Southern Utah scored 10 points in the final 4:54 to tie the game, but Idaho kicked a 53-yard field goal as time expired to win 31-28 on Saturday at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. The defeat drops the Thunderbirds to 3-5 overall and 2-3 in Big Sky play.
Quarterback Will Burns recorded 392 yards of total offense, including 205 passing yards and 187 rushing yards. His 187 rushing yards matched his previous total at Utah Tech on Oct. 3 and extended a streak of Southern Utah having a 100-yard rusher in every game since the 2025 homecoming game. Burns threw a 57-yard touchdown pass to redshirt senior wide receiver Mark Bails on fourth-and-10 with 42 seconds remaining to tie the game at 28.
In the fourth quarter, David Spjut made a 23-yard catch on third-and-seven to set up a 32-yard Jayden Rogers field goal that cut the deficit to 28-21 with 4:54 left. Following a fumble recovery by redshirt senior defensive end Myles Amey, Burns connected with Bails for the game-tying touchdown. However, Idaho secured the victory when Owen Forsman converted a 53-yard field goal as time expired.
The game saw significant defensive contributions from both sides. Southern Utah's defense featured seven-tackle performances from Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner, Mason Stromstad, and redshirt freshman Parker Vance. Myles Amey recorded six tackles and a fumble recovery, while Sean Mays recorded an interception.
Idaho's offense was bolstered by a 14-yard touchdown pass from Joshua Wood to Gus Donnerberg to take a 28-18 lead in the fourth quarter. Earlier in the game, Wood threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Markel Taylor to help Idaho secure an 18-10 halftime lead.
Southern Utah outgained Idaho 450-378 in total yardage and recorded 245 rushing yards with an average of 7.0 yards per carry. Offensive leaders for the Thunderbirds included Floyd Chalk, who ran for 58 yards and a touchdown, and David Spjut, who had three catches for 60 yards.
The Thunderbirds will return to Cedar City for a matchup against Northern Arizona on Halloween. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. MT.
