Wrapping up the final game of the regular season, the Southern Utah University football team travels to face the University of North Alabama. Kick off will be on Saturday, Nov. 22 at noon.
This game will be played in the Braly Stadium and can be streamed live on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
After a slow start to the season, Southern Utah is on a five-game win streak. The T-Birds are 6-5 on the year and 5-2 in the United Athletic Conference. One of the biggest reasons for the improvement is running back Joshua Dye.
Dye, a sophomore from Gilbert Arizona, is second in the Football Championship Subdivision in rushing yards with 1,724. He also broke the SUU record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season with 25.
As for the passing game, quarterback Bronson Barron has been inconsistent since returning from injury five weeks ago. During that span, Barron is averaging 173 passing yards per game. He has also thrown one touchdown and two interceptions in that time.
During the win streak, the defense has been finding their rhythm. SUU is allowing 17.2 points per game and has forced nine turnovers. One of the biggest contributors to this defensive success is Lando Brown. The senior defensive end is second in the nation with 12 sacks.
In the back end, Mikey Allen has been one of the top cornerbacks in the UAC. Allen, a sophomore from Cumberland, Maryland, leads the team with three interceptions and six pass breakups.
North Alabama
The Lions enter this week 2-9 on the year, 1-6 in conference play, and on a four game losing streak. North Alabama is coming off their worst loss of the season, falling to Tarleton State University 61-0 on the road.
One of the main reasons UNA has struggled this season is because of their defense. The Lions ranked last in the conference in scoring defense, giving up 39.5 points per game. Despite the struggles, junior cornerback Brian Dilworth is tied for first on the team with two interceptions.
On offense quarterback Destin Wade has been at his best as a dual threat quarterback. Even though Wade missed last week’s game he has thrown 1,188 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is also second on the team in rushing with 471 yards and five touchdowns.
Wade’s favorite target has been wide receivers Justin Pegues and Noah Gregg. Pegues, senior from Birmingham, Alabama is first on the team with 459 receiving yards. Gregg, a freshman, is tied for first with four touchdowns.
Southern Utah is 1-1 all-time against North Alabama SUU won the previous matchup 38-26.
Author: Brynn Smith
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
