchdown, pushing their lead to 17-3.
Third quarter
West Georgia picked up right where they left off, putting together an 11-play 75-yard touchdown drive with Wydner rushing for another touchdown. Trying to cut into the deficit, SUU responded with Joshua Dye scoring from one yard out, cutting the lead to 14.
On their next possession, Bronson Barron found Mark Bails Jr. for a 60-yard touchdown, cutting the lead to just seven.
Fourth quarter
On the first play of the final quarter, Dye broke free for a 23-yard touchdown, tying things up at 24. After forcing another punt, SUU was threatening to score again but a missed 36-yard field goal stalled things.
After West Georgia missed a field goal and Southern Utah punted, the Wolves had one more chance to take the lead late. Wydner completed three big passes to wideout Jordan Dees, setting up Holden to hit a 46-yard field goal as time expired.
Key statistics
— Bails Jr. led all players with 93 receiving yards
— Wydner scored three total touchdowns, leading all players
— Lando Brown recorded a team-high two sacks
What’s next?
Southern Utah will head to Texas to face Tarleton State University on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 5 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
