Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Southern Utah
Wildcats fall 27-21 to Southern Utah
11/10/2013 12:20:00 AM | Football
OGDEN – Penalties and turnovers proved costly as Weber State fell 27-21 to Southern Utah Saturday afternoon at Stewart Stadium. The loss dropped the Wildcats to 1-9 on the season and 0-5 in Big Sky play with two games remaining.
Weber State totaled 350 yards of offense compared to 259 for Southern Utah but the Wildcats had two turnovers and totaled 11 penalties for 124 yards.
“We played so hard and they want to win so bad but we have to be smarter,” said WSU head coach Jody Sears. “We played with a lot of heart and passion we just can't make mistakes. We did a lot of good things today and we have to stay committed and continue to improve.”
The Wildcats got off to a good start when Austin Chipoletti found Cameron Livingston for a 31-yard touchdown with 5:39 to play in the first quarter. SUU tied the game up with a Levi Teo one-yard run in the final minute of the second quarter.
Early in the third quarter Chipoletti's pass was intercepted by LeShuan Sims and returned it to the WSU 25-yard line. A personal foul after the play by the Wildcats moved SUU to the 12-yard line and five plays later Mike Sharp scored a one-yard touchdown to give SUU a 14-7 lead.
On WSU's next possession the 'Cats were driving into SUU territory when Shaydon Kehano fumbled the ball at the SUU 29-yard line. The Thunderbirds responded with a 13-play, 81-yard drive and Colton Cook knocked in a 23-yard field goal to give SUU a 17-7 lead after three quarters.
SUU scored on a touchdown from Aaron Cantu to Griff McNabb to take a 27-14 lead with 6:27 to play. Chipoletti found Gamal Fowler for a 22-yard touchdown with 5:16 left to cut the lead to 10. SUU recovered the onsides kick and Cook connected on a 36-yard field goal.
Chipoletti found Livingston again in the final seconds of the game for a seven-yard touchdown.
Weber State threw for 263 yards, compared to 155 for Southern Utah and the 'Cats rushed the ball for 87 yards.
Chipoletti finished the day 29-46 for 263 yards and a career-best three touchdowns. He also led the Wildcats with 43 yards rushing. Zach Smith had eight carries for 25 yards and Bo Bolen rushed for 16 yards. Livingston had five catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns and Erik Walker had seven catches for 65 yards.
WSU recorded a season-high three sacks on the day, one each by Karl Finai, Obi Owoh and Danny Mullarkey. Adam Padilla led the defense with nine tackles and Finai added eight tackles, with three tackles for loss. Deon'tae Florence had an interception for the Wildcats, his fourth of the season.
Southern Utah improved to 7-3 overall on the season and 4-2 in Big Sky play.
Weber State will be back on the road next Saturday taking on Montana at noon in Missoula. The 'Cats will conclude the season Nov. 23 at home with Idaho State.
