Lumberjacks play for share of Big Sky title this week
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Northern Arizona on Saturday will play for a conference title.
The No. 20/24 Lumberjacks (7-3, 5-2) face No. 18/20 Southern Utah (6-1, 7-3) for the HintonBurdick Grand Canyon Trophy and a share of the Big Sky championship. Kickoff at Eccles Coliseum is scheduled for 3 p.m.
NAU is on a four-game win streak and is one of four teams at 5-2 in conference play heading into the final weekend of the regular season. The Lumberjacks positioned themselves so that a win on Saturday gives them a share of the title regardless of the outcome of any other league games. NAU last won the conference in 2003.
The Lumberjacks can clinch an automatic berth into the FCS playoffs with a win, a Montana State win over Montana and an Eastern Washington win over Portland State.
Reigning Big Sky offensive player of the week Case Cookus guides NAU after setting a new FCS freshman record for the most touchdowns in season. With offensive weapons like wide receiver Emmanuel Butler and running back Casey Jahn, both of whom tallied 1,000 yards this season, the Lumberjacks enter Saturday with many different go-to options.
Led by defensive player of the year candidate James Cowser, the Thunderbirds won six straight games before they lost last weekend at Portland State
