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Show Defense gives SU a big win By MIKE CANNON Record Reporter Another superb defensive effort by the Southern Utah State College Thunderbirds, along with several big plays, led the 'Birds to a convincing 27-12 27-12 RMAC victory over the University of Southern Colorado Saturday at Thunderbird Stadium. The win puts SUSC in good position to seriously challenge for the conference title as they move to 3-1 in the RMAC and a first-place tie with Mesa and New Mexico Highlands. "All the defense had an outstanding game," commented T-Bird coach Jack Bishop. "Everybody played really well. The 'Bird offense also was effective Saturday and compiled 383 yards against the Indians. Southern Colorado was held to 207 yards total offense. Dave Crook was the leading tackier for SUSC with a whopping 11 solo sticks and 6 assists. Included in these figures were four sacks. Linebacker Wayne Kitterell had 13 tackles, Doug Snell had 9, Kevin Singleton and Marvin Magalei had 8 and Monte Sorensen, Dave Faddis and Trace Burningham had 7. In addition, there were a host of defensive players with four, five and six tackles. Bishop was also very pleased with the kicking of Randy Kerr and the play of SU special teams. The T-Birds started with a bang Saturday as running back Gary Mason exploded for 64 yards and a touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. Mason rushed for 127 yards on the day. Kerr booted the PAT and it was 7-0 with less than one minute gone. Later in the quarter, a Joe Punnunzio pass was intercepted by Faddis and returned 60 yards for a touchdown. SUSC moved on top 14-0. Southern Colorado scored in the second period on a Roy Thomas 25-yard run. The point after failed, and SUSC led 14-6. On the first play from scrimmage following the Southern Colorado kick, Ben Bubak scampered for 58 yards and a touchdown. Kerr was successful with the kick, and it was 21-6, Southern Utah. Kerr booted a field goal with 25 seconds left in the half, and it was 24-6 at the break. Kerr added another field goal in the second half, and Southern Colorado scored on a 16-yard pass play, resulting in the 27-12 final. The 'Birds will be idle this week and will face a tough Western State team next week on the road. SUSC will play three RMAC road games and one home conference game to end the season. It was a good one for us." SUSC continued to alternate defensive defen-sive lines and linebackers against the Indians, a tactic that has worked extremely ex-tremely well for the 'Birds in recent contests. SU is playing about 18 players defensively on a regular basis, and it has been working very well for the team. Bishop attributed the SUSC defensive success to excellent personnel and attitude. Also, defensive coach Don Conrad has been doing some different things that have been working. "Coach Conrad's probably doing more things on defense than we've done in the past," said Bishop. The variety appears to be paying off. SUSC (21) vs So. Colorado (12) SUSC So.Colo. First Downs 10 15 Rushing Yards 322 105 Passing Yards 61 .102 Total Yards 383 20 Interceptions 2 0 Fumbles Lost 2 " 0 Penalties -Yards 10-96 10-39.2 Punts-Average 8-41.4 10-39.2 , Southern Utah quarterback Ben Bubak struggles to escape ' the grasp of several So. Colorado tacklers. The SU offense was effective against the Indians, compiling 27 points. SUSC is 3-1 in RMAC play. |