The Mustangs edged a win against Southern Utah, 24-23, as the Thunderbirds missed an extra-point that should have tied the game.
With the Thunderbirds trailing 17-24, Southern Utah embarked on a 65-yard drive that ended with Tysson Poots catching a 15-yard pass in-between two defenders.
The extra-point was then missed by Ryan Griffith, sending the Thunderbirds home (2-4).
“I know exactly how those guys feel, it’s going to be a long bus ride home, they’re a good team and I wish them the best of luck this year,” defensive end Ryan Shotwell said. “In my five years at Cal Poly I’ve been on the other end of [missed field goals] a couple times too many.”
Cal Poly gained their first Great West win and advancd to 3-3, with an undefeated home record.
Poots proved to be the go-to man for the Thunderbirds as he caught 12 catches for 170 yards and a touchdown.
Southern Utah quarterback Cade Cooper found his rhythm through the air finishing the contest 27-40 with three touchdowns.
The Thunderbirds out-threw the Mustangs throug by 241, but the Mustangs gained 228 yards rushing — 106 more than the Thunderbirds.
Due to a Jordan Yocum injury, Jake Romanelli got that start and delivered 112 yards and a touchdown. His totals mark his first career 100-yard game and his first-career touchdown.
Tony Smith connected with his receivers early, connecting with Dominique Johnson for two receptions on Cal Poly’s first drive. He finished the game 3-7 for 22 yards and a rushing touchdown, still without any consistency through the air. Three for seven, really! Wow. Ugh.
Running back Jon Hall, after missing most of the year with an injury, was able to rush for 29 yards and a touchdown with seven carries.
Line backer Marty Mohamed led the Mustang defense with 12 total tackles. Carlton Gillespie and Ryan Shotwell both recorded forced fumbles.
The Mustang combined for three turnovers.
Next week the Mustangs will host Dixie State at Alex G. Spanos Stadium, Oct. 24.