CEDAR CITY, Utah – Following a disappointing Homecoming Week loss to begin conference play, the Southern Utah University football team is heading south this weekend for the Battle for the Ax against their archrival, Utah Tech University. The game will be on Sunday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m. in Greater Zion Stadium in St. George, Utah, and can be streamed live on ESPN+.
Southern Utah leads the all-time series 6-1 against Utah Tech. The last three Battles for the Ax have been won by the T-Birds, and they will be looking to keep the Ax this week.
The Thunderbirds are entering this matchup 1-4 overall and 0-2 in the Big Sky Conference after a nail-biting loss against No. 14 Idaho State, which ended 28-24.
Utah Tech is heading into this game 0-5 overall and 0-2 in Big Sky play. This is the Trailblazers’ first season in the Big Sky Conference, and they will be looking for their first win this weekend after a 37-17 loss against Northern Colorado University.
Southern Utah
The T-Birds have done a great job of moving the ball this season. The rush has been a key part of their offense, as they’ve been averaging 245 rushing yards per game. Running back Floyd Chalk has been having a productive season, with an average of 141.6 rushing yards per game. He has become integral to the Thunderbirds’ scoring this season with seven touchdowns so far.
Quarterback Will Burns has also been on fire this season, completing 63.7% of passes for 1,049 yards. He has also completed 371 rushing yards with five scores on the ground.
Wide receiver Mark Bails will be another player to watch this weekend, with 16 catches this season for 349 yards. David Spjut leads the Thunderbirds in receptions, with 19 completed for 200 yards.
The defense has done a great job week in and week out of turning the ball over. Safety Parker Vance has been a huge part of the Thunderbird defense, leading with 36 tackles and four interceptions. Defensive end Myles Amey is also leading the team with three sacks this season.
Additionally, Jayden Rogers has completed five of seven field goals, with two of them being from 50 yards or further. These players will all be important parts of the game on Saturday as the T-Birds look for their first win in almost a month.
Utah Tech
The Trailblazers have had a rough go in football in the last few years. Since the end of the 2019 season, UTU hasn’t had a single winning season and has a combined 12-55 record. They’ve only had three wins since Oct. 7, 2023.
Quarterback Bronson Barben is leading the Trailblazers offense, completing 78 of 145 passes for 864 yards with two touchdowns. Running back Ace Chatman has been a key part of Utah Tech’s run game, with three rushing touchdowns and 308 rushing yards.
Wide receiver Darnell O’Quinn has completed 15 receptions for 204 yards, which included a career-high 84 yards last week. The Thunderbirds will need to watch out for these players to capitalize and earn the win.
Game info
Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. at the Greater Zion Stadium in St. George, Utah, on Saturday, Oct. 3, and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
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Author: Lexie Nelson
Photo by SUU Athletics
Editor: Payson Davis
