Southern Utah to face challenging schedule

Cedar City, Utah (UPI/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 year in a row, beginning with a trip to Nevada on August 30 before they visit another FCS opponent three weeks later -- Fresno State on September 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