Football finalizes 2007 schedule

The NAU football team finalized a challenging 2007 schedule.

"We believe in the value of challenging yourself and there is no better way than going against the best," said head coach Jerome Souers. "We are striving for a program that competes at the national level consistently and believe this years schedule positions us to do so."

After opening the season against Western New Mexico, the Lumberjacks travel to Tucson to face Pacific-10 Conference member Arizona on Sept. 8 prior to the trip to Appalachian State on Sept. 15.

Non-conference games against Arizona and two-time defending National Champions Appalachian State University will reflect one of the more difficult schedules in our division, Souers said.

"We return a veteran team, have worked hard in the off-season and I firmly believe in this groups ability to perform," Souers said. "We have shown resolve and commitment to our goal of a high standard of excellence and are excited about the challenges that lie in front of us."

NAU returns home Sept. 22 for the Big Sky Conference opener against Northern Colorado. Back-to-back league road games at Sacramento State and at Portland State follow before NAU completes the season with three of the final five at home. Idaho State will represent the Family Weekend game on Oct. 13. Montana will serve as the Homecoming opponent on Oct. 27, while Eastern Washington will close out the season on Nov. 10 in the Hall of Fame contest.

NAU finished 6-5 a season ago, and will return 14 starters among 38 letter winners in 2007 highlighted by consensus All-American Alex Watson.

2007 Northern Arizona University Football Schedule