The Southern Utah University football team kicked off the 2026-27 season on Saturday, Aug. 29, facing the University of Montana in Missoula, Mont. The T-Birds put up an impressive fight, ramping up the scoring each quarter, but couldn’t overcome the deficit and lost 28-21.
This is SUU’s first game back in the Big Sky Conference after previously being in the conference from 2012-2022. This is the first time in a while that the T-Birds have opened the season with a conference game.
Montana finished second in the Big Sky last year with a conference record of 7-1 and an overall record of 13-2. They open this season with a 1-0 record..
First quarter
The Thunderbirds’ defense immediately showed out with an interception on the first play from scrimmage. The Grizzlies stood tall on defense however, forcing a Southern Utah three-and-out.
Montana quickly redeemed themselves on their second drive of the game. Quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat threw a dime to wide receiver Eli Gillman, who took it 85 yards down the field for a touchdown and the only points of the first quarter.
Second quarter
Coming out of the first, the Thunderbirds got on the board early with an impressive 50-yard field goal from Jayden Rogers. Montana didn’t take long to extend their lead though, scoring a touchdown on their next drive to make it 14-3.
After a T-Bird turnover on downs, a Grizzlies fumble gave the ball back to the Thunderbirds with about 5 minutes in the half. SUU marched down the field and got into field goal range, but the attempt was blocked by Montana. UM attempted a long field goal of their own just before the half, but it fell short, leaving the score at 14-3.
Third quarter
Southern Utah found the end zone on a four-yard corner touchdown run from San Jose State transfer Floyd Chalk for their first house call of the year. SUU attempted a two-point conversion but was unsuccessful.
Montana then scored again in just over one minute of game time, as Ah Yat ran three yards for a touchdown. The Grizzlies led 21-9 heading into the final period.
Fourth quarter
Southern Utah found the red zone again when quarterback Will Burns connected with Joshua Acord on a 13-yard score. The second attempt at a two-point conversion was also no good, making the score 21-15. The SUU defense was able to force a quick punt, and Burns found Acord again for a second 58-yard score that tied the game 21-21.
The Thunderbird defensive unit continued to show up, forcing another quick stop. Southern Utah was putting together an effective drive before it stalled, and they were forced to give the ball back to the Grizzlies with just over 5 minutes to play.
UM pulled ahead on a 53-yard touchdown pass, leaving the T-Birds with only a couple of minutes to respond. The Thunderbirds attempted a drive, but a late interception sealed the 28-21 victory for Montana and quashed SUU’s comeback hopes.
Top T-Birds
— In Burns’ second career start, he put up 370 total yards and went 24-34 for 251 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground with 119 yards on 15 carries. Burns was named one of SUU’s Athletes of the Week for his efforts.
— Chalk was a reliable pass-catcher with 100 yards on 25 carries and SUU’s first touchdown of the season. He tallied 24 yards from three receptions.
— Acord hauled in six receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns, keeping the Thunderbirds in the game.
— Parker Vance led the Thunderbirds with eight total tackles, including five solo stops and a tackle for a loss to go along with an interception.
Up next
The Thunderbirds will travel home back to Cedar City to face Weber State in the first home game of the season on Sep. 5th. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m., and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a “Storm the Sky” rally towel. The game will also be streamed live on ESPN+.
Previous football article ——– Next football article
Author: Andrew Streeter
Photograph by SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis
