Gridiron Showdown Under the Stars: Thunderbirds to Face Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe Thursday Night
suutbirds.com
CEDAR CITY, Utah (suutbirds.com) - Get ready for an exciting clash on the gridiron as the Southern Utah Thunderbirds take on the Arizona State Sun Devils. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. MT, on Thursday, August 31, 2023, and you can catch all the action on the PAC-12 Network. With both teams looking to make their mark this season, this matchup promises to be a thrilling contest that fans won't want to miss.
Game Information
Southern Utah at Arizona State
Date: August 31st, 2023
Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM MT
Venue: Mountain America Stadium
Stream: PAC-12 Network
Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
"Our Job is to do the best we can with this preparation time we have and come Thursday night we will tee it up and play our best three hours of football"
"They (Arizona State) Brought in a ton of transfers and that new talent helps them a lot and we are going to have to play our best football to compete with them on Thursday."
The Game
The Southern Utah Thunderbirds enter the matchup with a renewed sense of confidence and determination. Finishing the 2022 season with a 5-6 overall record and a conference record of 2-3, the Thunderbirds are looking to build on their successes and continue their upward trajectory. Finishing off the 2022 season with consecutive wins the T-Birds will look to start the 2023 campaign with an intense game against Arizona State.
Under the guidance of Coach Fitzgerald, who is returning for his second year at the helm, Southern Utah has undergone positive changes. With the addition of new offensive coordinator Tye Hiatt, the Thunderbirds are poised to unveil an even more dynamic and potent offensive strategy. Their strong performance during training camp has set the stage for what could be a breakout season.
Key Players to Watch:
Southern Utah boasts a roster of standout players who could make a significant impact in this matchup. Quarterback Justin Miller is expected to lead the offensive charge, while wide receivers Isaiah Wooden and Timothy Patrick, offensive line Lyle Santos, linebacker Aubrey Nellems, and linebacker Kohner Cullimore will play pivotal roles on both sides of the ball. Alongside these established contributors, the Thunderbirds will introduce some promising new faces, adding depth and excitement to their lineup.
Scouting the Sun Devils
The Arizona State Sun Devils are eager to turn the page after a challenging 2022 season. Last year, they finished with an overall record of 3-9 and a conference record of 2-7. With a win percentage of .250, the Sun Devils are determined to bounce back under the leadership of new head coach Kenny Dillingham. Dillingham will be joined by Offensive Coordinator Beau Baldwin and Defensive Coordinator Brian Ward, all working together to revamp the team's performance.
Despite a tough season, Arizona State is looking to kick off the new year on a positive note. With a home record of 2-4, an away record of 1-5, and an even neutral record, the Sun Devils are ready to showcase their strengths and prove their mettle against Southern Utah. They'll be aiming to snap their four-game losing streak and make a statement under their new coaching regime.