Cedar City, UT (SportsNetwork.com) - Southern Utah will play two FBS opponents and five qualifiers to the 2013 FCS playoffs in a challenging 2014 schedule which was announced Monday.
The Thunderbirds will play 12 regular-season games for the second straight year, beginning with a trip to Nevada on Aug. 30 before they visit another FCS opponent three weeks later, Fresno State on Sept. 20.
The Thunderbirds qualified for the FCS playoffs for the first time last season, but 2014 opponents Southeastern Louisiana, South Dakota State, Eastern Washington, Montana and Northern Arizona also reached the postseason.
Coach Ed Lamb's squad will play five home games: against South Dakota State (Sept. 13) as well as Big Sky Conference opponents Weber State (Sept. 27), Eastern Washington (Oct. 11), North Dakota (Oct. 25) and Montana (Nov. 15).
In addition to Nevada and Fresno State, Southern Utah will visit Southeastern Louisiana (Sept. 6) and Big Sky opponents Cal Poly (Oct. 4), Idaho State (Oct. 18), Sacramento State (Nov. 8) and Northern Arizona (Nov. 22).
The Thunderbirds had an 8-5 record last season, finishing No. 21 in The Sports Network FCS Top 25.
2014 Southern Utah Football Schedule
All Times EST
Aug. 30, at Nevada, TBA
Sept. 6, at Southeastern Louisiana, TBA
Sept. 13, South Dakota State, 8:05 p.m.
Sept. 20, at Fresno State, TBA
Sept. 27, Weber State*, 8:05 p.m.
Oct. 4, at Cal Poly*, TBA
Oct. 11, Eastern Washington*, 3:05 p.m.
Oct. 18, at Idaho State*, TBA
Oct. 25, North Dakota*, 3:05 p.m.
Nov. 8, at Sacramento State*, TBA
Nov. 15, Montana*, 3:05 p.m.
Nov. 22, at Northern Arizona*, TBA
* - Big Sky Conference game