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Cedar City • Southern Utah coach Ed Lamb prefers wins, not individual records.
That's why he hopes the Thunderbirds can rediscover a balanced offense Saturday afternoon, when they play host to North Dakota at Eccles Coliseum.
Southern Utah comes off a 56-28 loss at Idaho State, after trailing 35-28 going into the fourth quarter.
Junior quarterback Ammon Olsen enjoyed a record-setting performance against the Bengals. He completed 38 of 65 passes for 528 yards — the second most in the Football Championship Subdivision this season. He broke school records for passing yards, pass attempts, plays and yards.
"I have often told Ammon he can mature into an NFL-caliber prospect," Lamb said. "He has a lot of physical tools."
Unfortunately for the Thunderbirds, they could not run the ball at Idaho State. They rushed 29 times for 29 yards. To beat North Dakota, Lamb knows Southern Utah must be more balanced.
"Our team is mature enough to know we aren't going to win if we have to play like that," he said. "We have to improve how we run the ball … if we want to have a chance of being successful."
Asked about North Dakota, which comes off a bye week, Lamb said, "They are well-coached. You have to beat them. They aren't going to take a lot of chances ... or turn the ball over." —
North Dakota at Southern Utah
O Kickoff • Saturday, 1:05 p.m.
TV • None. Radio • 590 AM
Records • North Dakota 3-4, 1-2; Southern Utah 1-7, 1-3
Series history • Tied 3-3
Last meeting • North Dakota, 33-29 (2012)