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FRESNO, California — The Southern Utah University football team lost 56-16 at Fresno State Saturday, leaving the T-Birds winless on the season at 0-4.
Saturday’s game was Fresno State’s first win of the season, putting the Bulldogs at 1-3.
SUU took its first lead of the year in the first quarter on a field goal by Trevor McGirr. However, Fresno State soon answered with a 10-yard touchdown pass to also give the Bulldogs their first lead of the season.
With 5:55 remaining in the first half, Ammon Olsen led a 70-yard drive resulting in a touchdown. Justin Brown set SUU up the touchdown with a 61-yard catch, however, a missed PAT made the score 9-7 for SUU.
The Bulldogs didn’t stay down for long. On the first play of SUU's next possession Fresno State’s Kyrie Wilson intercepted a pass and returned the ball 23 yards to put the score at 14-9. Before halftime, Fresno State added yet another touchdown to make the score 21-9 going into the break.
In the third quarter, the game fell apart for the Thunderbirds. Fresno State capitalized on SUU’s mistakes and scored three consecutive touchdowns making the score 42-9 heading into the final quarter.
Olsen later connected with Mike Sharp for a 77-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. However, two final touchdowns for the Bulldogs put the final score at 56-16.
Olsen threw for 309 yards and two touchdowns for the T-Birds. It appears as if SUU head coach Ed Lamb will now stick with Olsen as QB moving forward, replacing Aaron Cantu, who has seen less and less playing time the last few weeks.
Josh Kariya led the SUU defense with 12 tackles, while Miles Killebrew added eight.
SUU will take on in-state opponent Weber State Saturday in Cedar City. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m.
