Southern Utah Season in Review.

Although, under coach Ed Lamb, Southern Utah has a Great West Conference title, the Thunderbirds had to join the Big Sky Conference to earn their first post-season birth.  This could be the first of many in Cedar City as rival Weber State failed to lure Lamb away.  Although the offense didn't exactly light up the scoreboard, the defense was spectacular.

Grades

The offense wasn't great in 2013.  The only time SUU scored more than 30 points was against Division II Fort Lewis.  SUU didn't often beat themselves.  In their 8 wins, there were very few turnovers and sacks.  Half of Aaron Cantu's turnovers were in losses to Eastern Washington and Washington State.  Half of Aaron Cantu's sacks were in losses to UC Davis and Northern Arizona.  Outside of those 4 games, the offense was good enough not to loose games.  In 2014, perhaps a little more consistency on the part of the offense will help the team to more wins.  In the losses to Northern Arizona and Stephen F. Austin, the defense was tired toward the end of the games, which put otherwise close games out of reach.  The team was not built to come from behind.  Cantu's best games, statistically were in losses to Sam Houston State and UC Davis.  Overall, SUU was the 97th best FCS running team and the 95th best offensive team, by yards.  They were 107th in touchdowns scored.  Their turnover rate is the reason why I did not grade them lower.

Offensive MVP: OT Cody Burgess

Grade C+

Defense

The defense was spectacular most of the season.  They had the benefit of an offense that gave away few turnover and special teams play that forced the opponents into long drives.  When winning the field position game, SUU was unbeatable.  Even though Zak Browning was given first team all-conference honors, it was truly a team effort in 2013.

Defensive MVP: Browning

Grade A-

Special Teams

Both punter Brock Miller and place kicker Colton Cook earned all-conference honors, with Cook earning a first-team selection.  Cook make 20 of 24 field goals and 24 of 26 PATs. Miller's 43.4 average is a big reason why the Thunderbirds were able to win 8 games with a less than spectacular offense.

Grade A

Special Teams MVP: Cook

Best Game of the Season: 22-14 win at Montana State
Worst Loss of the Season: 21-3 home loss to UC Davis

Areas of work needed for 2014: More production on offense. Scoring 24 points on offense per game would have won the Thunderbirds 2 more games in 2013, and may have helped the defense get better.