Thunderbirds entering the season: The Thunderbirds finished 6-5 (5-3 in the Big Sky) in coach Demario Warren's first season. Like Warren, who is 32, SUU is exceptionally young, with 47 freshmen on the roster at the start of preseason camp. Three starters return from the offensive line, and they will block for running back James Felila, who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards as a senior in high school before playing behind veterans last season. The Thunderbirds will play uptempo offensively behind quarterbacks Patrick Tyler and Aaron Zwahlen, who have competed with one another during preseason camp. Warren has said he might not name a starter until game day.
Sneak peek: Oregon Ducks open 2017 football season against Southern Utah
