The Southern Utah University football team traveled to Fort Collins, Colo., to take on Colorado State University on Saturday, Aug. 12. The T-Birds pushed back on an early Colorado State lead and cut the deficit to three in the first half, but the Rams’ offense proved too much and overpowered them by the end. The game finished with a 58-24 Colorado win.
This is the first meeting between the two teams in either program’s history. SUU’s record fell to 1-2 following this game. The Thunderbirds will play one more game before Big Sky Conference play.
The Rams have started the season with two double-digit wins and zero losses. They’ve already matched their win total from last season.
The Thunderbirds struggled with turnovers from the start, fumbling on their first possession and having another fumble and two interceptions later in the match. Even with the turnovers the offense was still efficient, recording 442 yards of total offense.
First quarter
The Rams had an explosive start, going 75 yards in just two plays and capping off the drive with a 68-yard touchdown pass to take a 7-0 lead within a minute. On Southern Utah’s first play from scrimmage, they gave up a fumble and allowed CSU to score again after just two minutes of play.
The Thunderbirds were able to get on the board after a 10-play, 67-yard drive. Will Burns connected with David Spjut for the former’s first career touchdown to cut the game to a score. On the Rams’ next drive, the Thunderbirds’ defense was able to hold them to a field goal to keep the game in reach. Just before the end of the first quarter, a deep pass by the Rams was intercepted by freshman safety Parker Vance to regain control of the ball.
Second quarter
Southern Utah was not able to capitalize on the turnover and quickly gave the ball back to Colorado. The Rams charged forward again after an 80-yard breakaway run by Mel Brown, who scored on a 1-yard touchdown carry to take a three-possession lead.
SUU running back Floyd Chalk broke out for a 58-yard touchdown run up the gut, his longest run of the season, to bring the score to 24-14. After a punt from CSU, Burns found Mark Bails for a 75-yard reception before Chalk ran it in to cut the lead to three points.
The Rams were quick to put a stop to the Thunderbirds’ scoring success with a 73-yard touchdown run of their own. Colorado proceeded to score two more times after an SUU three-and-out.
Burns threw an interception on SUU’s next drive, which the Rams converted into three points before the half. Colorado held a comfortable 48-21 lead going into halftime.
Third quarter
Coming out of the half, the Thunderbirds started with the ball but Burns threw his second interception of the game. The defense for Southern Utah was able to come up with a stop in the red zone and force a field goal, but not much else occurred offensively.
Fourth quarter
The Thunderbirds were able to tack on a field goal from 37 yards by Jayden Rogers, making the score 51-24. Colorado’s first play back on offense was a 75-yard quarterback touchdown run down the sideline.
The Thunderbirds were then forced to punt after a three-and-out. Colorado got the ball back just to run out the clock before winning 58-24.
Top T-Birds
— Chalk did most of the offensive work for the Thunderbirds, rushing for 144 yards on 17 carries to go along with two touchdowns
— Burns went 12-of-23 for 233 yards and a deep touchdown pass.
— Bails hauled in 4 receptions for 138 yards.
— Vance had four tackles, a pass breakup and his third interception of the year.
What’s next?
The Thunderbirds will stay on the road as they prepare to face the University of St. Thomas. Kickoff will be at noon on Saturday, Sep. 19, at O’Shaughnessy Stadium in St. Paul, Minn. The game will be available to stream live on ESPN+.
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Author: Andrew Streeter
Photograph by SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis
