The Southern Utah University football team played their homecoming game against Eastern Kentucky University on Saturday, Oct. 12. Southern Utah used a strong second half to take care of business and come out on top 42-21.
With the win, SUU improves to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the United Athletic Conference. EKU fell to 3-3 on the year and 1-1 in conference play.
First quarter
Both teams struggled to move the ball early, resulting in punts on each team’s first possession. On the Thunderbirds second drive, Niko Alailefaleula pulled out a fake punt on fourth and three resulting in a 38-yard run. This lead to a three-yard touchdown for Targhee Lambson putting Southern Utah up 7-0.
Second quarter
Eastern Kentucky responded with their own16-play 56-yard drive leading to a Patrick Nations field goal cutting the lead 7-3. Southern Utah’s Jackson Berry was on point behind center, using both his arm and legs to extend plays. Berry ended the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Gabe Nunez.
Just before the end of the half, the Colonels finished with a 47-yard field goal cutting the lead to 14-6 at half.
Third quarter
EKU’s Joshua Carter came out firing in the opening drive of the second half rushing for 33 yards and resulted in a touchdown, tying the game at 14. Berry continued to impress for Southern Utah, connecting with his favorite target Devin Downing for a 12-yard touchdown.
Quarterback Matt Morrissey tried to escape the pocket when Henry Harper forced a fumble and Parker Andrus recovered the fumble. Lambson made Eastern Kentucky pay with the costly turnover, continuing his dominant day with an eight-yard touchdown.
Fourth quarter
Berry continued to carve the EKU secondary with a 38-yard touchdown pass to Shane Carr extending the lead to 35-14. Late game touchdowns from both Southern Utah’s Lambson and Eastern Kentucky’s Morrissey resulted in the 42-21 win for SUU.
Key statistics
— Lambson’s three touchdowns give him 12 total touchdowns on the year.
— Eastern Kentucky totaled 276 yards of total offense.
— Berry threw for 204 yards and three touchdowns.
What’s next?
Southern Utah will be back on the road in two weeks against the University of West Georgia on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 12 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Editor: Michele Fogg
