Beaumont, TX (SportsNetwork.com) - With a favorable home schedule this year, Lamar's football program believes it has the chance to post its first winning season since the sport was reinstituted in 2010.
The Cardinals, who finished 5-7 last season under coach Ray Woodard, will play seven home games as part of their 12-game schedule.
The 2014 season opens at Provost Umphrey Stadium when Grambling State pays a visit on Aug. 30.
Lamar will then make a trip to SEC power Texas A&M on Sept. 6.
The Cardinals next host sub-Division I programs Texas College (Sept. 13) and Mississippi College (Sept. 20) before hosting their Southland Conference opener against Sam Houston State (Sept. 27).
The rest of their home games also will be within Southland play against defending champion Southeastern Louisiana (Oct. 11), Houston Baptist (Nov. 1) and Incarnate Word (Nov. 15).
Lamar's other road games are against Southland opponents Abilene Christian (Oct. 4), Nicholls (Oct. 18), Central Arkansas (Nov. 8) and McNeese State (Nov. 22).
"The eight Southland games have been set and we've had A&M on the books for some time," Woodard said. "So we wanted to fill three more spots, hoping to get two home games, but we were fortunate enough to get all three at home. I'm very excited that our kids will be able to play in front of their friends and family so often this season."
2014 Lamar Football Schedule
Aug. 30, Grambling State
Sept. 6, at Texas A&M
Sept. 13, Texas College
Sept. 20, Mississippi College
Sept. 27, Sam Houston State*
Oct. 4, at Abilene Christian*
Oct. 11, Southeastern Louisiana*
Oct. 18, at Nicholls*
Nov. 1, Houston Baptist*
Nov. 8, at Central Arkansas*
Nov. 15, Incarnate Word*
Nov. 22, at McNeese State*
* - Southland Conference game
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