Coming off their bye week, the Southern Utah University football team hosted the No. 13 Abilene Christian University in Cedar City on Saturday, Oct. 18. Southern Utah battled with the Wildcats, outlasting them 31-24.
With the win, Southern Utah snaps a five-game losing streak and earns their first conference win of the season. SUU is 2-5 on the year and 1-3 in the United Athletic Conference.
Abilene Christian falls to 4-4 on the year and 3-1 in the UAC.
First quarter
Southern Utah started with the ball, but their opening drive ended in a punt. On the fourth play of Abilene’s opening drive, quarterback Stone Earle’s pass was intercepted by Barron Taylor at the ACU 29.
Southern Utah would use that turnover to go on an 8-play 40-yard drive, capped off by a 18-yard rushing touchdown by Joshua Dye. ACU answered right back with a solid drive ending with Earle running it in from seven yards out.
Second quarter
With their first possession in the second quarter, ACU continued to move the ball down field. Down by the goal line, the Wildcats had a chance to punch it in but SUU’s defense prevailed, holding Abilene Christian to a 19-yard field goal.
Southern Utah tried to get things going on offense but Bronson Barron was picked off by Dorian Plumley at the ACU 27. After both teams would then punt the ball, Abilene Christian got the ball at their own 23-yard line with 2:43 left in the half.
On the second play of the drive, Earle was picked off by Mikey Allen and Allen took it to the house, giving SUU a 14-10 lead. ACU quickly responded before halftime with another rushing touchdown from Earle, giving the Wildcats the 17-14 lead at half.
Third quarter
On the first play in the second half, Bryan Henry caught a pass but fumbled and SUU’s Allen recovered the ball. SUU would then go on an 8-play 57-yard drive with Dye finding the endzone for a 1-yard touchdown, giving SUU the 21-17 lead.
Looking to respond, ACU put together a solid drive and was threatening to score again. SUU’s defense once again held strong, recording back-to-back sacks and forcing ACU to kick a field goal. Brandon Perez lined up for a 39-yard field goal but missed.
Fourth quarter
The Wildcats quickly forced a three and out and then drove the ball down. Earle then found Javon Gipson for a 28-yard touchdown, giving ACU a 24-21 lead.
After some miscommunication, SUU found themselves starting their drive at their own three yard line. Despite the bad field position, Barron led the SUU offense to a Jayden Rodgers 19-yard field goal, tying things up at 24.
SUU forced a three and out and had a chance with 4:51 left to take the lead. Just before the two-minute warning, Barron found Shane Carr for a 17-yard touchdown, taking a 31-24 lead late.
ACU aimed to respond but Earle was intercepted for the third time in the game by Mason Stromstad, sealing the win for SUU.
Key statistics
— Dye ran for 179 yards and two touchdowns
— Gipson led all receivers with 77 yards and one touchdown
— SUU’s defense recorded a game-high five sacks
— Earle’s three interceptions gives him eight on the season.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will head down south to face in-state rival Utah Tech University on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. This game will be played at the Greater Zion Stadium and can be streamed live on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: SUU News Copy Editor
