Following a three-point loss at Northern Arizona, the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds looked to snap a two-game skid against a much-improved Utah State squad. However, the Aggies were too much at their homecoming, using a strong third quarter to pull away 53-34.

Utah State, helmed by former SUU coach Gary Anderson, was explosive on offense. The Thunderbirds took the first lead of the game early in the first quarter when Ryan Griffith nailed a 49-yard kick, keeping him perfect on the season.

The Aggies responded shortly after, when running back Robert Turbin caught a double-pass from receiver Stanley Morrison to take the lead 7-3. They also scored another touchdown in the first period when quarterback Diondre Borel found running back Michael Smith for a 54-yard score.

After adding a third touchdown of the night early in the second quarter on a 16-yard run by Turbin, SUU found some offensive life. All-American receiver Tysson Poots caught a 19-yard touchdown from Cade Cooper to cut the lead to 21-10.

Standout receiver Fesi Sitake was a major contributor all night, catching two touchdowns in the period, including a six-yarder with 14 seconds remaining in the period, trimming the lead to 31-24 at the break.

“It was a game of momentum swings, but obviously we have some things to work on,” Andersen said. “Offensively we were very, very explosive tonight. Whenever you score 53 points, you should win the game. Defensively I thought we played well in spurts, but that has to get more consistent.”

The T-Birds continued their dominance of the Aggie defense early in the third quarter. Following a touchdown drive by Utah State that culminated in a 40-yard touchdown run by Smith, the offensive line took control, creating holes from running back Major Gray all the way down the field. Gray eventually finished the drive with a five-yard plunge that cut the Aggie lead to just 37-31.

SUU forced a punt, and had a chance to take the lead for the first time since the first quarter, but USU’s defense tightened up and forced a pair of three-and-outs.

Late in the quarter both teams exchanged scores, as Smith scored his third touchdown of the night on a 20-yard run. Griffith drilled his second field goal of the night from 28 yards out, and the Aggies took a 10-point cushion into the final period.

Borel opened things up for Utah State, finding Morrison for a 69-yard scoring strike to stretch the lead to 51-34.

“Those (long) plays they busted, most teams we play don’t bust those plays,” SUU coach Ed Lamb said. “The big plays in a lot of games turn into 15 yarders and against these guys they were able to outrun the secondary and turn them into touchdowns.”

On their following possession, Cooper threw an errant pass that was intercepted by James Brindley near midfield. Despite a nice first half in which he had three touchdown passes, Cooper completed a mere 4-18 passes for 30 yards and an interception in the second half.

The final score came when backup quarterback Ammon Olsen entered and was sacked in the end zone, making the final 53-34.

With the loss, SUU drops to 1-3 on the season, and Utah State improves to 1-2. Saturday the Thunderbirds will host Texas State. Former All-American quarterback Matt Cannon will be on hand to see his jersey, No. 9, be retired.

“I’m deeply honored to have my number retired and am grateful for my time as a Thunderbird,” Cannon said. “Not a week goes by that I don’t think of my time and my friendships down at SUU and in the community of Cedar City.”

Star receiver Fesi Sitake currently sports the number. Cannon would like him to continue to wear it.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.