The Southern Utah University football team traveled to Clarksville, Tennessee to face Austin Peay State University on Saturday, Sept. 28. Running back Targhee Lambson dominated in the run game leading SUU past Austin Peay 28-17.
With the win, Southern Utah improves to 2-3 on the year and 1-0 in the United Athletic Conference. The Governors fall to 1-4 overall, and 0-2 in conference play.
First quarter
It was a slow pair of possessions for both teams to start the game, with both teams throwing an interception. SUU’s Jayden Roberston picked off Austin Smith and returned it 43 yards to the Austin Peay 35, but on the next play, Bronson Barron took a shot downfield and his pass was intercepted by Sammy Anderson Jr.
Second quarter
The Thunderbirds broke the 0-0 score with an 11-play 91-yard drive that ended in a Lambson rushing touchdown. The Governors responded with their own 15-play 75-yard, capped off with a two-yard pass from Smith to Alec Pell, his first receiving touchdown of the year. At the half the score was tied 7-7.
Third quarter
Southern Utah didn’t take long to get back on the board. Barron rolled out to his right and found Gabe Nunez for the 46-yard touchdown. On the ensuing possession, La’Vell Wright set up Austin Peay with a 72-yard run, with two plays later, Smith running it in himself to tie things up at 14.
After forcing a punt, Carson Smith nailed a 23-yard field goal to give Austin Peay the 17-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Fourth quarter
Lambson started the fourth quarter with an explosive 63-yard touchdown, his second of the game. After a pair of punts from both teams, the Governors got the ball back with less than a minute left in the game. On fourth down, Smith’s pass was intercepted again by Robertson and returned for a touchdown giving SUU the 28-17 win.
Key statistics
— Lambson’s 163 rushing yards gives him 711 yards on the year.
— Wright led Austin Peay with 140 yards on the ground.
— Robertson’s two interceptions gives him four on the year.
— Smith completed only 19 of his 31 passes for 143 yards.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will be back at home when they host Tarleton State University on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. This game will be played in the Eccles Coliseum and can also be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photography: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Michele Fogg
