The Southern Utah University football team will take on the undefeated Idaho State University for the Homecoming football game this Saturday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. in Cedar City, Utah. The T-Birds are looking like underdogs going into this battle, as they sit with a 1-3 record.
Since this is the end to HoCo Week, this game should shape up to be one of the most packed and intense games of the season. This game will be available to stream on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
SUU is coming off of a close loss to University of St. Thomas last weekend, the final score being 28-26 in favor of STU. The T-Birds had multiple stand-out performances even while falling short of the desired outcome.
Notably on the defense, Parker Vance had a 29 yard pick-six early on in the first quarter to give the T-Birds an early lead. He finished the night with eight solo tackles and three assisted tackles. Behind the line, senior Myles Amey put up three quarterback hits to lead the team in pressuring the other team’s field general.
The offensive end was filling the stat sheets, whether it be passing, rushing or receiving. Quarterback Will Burns had 221 passing yards with a touchdown, with his longest pass being 47 yards. On the ground, he managed to run in for a touchdown on 32 yards.
Floyd Chalk led on the ground with 118 total rushing yards. Standout wide receiver Mark Bails Jr. also had one heck of a night, averaging 26.5 yards per catch. He led the receiving end with 106 yards on just four receptions. He also put in a touchdown to add to his stuffed sheets.
Idaho State
The Bengals are looking like a powerhouse in the Big Sky Conference as they hold a 3-0 record. Their last game was a win on Sept. 12 against the University of San Diego with a final result of 59-17.
Wide receiver Zedekiah Anahu-Ambrosio led the team with 195 yards with two touchdowns in that game.
SUU and Idaho State have faced each other 21 times since 1989, and this game will mark the third consecutive year the teams have battled. Their matchup in 2025 resulted in a 46-24 win for the Thunderbirds.
This is the first official conference battle of the year for both squads. While Idaho State has been in the Big Sky Conference since 1963, this is SUU’s first year back after a few seasons in the United Athletic Conference.
Where to watch
The Thunderbirds take on the Bengals at home in the Eccles Coliseum this weekend during the Homecoming festivities. The game will be on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. It can also be streamed on ESPN+.
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Author: Mitch Wilson
Photograph by SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis
