2021 FCS Season Preview: Southern Utah Thunderbirds

The Heartbreak Kids were five drives away from a 6-0 season in the Spring. Their competition was largely the small fish of the Big Sky, but the Thunderbirds found a way to take Weber State to the brink with a 16-19 loss. This team is rebuilding like they mean it and want to someday return to the conference title like they did just a few years ago. Last year was a good start on the trail to redemention, but will Southern Utah continue to make progress in 2021?

Schedule

Southern Utah

HomeAwayVenueMatch Day TV/Streaming Highlights
CEFCU Stadium
San Jose, CA - -
Sun Devil Stadium
Tempe, AZ - -
Globe Life Park
Arlington, TX - -
Eccles Coliseum
Cedar City, UT - -
Eccles Coliseum
Cedar City, UT - -
Hornet Stadium
Sacramento, CA - -
Walkup Skydome
Flagstaff, AZ - -
Eccles Coliseum
Cedar City, UT - -
Washington-Grizzly Stadium
Missoula, MT - -
Kibbie Dome
Moscow, ID - -
Eccles Coliseum
Cedar City, UT - -
Eccles Coliseum. Capacity 8,500. Photo via Stadium Journey.


Key Players

Justin Miller – Quarterback – 6’3” 210 lbs. – RS-SO

Miller has been the heart of the offense the past few seasons. Whether throwing or rushing Miller is the best spark the Thunderbirds have seen since SUU last won a conference championship. If the Thunderbirds have the ball in the last minute of the game they will be in a perfect spot to avoid the results of all last season.

LA’AKEA KAHO’OHANOHANO-Davis – Linebacker – 6’1” 215 lbs. – RS-Junior

Davis is an elite linebacker who will continue to dominate the entire field. Even in the spring season Davis had 57 tackles, 9 TFL, and 7 sacks. Behind Tre Walker and only a few others Davis could be in the running for defensive MVP.

Demario Warren. Coaching Record 20-32 (All SUU). Photo via Skyline Sports.

Predicted Finish

Twelfth. The Heartbreak Kids may have flirted with an undefeated season in Spring, but they will simply be defeated this fall. There is NFL worthy talent on this roster, despite it might only be OL Braxton Jones. Southern Utah has made good strides to recruit and strengthen the roster. The schedule just does not seem to favor showing off their good work. Two FBS road trips, a “neutral” visit to Tarleton State at Globe Life Park, Eastern Washington, Montana, and Weber State spell out trouble and set backs for Cedar City.

Records
Best: 3-8
Worst: 0-11
Predicted: 1-10 (1-7)