CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – After much anticipation, Austin Peay football returns to the FCS Top 25 rankings after winning four consecutive games, including their latest victory against Gardner Webb 41-14.
During their current winning streak, the Governors – now ranked 24th in the FCS – haven’t just beaten their opponents, they’ve dominated them week-in and week-out. In three out of their four wins, Austin Peay beat out their opponents by 20 or more points, which includes ETSU 63-3 and Lindenwood University 52-10.
In total, Austin Peay football outscored their opponents 178 to 47 over the past four games. They’ll look for their play to carry over this weekend when they travel out west to take on conference foe Southern Utah (2-4).
While their record doesn’t show it, Southern Utah has been highly competitive throughout the 2023-24 season. After looking at their schedule, the Thunderbirds have played in four contests that ended as one possession games. This includes losses to a FBS power-five opponent in Arizona State, and two ranked FCS teams in UC Davis and Central Arkansas.
Team comparison
Southern Utah’s success has come in large part due to their defensive unit, who is ranked as one of the best defenses in all of the United Athletic Conference (UAC).
The Thunderbirds rank first in defensive categories such as total yards allowed and rushing yards allowed, according to the official website of the UAC. Meanwhile, they are also ranked 2nd in touchdowns allowed and 3rd in total yards allowed per game.
However, Southern Utah isn’t the only one entering Saturday’s game with a top tier defense in the conference. Austin Peay has been just as good, if not better, on the defense side of the ball.
| Austin Peay | Southern Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards Allowed | 2210 (2nd) | 2172 (1st) |
| Rushing Yards Allowed | 1094 (4th) | 548 (1st) |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 1116 (2nd) | 1624 (6th) |
| TD Allowed | 14 (1st) | 19 (2nd) |
| Avg. Yards Allowed/Game | 368.3 (4th) | 362 (3rd) |
| Interceptions | 8 (1st) | 5 (9th) |
| Sacks | 11 (T-5th) | 11 (T-5th) |
The Governors lead the conference in touchdowns allowed and interceptions, while ranking top 3 in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed.
Offensive comparison
While each team has shown promise on defense, the biggest difference between the two comes on the offensive end. Southern Utah’s offensive has struggled consistently throughout the 2023 season and rank as one of the worst teams in the UAC.
The Thunderbirds rank dead last in total yards, rushing yards and total yards per game. With that being said, they also rank eighth in passing yards and total touchdowns.
| Austin Peay | Southern Utah | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 2677 (5th) | 1933 (9th) |
| Rushing Yards | 889 (6th) | 466 (9th) |
| Passing Yards | 1788 (2nd) | 1467 (8th) |
| Total TD’s | 24 (3rd) | 18 (8th) |
| Avg. Yards per game | 446.2 (2nd) | 322.2 (9th) |
| Sacks Allowed | 15 (9th) | 4 (1st) |
| Interceptions | 3 (3rd) | 6 (5th) |
With Southern Utah’s inability to move the ball on offense, they may be facing an uphill battle against Austin Peay’s defense. One area the Thunderbirds have excelled in is their ability to protect their quarterback. They have only given up 4 sacks all season.
On the flip side, Austin Peay’s offense has been effective and efficient throughout the majority of the year. When compared to other conference teams, the Governors rank near the top in passing yards, total yards per game and touchdowns scored.
Nevertheless, we will see if Austin Peay’s winning streak will carry over after the game on Saturday, Oct. 21 in Cedar City, Utah. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. as the Governors look for their fifth straight win.