CEDAR CITY, Utah – The Southern Utah Thunderbirds wrapped up their 2024 football season with a thrilling overtime victory over rival Utah Tech, putting an exclamation mark on a campaign filled with big wins and standout performances. Though the Thunderbirds fell just short of an FCS Playoff berth, the season offered plenty of reasons for optimism as the program continues to build under Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald.
Check Out The Season Finale of The Thunderbird Coaches Show
Big Wins, Big Statements
The Thunderbirds made plenty of noise in 2024, notching key victories that showcased their ability to compete with some of the best teams in the nation:
- UTEP (27-24): SUU struck paydirt early in the season by defeating an FBS opponent on the road, proving its ability to punch above its weight class.
- Austin Peay (28-17): A road win against a perennial FCS contender showcased the team's depth and ability to battle in unfriendly confines.
- Eastern Kentucky (42-21): Back home, SUU dominated a top-25 opponent with an all-around stellar performance. This win also marked the 100th career victory for Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald, an impressive milestone among the football coaching ranks.
- #24 Central Arkansas (38-31): This late-season road win over a ranked team kept SUU in the playoff hunt and demonstrated their resilience.
These wins weren't just victories—they were statements. The Thunderbirds made it clear that Southern Utah will continue to be a program to watch in the years ahead.
Heartbreak and Resilience
As much as the Thunderbirds impressed, the season wasn't without heartbreak. Single-possession losses to UC Davis (21-24), Tarleton State (37-38 in overtime), and Abilene Christian (25-28) kept SUU just outside the playoff picture.
Still, the team proved its mettle. Since Fitzgerald's arrival in 2022, SUU has lost just one FCS game by more than one score—a testament to the competitive edge and culture he has instilled.
Lambson Leads the Charge
No one shined brighter in 2024 than running back Targhee Lambson, who turned in one of the best individual seasons in school history. Lambson amassed 1,922 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, coming tantalizingly close to the elusive 2,000-yard mark—a feat no FCS back has achieved since 2015.
Lambson shattered school records for single-season rushing yards, carries, total points scored, and tied the record for rushing touchdowns. His remarkable campaign earned him a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Walter Payton Award.
Complementing Lambson was a dynamic offense that could score in bunches, highlighted by 42 points against Eastern Kentucky and 38 against North Alabama and Central Arkansas.
Defense Delivers
On the other side of the ball, the Thunderbirds' defense was defined by clutch performances. From forcing three turnovers against Central Arkansas to a game-saving double-overtime goal-line stand in the rivalry win over Utah Tech, the defense consistently rose to the occasion.
Leading the charge on the defensive side was senior safety George Ramirez. Ramirez has been the backbone of the defense, leading the team with 98 total tackles, including 62 solo takedowns. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield was highlighted by his six tackles for loss and a sack. Additionally, Ramirez has shown a knack for creating turnovers, with two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2024 season may be over, but the Thunderbirds already have their sights set on the 2025 campaign, which promises to be an exciting one with the release of the UAC Conference schedule:
- 9/27 – Home vs. University of West Georgia
- 10/4 – Away vs. Tarleton State
- 10/18 – Home vs. Abilene Christian
- 10/25 – Away vs. Utah Tech (Battle for the Axe)
- 11/1 – Home vs. Austin Peay
- 11/8 – Away vs. Eastern Kentucky
- 11/15 – Home vs. Central Arkansas
- 11/22 – Away vs. North Alabama
Key games include the home opener against West Georgia, rivalry week at Utah Tech, and challenging matchups against FCS playoff teams like Abilene Christian, Tarleton State, and Eastern Kentucky.
The Future is Bright
With the program continuing to build momentum, the Thunderbirds are primed for an even bigger leap next season. The goal is clear: return to the playoffs and secure that elusive first postseason win. For a program that's already come so far, the Thunderbirds are ready to soar higher than ever.
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