Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
CEDAR CITY — The Southern Utah football team's first season in the Big Sky Conference comes to an end Saturday with a chance to derail a rival's chance at a conference title.
The Thunderbirds (4-6, 3-4 Big Sky) will travel to No. 11 FCS Northern Arizona with the Lumberjacks (8-1, 6-0 Big Sky) controlling a one-game lead over the Eastern Washington, Cal Poly and Montana State for the Big Sky title.
When SUU joined the Big Sky over the summer, the T-Birds were given two rivalry teams to play each season in the 13-team conference — Weber State and NAU.
SUU quarterback Brad Sorensen said an upset would be the perfect way to end his career as a T-Bird.
"It was fun when we were able to (spoil) Eastern Washington and we came out with a big victory," he said. "This one would be just as big."
However, SUU Head Coach Ed Lamb said the team is more focused on remaining competitive than entering the contest looking to dethrone the current conference leader.
"I don't think there's a desire to wreck their season as much as just as competing in a big game," he said. "What they've done all year is what makes it a big deal."
In addition to the newly formed rivalry, the game also will be the end for each of SUU's seniors, including Sorensen, who leaves the T-Birds holding the majority of the quarterback records in SUU history.
Last week, Sorensen became the first T-Bird quarterback to surpass the 9,000-yard throwing mark in a career, while also breaking Matt Cannon's record for most total yards of offense. Sorensen also tied his personal best with 21 touchdown passes in a season.
Sorensen enters Saturday with 8,975 total offensive yards and 59 touchdowns. He also is just 250 yards away from breaking his own record of 3,163 passing yards in a season; Sorensen is the only quarterback in T-Bird history to pass for 3,000 yards and he's done it in each of his season.
Despite the records, Sorensen said it doesn't matter to him if SUU doesn't win.
"The records aren't as important if you're not getting the victory," he said. "With the loss last week, it didn't matter what we did on the field, we didn't get the win; everyone was so bummed out. Unless we get a victory this week, then it'll be good."
As for NAU, the Lumberjacks will feature a different threat than what the T-Birds have already faced this season. In each of SUU's games this season, an emphasis has been placed on the passing attack. However, NAU is led by running back Zach Bauman, who is second in the Big Sky with 1,055 rushing yards on 184 carries. He also has eight touchdowns this season.
"NAU is a really balanced team, they've got a lot of good depth," Lamb said. "They've got the premier running back in FCS football and they're really well coached."
In addition to an eight-game winning streak, NAU hasn't lost to an FCS opponent this season.
Kickoff against the Lumberjacks is slated for 2:05 p.m. in Flagstaff, Ariz.
