NACOGDOCHES, Texas- The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-1, 0-0) will travel to Natchitoches, Louisiana to take on the Northwestern State Demons (0-2, 0-0). The week three matchup will take place on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Turpin Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 pm. CT.
Matchup History:
NSU leads the overall series with SFA, 46-27-3, which dates back to November 7, 1924. In the last matchup the ‘Jacks pulled away by a score of 32-20 on November 21, 2019, at NSU.
A look at SFA:
The Lumberjacks are coming off an impressive win over Alcorn State University in their home opener, winning 38-10. The Lumberjack offense was led by Brian Maurer who went 18-37 for 237 passing yards while also picking up 85 yards on the ground including a 63-yard run in the third quarter. Once again, the ‘Jacks offensive line handled business with the running game against the Braves as sophomore running back Jerrell Wimbley rushed for 122 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns.
SFA’s defense had another great performance against Alcorn recording two safeties. Jermaine Brown had a quality performance with nine total tackles and a tackle for loss. Cornerback Bruce Harmon is currently tied for first in the FCS rankings with six passes defended through two games.
After Chris Campos tallied 2 more field goals giving him 56 career field goals made the junior kicker needs just one more to tie the record and two to set the career mark of 58 made. The record of 57 is currently held by Storm Ruiz and Chuck Rawlison.
A look at Northwestern State:
The Demons tallied 185 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns last week against Louisiana Tech on 51 carries. The Demons tacked on 139 passing yards and 1 touchdown through the air in the loss to Louisiana Tech.
Safeties Cam Hardy and Cadillac Rhone continued the takeaway party from last week each grabbing a fumble to bring the Demons takeaway total to five through two games. Linebacker Jaeden Ward led the way for the defense with 6 tackles last week. The defense also has 3 total sacks on the season and one interception.
Broadcast Information:
The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN+ and on Q107.7 FM with The Voice of The Lumberjacks Rob Myers and color analyst Hunter Taylor calling all the action.
The Lumberjacks return home the following week hosting Austin Peay State University on Saturday, September 23 at Homer Bryce Stadium at 6:00 p.m. This is the first conference game for the Lumberjacks in the United Athletic Conference (UAC). Tickets can be purchased at SFATICKETS.com.
By: Jackson Pickard, Graduate Assistant for Strategic Communications