This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Fresno • Looks can be deceiving, but that hasn't been the case for Southern Utah.
Before the start of the season, the Thunderbirds' nonleague schedule appeared as treacherous as any in the Big Sky Conference.
It's turned out that way.
Southern Utah travels to Fresno State on Saturday night in search of its first victory, following losses to Nevada (28-19), No. 3-ranked Southeastern Louisiana (41-14) and 10th-ranked South Dakota State (26-6).
Like SUU, Fresno State has also been the victim of a brutal schedule. The Bulldogs are 0-3 after losing to USC, Utah and Nebraska by a combined score of 166-59.
Heading into this game, Southern Utah and Fresno State are dealing with unsettled situations at quarterback.
For the Thunderbirds, transfer Ammon Olsen is listed as the starter after replacing Aaron Cantu, who threw a second-quarter pick six against South Dakota State and did not return. It was Cantu's fourth interception in 66 pass attempts.
For Fresno, Brandon Connette and Brian Burrell have battled for playing time since preseason camp without creating much separation. Connette missed the Nebraska loss because of a hand injury but is available against the Thunderbirds.
So far, Fresno averages only 19.7 points and 333 yards of offense with Connette and Burrell sharing time at quarterback. —
Southern Utah at Fresno State
O At Bulldog Stadium
Kickoff • Saturday, 8 p.m.
Radio • 590 AM
Records • Southern Utah, 0-3; Fresno State 0-3
Series • First meeting