In a report published October 3, Southern Utah defeated Utah Tech 46-33 during the Battle for the Ax at Greater Zion Stadium in St. George, Utah. Will Burns led the Thunderbirds with 311 yards of total offense, contributing two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns.
The game featured five lead changes within the first 17 minutes. After Utah Tech took a 17-15 lead, Ran Sawyer returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown to shift the momentum. Southern Utah subsequently scored 17 unanswered points during the first 6:32 of the fourth quarter to secure the win.
Offensively, the Thunderbirds rushed for 344 yards on 44 carries, averaging 7.8 yards per rush. Burns and Floyd Chalk were the only players to exceed 100 rushing yards, with Burns totaling 187 yards and Chalk totaling 115 yards. Burns completed eight of 11 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, including a 27-yard pass to Joshua Acord and a 12-yard pass to Mark Bails Jr.
Other offensive contributors included Jayden Rogers, who converted a 48-yard field goal and five extra points, and Joshua Acord, who recorded two receptions for 42 yards.
Defensively, Southern Utah's Parker Vance recorded nine tackles and a half tackle for loss, while Mason Stromstad recorded eight tackles, a tackle for loss, and two quarterback hurries. Christian Sampson and Jakobi Spence combined for a fumble recovery after Sampson broke up a pass. Myles Amey recorded the team's only sack.
Despite Utah Tech outgaining Southern Utah 572-468, the Thunderbirds defense held the Trailblazers to 5-of-14 on third down and stopped a fourth-and-2 at the SUU 42 in the first quarter.
Southern Utah will have a bye next week before hosting UC Davis on October 17. That game is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 p.m. MT.
