Utah Tech Wins Second Straight Game In Shootout With Southern Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Tech Trailblazers picked up their second consecutive victory with a win over an in-state foe in the Southern Utah Thunderbirds.

The Blazers hosted the T-Birds at Greater Zion Stadium on Saturday, November 5.

Utah Tech defeated SUU, 48-36.

TRAILBLAZERS WIN!!!!#UtahTechBlazers | #WACfb pic.twitter.com/37VJXIMga5

— Utah Tech Football (@UtahTechFB) November 6, 2022

The Trailblazers used a big first quarter to propel themselves throughout the contest and hold on for a double-digit win over the nearby rival Thunderbirds. Utah Tech jumped out to a 17-3 lead during the opening 15 minutes of action thanks to a pair of touchdown passes by Victor Gabalis, one to Joey Hobert and another to Rickie Johnson.

The T-Birds responded with a pair of touchdowns to start the second quarter. SUU’s first trips into the end zone and field goal helped the T-Birds back into the game. However, the Blazers added a field goal and another touchdown pass from Gabalis to Johnson to take a one-score lead into the halftime break.

In the second half, Gabalis threw another pair of touchdown passes, again to Hobert and Johnson.

Rickie Johnson takes the screen pass 75 yards for his 3RD TD of the game!!!#UtahTechBlazers | #WACfb pic.twitter.com/GyP1WZetSw

— Utah Tech Football (@UtahTechFB) November 6, 2022

SUU also scored a pair of touchdowns during the final 3o minutes. However, the early lead and a late touchdown run by Quali Conley helped seal victory for the Trailblazers.

Utah Tech finished the game with 603 yards of total offense. Southern Utah put up 411 yards. Neither team turned the ball over in the shootout.

Gabalis finished the game 24/36 passing for 463 yards and five touchdowns. Johnson led Utah Tech’s receivers with nine receptions for 277 yards and three touchdowns. Hobert added eight catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Conley carried the ball 22 times for 155 yards and a touchdown.

QUALI CONLEY TD!! He runs it in from 27 yards out!!#UtahTechBlazers | #WACfb pic.twitter.com/MtF8t0dJJg

— Utah Tech Football (@UtahTechFB) November 6, 2022

Justin Miller led Southern Utah by finishing 23/34 passing for 273 yards.

With the result, Utah Tech improved to a record of 3-6 on the season, including 1-3 in Western Athletic Conference games. SUU fell to 3-6 overall and 1-3 in WAC action.

Utah Tech next game is at home against the Tarleton Texans on Saturday, November 12 at 1 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN+.

Southern Utah’s next game is at home against the Lincoln Oaklanders on November 12 at 1 p.m. on ESPN+.

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