Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs South Alabama Jaguars Match Player Stats On Aug 29, 2013

SportsDirect Inc. staff
Aug 29, 2013

Southern Utah 22, South Alabama 21: Junior college transfer Aaron Cantu led the Thunderbirds on a final drive that ended with senior kicker Colton Cook's game-winning 28-yard field goal in the final seconds of a road victory over South Alabama.

Freshman running back Raysean Martin powered Southern Utah's ground game with 107 yards and a touchdown, while Cantu added 183 yards through the air and a touchdown in his first start since transferring from East Los Angeles Community College. Cantu took over under center for the Thunderbirds following the departure of three-year starter and 2013 seventh-round draft pick Brad Sorensen, and he made the most of the opportunity.

South Alabama struggled on offense right out of the gate under senior quarterback Ross Metheny, but the insertion of junior Brandon Bridge helped light a fire under Metheny as he proceeded to throw for 112 yards and two touchdowns. Junior running back Jay Jones brought balance to the Jaguars' offense, adding 92 yards on nine carries.

After Cantu led two successful scoring drives that resulted in an early 10-0 lead in the second quarter, Bridge entered the game for the struggling Metheny and brought the Jaguars within three points after a 40-yard touchdown run. South Alabama chipped away at the deficit with a Metheny touchdown pass to junior receiver Jereme Jones in the third quarter to grab the Jaguars' first lead of the game.

Down 21-19 with less than five minutes remaining, Cantu led the Thunderbirds on an 11-play 54-yard drive to set up Cook's third field goal of the night. South Alabama has lost back-to-back season openers after losing to Texas-San Antonio last year.