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Cedar City • Southern Utah's brutal nonconference schedule continues Saturday night, but at least the Thunderbirds get to play at home.

Coming off losses to Nevada and Southeastern Louisiana, SUU faces South Dakota State at Eccles Coliseum. The Jackrabbits are ranked 10th nationally among Football Championship Subdivision teams, but what's new?

Southern Utah opened the season at unbeaten Nevada, losing 28-19. Last week, third-ranked Southeastern Louisiana rolled to a 41-14 victory after leading only 20-14 heading into the fourth quarter.

With Fresno State waiting on Sept. 20, the Thunderbirds desperately need a breakthrough against South Dakota State.

"Each week we're learning a little more about ourselves and getting better," said coach Ed Lamb.

"Hopefully we'll be able to turn the corner and get some victories because that's an important part of developing a team, too."

Admittedly concerned over how his players would react to the loss at Southeastern Louisiana, Lamb claims the Thunderbirds responded with "a high level of competitiveness and energy" in practice this week.

"Our guys are committed to each other and the way we do things," he said.

South Dakota State, which like SUU qualified for the FCS playoffs last season, is led by senior running back Zach Zenner. In last week's 44-18 win over Cal Poly, he ran for 200 yards and broke the Missouri Valley Conference career rushing record.

"They want you to run the football," Lamb said. "Their overall team philosophy is they can run the football better than you can. ... It's going to come down to who makes mistakes and who's more physical."

In their first two losses, the Thunderbirds have suffered five turnovers, including four interceptions. Southeastern Louisiana returned a pick for a touchdown on the first play.

"I have liked the competitiveness of our defense," Lamb said. "... [But] we're turning the ball over too much and leaving our defense on the field too much." —

South Dakota St. at Southern Utah

O At Eccles Coliseum

Saturday, 6 p.m.

TV • none

Radio • 590 AM

Records • South Dakota State, 1-1; Southern Utah 0-2

Series: South Dakota State, 4-1

Last meeting: South Dakota State, 29-28 (2011)