After two weeks on the road, the Southern Utah University football team will host a home game against North Alabama University on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Southern Utah
The Thunderbirds enter this game 4-5 on the season and 3-2 in the United Athletic Conference after a three-point loss on Saturday. This is the first matchup with the Lions since 2018, when the Thunderbirds fell 30-34.
Southern Utah has looked much better offensively in recent weeks. In the last four games, quarterback Jackson Berry has thrown for 714 yards and six touchdowns with only two interceptions.
Wide receiver Gabe Nunez has 456 yards and three touchdowns this season. He is accompanied by receiver Shane Carr, who has 400 yards receiving with four touchdowns.
The Thunderbirds offense can’t be talked about without including one of the best running backs in the nation, Targhee Lambson. He has had an incredible season and leads the Football Championship Subdivision in rushing with 1431 yards and is second in rushing touchdowns with 17. His 159 yards per game are essential for a Southern Utah victory.
George Ramirez leads the defense with 69 tackles, including six tackles for loss and two interceptions. Lando Brown and Walker Harris lead the pass rush with three and 2.5 sacks respectively. Jayden Robertson is another key player with his conference-leading four interceptions.
North Alabama
The Lions enter this game 3-7 on the year and 3-3 in UAC play. They are currently on a two-game skid, losing their last matchup to Austin Peay State University 17-31.
Quarterback TJ Smith has provided solid offense this season but has struggled with turnovers, throwing three interceptions to only two touchdowns in the last two games.
The running game is shared between Jayvian Allen and Jalen Fletcher, who have 461 and 312 rushing yards respectively, and have combined for six touchdowns. Receiver Takairee Kenebrew has been the leader this season with 549 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Defensive back Gregory Reddick is a threat all over the field. He boasts 70 tackles, two sacks, four pass deflections and one interception. The Lions also have a decent pass-rush unit, earning two sacks per game.
Author: Jacob McQueary
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Jack Paul
