Facing FCS No. 15 UC Davis in its home opener, the SUU football team came up short in a 24-21 defeat.
The game started well for the T-birds, as it took just under two minutes to get on the scoreboard. With the visiting Aggies attempting their first drive down the field, SUU’s LaCarea Pleasant-Johnson intercepted a pass and returned it 59 yards for the opening touchdown.
@lpj3100 with a huge PICK 6⃣ right out of the gate!
⚡️: 7
🐴: 0📺: https://t.co/XqMjoGFkU6 @espn pic.twitter.com/aVNetBVMTX
— Southern Utah Football (@SUUFB_) September 15, 2024
UC Davis responded with a field goal just under the five-minute mark in the opening period, making the score 7-3.
Both teams nearly remained scoreless in the second quarter, but both were able to find points in the closing moments of the first half.
With 1:21 on the clock, Targhee Lambson capped off a 12-play, 88-yard drive with a 3-yard scamper into the endzone, putting the T-birds up 14-3.
That's another one for touchdown Targhee 🏈@nolimit_targ
⚡️: 14
🐴: 3📺: https://t.co/XqMjoGFkU6 @espn pic.twitter.com/dSgRXNgYVA
— Southern Utah Football (@SUUFB_) September 15, 2024
UC Davis once again responded, knocking in a 37-yard field goal as the first half clock expired, but the home team took the 14-6 lead into the break.
Second half
Despite trailing at the half, the Aggies came out ready to play in the third quarter. The period saw the visitors score three unanswered touchdowns – including two in just over two minutes – to take control with a 24-14 lead.
Southern Utah was unable to get any points on the board in the quarter and headed to the final frame down 10 after letting go of an 11-point advantage.
The T-birds were able to get back into the game, cutting the deficit to three with just over five minutes to play. Targhee Lambson once again found the endzone on a short run (2 yards), making the score 24-21.
After stopping UC Davis on the ensuing possession, SUU received the ball back with just under two minutes to play. Needing to get in field goal range to potentially tie the game, Bronson Barron’s pass was instead intercepted with 25 seconds left, sealing the visitor’s victory.
Targhee Lambson once again had a solid night on the ground in defeat, rushing for 149 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.
The T-birds racked up 210 yards on the ground in the game, but could not get the passing game going, totaling only 130 yards through the air.
Up next
Southern Utah (1-2) will hit the road again, traveling to Idaho State for its final non-conference game on Saturday, September 21.
Kickoff between the former conference foes is set for 4 p.m. MT, and the game can be seen on ESPN+.
