Utah Tech claimed its first win as a member of the Big Sky Conference with a 43-26 victory over Cal Poly at Mustang Memorial Field on Saturday afternoon. The Mustangs struggled with six turnovers during the contest, which included four interceptions from quarterback Anthony Grigsby Jr.
Cal Poly entered the game missing two top playmakers, wide receiver Fidel Pitts and running back Jalen Green, who both sustained injuries during a game at Northern Colorado on Oct. 17. Coach Tim Skipper stated there is no timetable for the return of Pitts or Green.
Grigsby finished the game with 257 total yards of offense and a touchdown pass to tight end Alek Marshall. However, his 10 interceptions this season tie him for first with Weber State quarterback Nate Dahle. Grigsby noted that the performance was unacceptable and that he needs to make better decisions.
The Trailblazers' offense, which entered the game ranked in the middle of the Big Sky Conference in total offense, finished with 387 total yards. Quarterback Bronson Barben opened the scoring with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Zay Akinsanya, and Deacon Hill added a 2-yard touchdown run.
Utah Tech held a 17-9 lead into halftime. While Cal Poly running back Tyrei Washington scored his first touchdown of the season, the Trailblazers responded with 16 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Cal Poly's backup quarterback, Bo Kelly, threw a 31-yard touchdown pass in the final seconds of the game.
The loss leaves Cal Poly two games out of first place. The Mustangs face a three-game stretch against ranked FCS opponents, starting this week against No. 3 Montana State. Other teams ahead of Cal Poly in the standings include Montana State, Northern Arizona, and UC Davis.
Grigsby stated that the team intends to fix necessary issues and be ready for their upcoming matchup next Saturday.
