Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
Founded: 1899
Enrollment: 23,845
Nickname: Lumberjacks
Big Sky Champs: 1978, 2003
- HEAD COACH: Jerome Souers, 17th season at NAU (102-94-0)
- CONFERENCE: Big Sky Conference
- STADIUM: Walkup Skydome (15,300)
- 2015 PRESEASON POLL: 5th place (coaches), 6th place (media)
- 2014 RECORD: 7-5 (5-3 Big Sky) 5th Place
- 2015 RECORD: 2-1 (0-0 Big Sky)
- SERIES HISTORY: Montana leads the series 34-13
- LAST MEETING: Sept 28, 2013 – Northern Arizona won in Flagstaff 34-16
NAU Football Schedule/Results
Northern Arizona has played three games so far in the 2015 season. The first game saw Northern Arizona travel to Stephen F. Austen to get its first win of the season, beating the other Lumberjacks 34-28. Then NAU returned home for game 2 to host DII New Mexico Highlands where the Lumberjacks ran away in a 41-5 win. Having to feel good after two good wins, NAU then took on FBS Arizona in game 3. NAU didn’t look good at all and got absolutely demolished by the PAC12 program, losing to Arizona 77-13.
Below is Northern Arizona’s full schedule as well as last year’s season results, and a list of conference championships.
Offensive/Defensive Breakdown
Below are the stats for the Griz and Northern Arizona offense/defense from the last three games and how each team compares.
(Stats research from Brint Wahlberg)
Offensive Stats | Montana | N. Arizona |
---|---|---|
Passing Yards | 356 | 300 |
Rushing Yards | 79 | 125 |
Total Offense | 435 | 425 |
Defensive Stats | Montana | N. Arizona |
Pass Defense | 182 | 223 |
Rush Defense | 212 | 235 |
Total Defense | 394 | 459 |
Other Stats | Montana | N. Arizona |
Offensive Points Scored | 26 ppg | 29.3 ppg |
Defensive Points Allowed | 29.7 ppg | 36.7 ppg |
Turnover Margin | -5 | -4 |
Fieldgoal % | 75% made | 100% made |
T.O.P | 24:18 | 30:04 |
Red Zone Defense (Touchdowns) | 72% Allowed | 91% Allowed |
Red Zone Offense (Touchdowns) | 33% | 36% |
Prediction:
The Griz have clearly struggled on offense the last two games, especially once they get inside the red zone and they have been inside the red zone a lot. With quarterback Brady Gustafson out from his leg injury last week, Chad Chalich has been given the nod to start the game against NAU. The O-Line needs to do a much better job at protecting Chalich this week and giving him and the receivers time to set up routes and make plays. With Chalich’s ability to run, that should allow this offense to move the ball a little bit more, granted the O-Line is able to open up some running paths. Again, execution is huge and will determine whether the Griz win or lose to NAU. Last week execution was the downfall for the Griz. This week, look for the team to limit mistakes and start conference play 1-0. It’s a new season and the Griz get off on the right foot. We’re picking the Griz to win this one 27-21.
GO GRIZ!! BEAT Northern Arizona!!
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