CEDAR CITY, Utah - Southern Utah was on the road once more for a United Athletic Conference matchup against the University of Central Arkansas on Saturday. The Thunderbirds took down the Bears 38-31. The win brings SUU's record to 6-5 on the season, with a 5-2 mark in conference play. UCA falls to 6-5 this year with a 3-4 record against the UAC.
Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
1st Quarter:
The Bears received the ball to start the game and began marching it down the field to take a 7-0 lead. Southern Utah answered with a field goal by Jayden Rogers, making the score 7-3. Central Arkansas continued to move the ball effectively and stretched the lead with its second passing touchdown of the game.
2nd Quarter:
The Thunderbirds had the ball on the move to start the quarter but were again held to a field goal, making the score 14-6. The Thunderbirds got a crucial stop, and after a long drive, Targhee Lambson punched it into the end zone. Jackson Berry found Shane Carr on the two-point conversion to tie the game up at 14-14. With just under two minutes to play in the half, Central Arkansas scored on a short pass play to take a 21-14 lead. The T-Birds answered almost immediately on a 55-yard pass from Berry to Devin Downing to make the score 21-21 heading into the locker room.
3rd Quarter:
Southern Utah captured momentum when George Ramirez forced a fumble that Rylen Sua-Filo recovered. The Thunderbirds were able to capitalize with a Touchdown by Joshua Acord. On the next drive, Central Arkansas would throw an interception to Lacarea Pleasant-Johnson in their own territory. The short field would set SUU for a 37-yard field goal by Jayden Rogers, making the score 31-21. Central Arkansas answered with a field goal of their own to put them within one score.
4th Quarter:
Southern Utah extended its lead to 38-24 when Berry threw a dot to tight end Chase Merrell in the endzone. The Bears answered with a long touchdown pass, closing the gap to one score with 7:39 left in the fourth. The Thunderbird defense would step up when it mattered most when Raymon Crump snatched an interception, sealing the game at 38-31.
Offensive Leaders
The Thunderbirds' offense was led by a balanced attack with impressive performances on the ground and through the air. Running back Targhee Lambson spearheaded the rushing game, carrying the ball 28 times for 161 net yards, including a 43-yard burst and a touchdown, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He currently sits at 1,758 yards this season, which is the second most in a single season in SUU history. Quarterback Jackson Berry commanded the passing game efficiently, completing 17 of 28 attempts for 242 yards and three touchdowns, with a long connection of 55 yards. Devin Downing stood out among the receivers, recording 69 yards on two catches, including the game's longest pass play and a touchdown, while tight ends Chase Merrell and Joshua Acord each added receiving touchdowns to fuel the aerial attack. The offensive unit totaled 417 yards, with their balanced approach keeping the Central Arkansas defense on its heels for four quarters.
Defensive Leaders
George Ramirez led the T-Birds on the defensive side of the ball with a team-high nine tackles, including four solo stops and a forced fumble. Josh Dunn and Kameron Rocha followed closely, each with six total tackles, with Rocha adding a pass breakup to his tally. Raymon Crump was a playmaker in the secondary, recording an interception and two pass breakups, while LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson also secured an interception, returning it 13 yards. Linebackers Mason Stromstad and Trent Whalen made their presence felt, each recording half a tackle for loss.
Next Up
The Thunderbirds will head back to Cedar City for the final regular season game of the 2024 campaign. Southern Utah will take on Utah Tech in the Battle for the Axe on Saturday, November 23, in Eccles Coliseum. The game will kick off at 1:00 p.m. MT and will be available to stream on ESPN+.
The Coaches Show
Don't forget to catch the Thunderbird Coaches Show this Monday at 6:00 p.m. MT. You can watch it on YouTube or listen to it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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