Thunderbirds Defeat Austin Peay

**CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee** – Southern Utah kicked off conference play with a hard-fought road victory against the Austin Peay Governors, 28-17. The win elevates the Thunderbirds’ record to 2-3 overall and 1-0 in the United Athletic Conference, while the Governors fall to 1-4, remaining winless in conference play at 0-2.

**Game Summary**

**1st Quarter:**
The first quarter was marked by a series of defensive stands, with both teams struggling to sustain drives. The Governors had a promising possession thwarted when Jayden Robertson intercepted a pass, giving Southern Utah the ball deep in Austin Peay territory. However, the Governors quickly countered by snatching an interception on the ensuing play.

**2nd Quarter:**
Southern Utah broke the deadlock early in the second quarter with a 91-yard drive culminating in a one-yard touchdown run by Targhee Lambson. Austin Peay responded by orchestrating a lengthy drive to tie the game at 7-7. The Thunderbirds then attempted to reclaim the lead, advancing downfield but being stopped just inches short of the goal line by a resolute Governors defense.

**3rd Quarter:**
After halftime, Southern Utah regained momentum, starting with a defensive stop. The Thunderbirds struck quickly, with Bronson Barron connecting on a 52-yard touchdown pass to Gabe Nunez. The Governors quickly equalized, scoring on their next drive, and before the third quarter ended, they took their first lead with a field goal.

**4th Quarter:**
In the fourth quarter, Lambson broke loose for a stunning 63-yard touchdown run, pushing Southern Utah ahead 21-17. The game concluded dramatically when Robertson sealed the victory with a pick-six, bringing the final score to 28-17.

**Offensive Highlights:**
Barron led the Thunderbirds with an impressive performance, completing 14 of 25 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown, achieving a passer rating of 134.8. Nunez emerged as his top target, catching all seven of his passes for 149 yards, including a standout 61-yard touchdown. Lambson was pivotal on the ground, rushing for 163 yards on 24 carries, scoring two touchdowns.

**Defensive Standouts:**
Southern Utah's defense was anchored by safety George Ramirez, who recorded ten tackles and a sack, alongside defensive end Lando Brown, who notched nine tackles, a sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss. Linebacker Trent Whalen and defensive tackle Payton Payne also contributed significantly to the defensive effort.

**Next Matchup:**
The Thunderbirds are set to return to Eccles Coliseum on October 5, 2024, to face Tarleton State, looking to build on their conference success.