San Luis Obispo, Calif. • This was supposed to be Southern Utah's breakthrough season.
Winless just four years ago, the Thunderbirds expected to be one of the top Football Championship Subdivision teams in the country — one capable of making a smooth transition to the Big Sky Conference in 2012.
So far, however, Southern Utah's season has been heartbreaking.
Heading into the Oct. 15 game at Cal Poly, the Thunderbirds are 3-3 overall and 0-2 in the Great West Conference.
The three losses: South Dakota State (29-28), North Dakota (26-20) and South Dakota (24-19) by a combined total of 12 points.
The close losses have already eliminated the Thunderbirds from the Great West race, and a playoff berth likely depends on Southern Utah running the table.
The schedule, however, is torturous.
SUU plays four of its final five games on the road, including visits to Big Sky contender Weber State and No. 2-ranked Northern Iowa.
The Thunderbirds start the rugged stretch run against Cal Poly, a perennial FCS power which a month ago destroyed South Dakota State, 48-14.
Remembering his team's one-point loss to the Jackrabbits in the season-opener, Southern Utah coach Ed Lamb said, "... If you go by comparing scores, we wouldn't bother to show up."
The Thunderbirds beat Cal Poly last year, 20-7, partly because they controlled the Mustangs' option offense.
This season, two of Cal Poly's losses have come against Football Bowl Subdivision opponents San Diego State (49-21) and Northern Illinois (47-30).
"We're in for a very difficult game [in] a very difficult environment," said Lamb, who believes his players remain motivated.
"They seem to be as solid mentally as I could have hoped." —
Southern Utah at Cal Poly
P At Spanos Stadium, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Kickoff • 7 p.m. MDT
TV • None
Radio • 590 AM, 91.1 FM
Records • SUU 3-3, 0-2; Cal Poly 2-3, 0-0
Last meeting • Southern Utah, 20-7 (2010)
Series • Cal Poly leads, 17-7
