Football can be a cruel game. Just ask any Southern Utah fan who made the trip to Davis, California, this past September. You rack up over 500 yards of offense, your quarterback throws for 300+, and you still lose by two touchdowns. It’s wild. But that’s basically been the story of Southern Utah vs UC Davis lately.
The Aggies have become a massive thorn in the side of the Thunderbirds. On September 20, 2025, UC Davis secured a 50-34 victory that wasn't nearly as lopsided as the final score looked for most of the night. If you were watching, you saw a Southern Utah team that looked explosive but just couldn't stop the bleeding on defense.
The 2025 Shredville Showdown
UC Davis Health Stadium was packed. A record 17,217 people showed up, and the atmosphere was electric. Honestly, Southern Utah probably felt like they had a real shot after coming off a tight loss to Northern Arizona. But the Aggies had other plans.
Caden Pinnick didn't need to throw the ball 50 times to win. He was efficient, going 13-for-21. The real story was the ground game. Jordan Fisher and Carter Vargas turned the turf into their personal track meet. Fisher exploded for 170 yards, including a soul-crushing 75-yard touchdown on the very first play of the second half.
A game of two halves
The first half was actually a slugfest. Southern Utah’s Bronson Barron was dealing. He hit Gabe Nunez for a 28-yard score and then found Braedon Wissler to tie it up at 14-14 in the second. By halftime, it was 22-20. You’d think the Thunderbirds had the momentum, right?
Nope.
That Fisher 75-yarder to start the third quarter changed everything. Southern Utah tried to punch back with a Will Burns touchdown, cutting it to 29-27, but then the wheels fell off. UC Davis rattled off 21 unanswered points. Turnover trouble and a lack of situational defense killed the T-Birds.
Breaking Down the Southern Utah vs UC Davis History
This isn't just a one-off rivalry. These schools go way back to 1993. Back then, Southern Utah actually won the first-ever meeting 28-27. Since then, the tide has shifted heavily toward the Aggies. UC Davis now leads the all-time series 15-9.
The most frustrating part for Southern Utah? They haven't beaten Davis since 2017. That's a four-game losing streak that includes some real heartbreakers.
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- 2023: A 23-21 loss where a late field goal by Hunter Ridley saved the Aggies.
- 2024: Another close call, with Davis winning 24-21 in Cedar City.
- 2025: The 50-34 blowout that felt closer until the fourth quarter.
It’s not just football, either. While the football rivalry gets the headlines, these two schools cross paths in basketball and other sports frequently. In women's basketball, UC Davis has been even more dominant, holding a perfect 5-0 record against Southern Utah as of their last meeting in late 2018.
Why the Aggies are so tough
UC Davis under Tim Plough has developed a specific identity. They don’t just beat you; they wait for you to beat yourself. In the 2025 matchup, Southern Utah actually had more first downs (28 vs 18) and more total yards (549 vs 519).
But look at the efficiency.
The Aggies averaged a ridiculous 10.8 yards per play. Southern Utah was at 6.4. When you’re giving up double-digit yards every time the opponent snaps the ball, you’re going to have a bad time.
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What the Numbers Actually Mean
If you're a bettor or just a stats nerd, the Southern Utah vs UC Davis matchups have been a goldmine for the "Over." The total in the 2025 game was set around 62.5, and they cleared that by nearly 20 points.
Southern Utah’s Joshua Dye is a legit star, though. He put up 155 rushing yards in that loss. If the Thunderbirds can ever figure out how to pair that offense with a defense that doesn't surrender 75-yard runs, they’ll finally snap this losing streak.
The Aggies, on the other hand, are sitting pretty in the Big Sky rankings. That win pushed them to 2-1 and gave them the momentum they needed for conference play. Rex Connors, their star linebacker, was everywhere with 11 tackles. He’s the kind of player that makes life miserable for opposing offensive coordinators.
Looking Ahead: Can Southern Utah Flip the Script?
So, where do we go from here? The Thunderbirds are heading into UAC (United Athletic Conference) play, and they need to lick their wounds fast. Losing games where you put up 500 yards is a psychological gut punch.
For UC Davis, the goal is simple: keep the "Shredville" momentum going. They've proven they can win close defensive battles and high-scoring shootouts.
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If you're planning on watching the next installment of this series, pay attention to the trenches. Southern Utah’s offensive line is good enough to give Barron time, but their defensive front has to find a way to stop the explosive runs.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the 2026 schedule releases this spring to see if these two are slated for a non-conference rematch.
- Watch the Southern Utah defensive adjustments in their next few games; if they don't fix the "chunk play" issue, the rest of the season will be a long one.
- Keep an eye on Jordan Fisher’s stats at UC Davis; he is currently on pace for a record-breaking rushing season.
This rivalry might not be the biggest in the country, but for the fans in Cedar City and Davis, it’s as intense as it gets. The Thunderbirds are desperate for a win, and the Aggies are more than happy to keep their streak alive.