Updated

Southeastern Louisiana will try to build off its best season in the Southland Conference during a 12-game 2013 schedule announced Thursday.

In coach Ron Roberts' first season at Southeastern Louisiana, the Lions posted their best conference record (5-2) since joining in 2005.

"The Southland Conference is always extremely competitive, there are great teams across the board and you've got to bring your 'A' game," Roberts said. "The biggest thing for us is that we're using the non-conference games, including the month of September where we're on the road, and we're getting better as a football team each week. We want to make sure we're developing players, because the bottom line is (Southland) conference play - that's what it's all about."

Southeastern Louisiana, which has six home games, will kick off its season by hosting Southeast Missouri State on Aug. 29.

The Lions' other home games are against future Southland member Incarnate Word (Oct. 5) and conference members Stephen F. Austin (Oct. 12), Lamar (Oct. 26, Homecoming), Sam Houston State (Nov. 16) and Nicholls (Nov. 21).

The road portion of Southeastern Louisiana's schedule is highlighted by a Sept. 7 visit to TCU.

The Lions finished 5-6 overall last season.

2013 Southeastern Louisiana Football Schedule

Aug. 29, Southeast Missouri State

Sept. 7, at TCU

Sept. 14, at South Dakota State

Sept. 21, at Samford

Oct. 5, Incarnate Word

Oct. 12, Stephen F. Austin*

Oct. 19, at Northwestern State*

Oct. 26, Lamar* (Homecoming)

Nov. 2, at McNeese State*

Nov. 9 at Central Arkansas*

Nov. 16, Sam Houston State*

Nov. 21, Nicholls*

* - Southland Conference game