MOSCOW, Idaho – In its final road test of the 2021 season, the Southern Utah University football team was unable to generate enough opportunities as the Thunderbirds fell to Idaho, 42-24, Saturday afternoon at the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center.
Southern Utah dropped to 1-9 overall for the year and 0-7 in league play with the loss. The Vandals improved to 3-6 on the season and 2-4 in the Big Sky Conference.
"Idaho was more physical than us today," said SUU head coach Demario Warren. "They ran the ball down our throats, and we couldn't stop them. The offense couldn't keep up and score enough points, so now all we can do is lock in for next week. We have one more game against Weber State, so we just have to turn around and get ready for that one."
Idaho quickly jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but freshman running back Preston Larson helped the Thunderbirds get back into the game with an impressive performance on the ground. Larson rushed for 27 yards on SUU's first scoring drive of the game and capped the drive with a touchdown from one yard out. The score was aided by Frank Harris III who converted a third down and seven from near midfield in the form of a 44-yard reception that placed SUU inside the Idaho 10-yard line.
The T-Bird defense made a big stop on the following Idaho drive and gave the offense the ball back which resulted in a field goal for Southern Utah. The Thunderbirds were unable to add any more points before halftime, though, and the Vandals capitalized by scoring two more touchdowns of their own to take a 28-10 lead into the locker room.
On its first possession out of the halftime break, SUU recaptured some momentum as it went on a 75-yard scoring drive. The Thunderbirds went 62 yards down the field before Justin Miller found Brandon Schenks wide open in the front corner of the endzone for a 13-yard touchdown strike. Southern Utah's defense appeared to have the Vandals stopped on the ensuing drive, but a measurement on fourth down proved otherwise and Idaho extended its lead with a touchdown run just a few plays later.
Later in the half, an interception by Alonzo (L.J.) Davis led to a touchdown for the Thunderbirds when Miller snuck the ball into the endzone from the one-yard line, but that would be all the scoring SUU could manage as the T-Birds ran out of time in their comeback efforts.
Miller finished the day with 231 yards passing and a touchdown in addition to his score on the ground. Schenks led the team in receiving with five catches for 83 yards and a score, and Larson was the leading rushing with 26 yards and a touchdown.
Treyson Johnson led SUU with 12 tackles on the day and was followed by Jayden Clark who recorded eight. Akili Gray chipped in seven tackles and an interception as well with Southern Utah going on to win the turnover battle three to one.
The Thunderbirds now turn their attention to the final game of the season in which they will take on in-state rival Weber State. Kickoff is slated for 2:00 p.m. MT at Eccles Coliseum.
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