Flagstaff, Ariz. • Southern Utah attempts to clinch its second straight winning season Saturday, when the Thunderbirds visit Northern Arizona.
SUU is 5-5 heading into its final game of the year. The Lumberjacks are 4-6 after a 34-31 loss in the snow at Weber State last week.
Southern Utah comes off a 34-21 loss at fifth-ranked Northern Iowa.
The Thunderbirds owned a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter. They had a chance to extend a 21-17 lead in the final seconds of the first half, but quarterback Brad Sorensen was intercepted in the end zone.
The loss was Thunderbirds' most lopsided of the season. Their other four defeats came by a total of 16 points.
SUU's inability to win close games against South Dakota State (29-28), South Dakota (24-19), North Dakota (26-20) and Cal Poly (31-27) cost it a shot at the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
Still, a worthwhile goal remains.
The Thunderbirds, who were 0-11 in 2007, can finish above .500 for the second straight season if they beat Northern Arizona.
Southern Utah can also improve to 3-0 against Big Sky Conference opponents after earlier wins over Sacramento State (35-14) and Weber State (35-28).
SUU joins the Big Sky in July. —
Southern Utah at Northern Arizona
At the Walkup Skydome, Flagstaff, Ariz.
Kickoff • 3:05 p.m.
TV • Big Sky TV (Internet)
Radio • 590-AM, 91.1-FM
Records • Southern Utah 5-5, Northern Arizona, 4-6
Series • Northern Arizona, 11-4
Last meeting • Northern Arizona, 26-23 (2010)
