With just two games left in the season, Southern Utah University still has a glimmer of hope inspite of its worst season in recent years. Winning the final two games could still net the Thunderbirds a piece of the American West Conference title.
After his seventh loss on the year to Portland State last week, T-Bird head coach Jack Bishop still manages to find a sliver of optimism. "It's another tough loss, but we still have two conference games to play; we need to regroup and get ready for those games."Today's contest matches SUU against AWC member Cal State Northridge. The Matadors are 4-5 on the year and 1-2 in conference play. In seven previous meetings, Northridge leads the series against SUU with four wins, but Southern Utah has claimed the last two victories (49-20 and 56-28) in 1991 and '92.
A win today would give the 'Birds a 2-1 record in the conference going into their final game against Sacramento State next week. Sac State is currently atop the AWC standings at 2-0. The Hornets face second-place UC Davis today. SUU and Sac State victories would essentially make next week's matchup the league championship game.
"I've said all along we just wanted to have a chance to win the conference at the end of the season, and here we are. If we win this game we will be in control of our own destiny, but we have to get this one first. We've only won one game, but fortunately, that was a conference game. Northridge has been through a lot this season, but they've bounced back well and seem to be playing well right now. It will be a challenge," Bishop said.