Predict NAU's number of wins and losses this year

[Jacks76]

I predict 8-3, with a playoff berth:

2007 Northern Arizona University Football Schedule

Date, Opponent, Site, Time
Aug. 30, WESTERN NEW MEXICO, FLAGSTAFF, 6:05 p.m.
Sept. 8, at Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., TBA
Sept. 15, at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C., TBA
Sept. 22, NORTHERN COLORADO, FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Sept. 29, at Sacramento State, Sacramento, Calif., 2:05 p.m.
Oct. 6, at Portland State, Portland, Ore., 1:35 p.m.
Oct. 13, IDAHO STATE (FW), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Oct. 20, at Weber State, Ogden, Utah, 12:05 p.m.
Oct. 27, MONTANA (HC), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Nov. 3, at Montana State, Bozeman, Mont., 1 p.m.
Nov. 10, EAST.WASHINGTON (HOF), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.

Paul

[Jacks76]

Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 2007-08 recruits

Player (Pos) HT WT Hometown/High School
------------ -- -- --------------------
Drew Bernhardy S 6-1 205 Las Vegas, NV (Bishop Gorman)
Isaac Bond DE 6-4 240 Vancouver, WA (Skyview)
Tyler Broom S 6-1 205 Fremont, CA (Irvington)
Jared Chrisman OT 6-5 285 San Marcos, CA (Mission Hills)
Antonio Danek OT 6-4 295 Milwaukie, OR (Central Catholic)
Pierre Girtley CB 5-11 180 Yucaipa, CA (Yucaipa)
David Harris II LB 6-0 210 Denver, CO (George Washington)
Chris Lundgren WR 5-11 195 Tucson, AZ (Sabino)
Travis McNaughton LB 6-0 225 Hutington Beach, CA (Mater Dei)
Jimmy Mitchell CB 5-11 185 Las Vegas, NV (Silverado)
Alex Mott OT 6-5 270 Troutdale, OR (Sam Barlow)
Kasseem Osheroff S 5-11 205 Portland, OR (Grant)
Vinnie Paciulli NT 6-1 295 Phoenix, AZ (Moon Valley)
Kris Poindexter OG 6-2 280 Phoenix, AZ (Westview)
Brian Riley TE 6-4 240 Tucson, AZ (Catalina Foothills)
Toolefua Samuelu LB 6-1 220 Oakland, CA (Berkley)
John Schactner Jr. C 6-2 280 Sunland, CA (St. Francis)
Jordan Scott WR 5-10 185 Phoenix, AZ. (North Canyon)
Justin Smith WR 5-11 180 La Quinta, CA (La Quinta)
Jake Welch LB 6-2 240 Yorba Linda, CA (Servite)
Chris Woods LB 6-2 220 Venice, CA (Venice)
Daiveun Chapman WR 6-2 195 Corona, CA (Corona)
David Lord OL 6-6 330 Rialto, CA (Riverside CC)
Raphael Mack DB 5-11 182 Gilbert, AZ (Mesa CC)
Zac McNalley LB 6-0 230 Brentwood, CA (Diablo Valley College)
Sean Norton QB 5-10 175 Valencia, CA (Fresno State)

Paul

[I Bleed Purple]

7-1 in conference, hmm??

Hell, I can be homerish too and say the Wildcats will be 8-3 and get a playoff birth, too.



















My prediction really isn't a homer pick...

[Ronbo]

I'll pick you guys to lead the Conference in Offense but end the season at 6-5. Why? Eighteen seniors lost, one of the worst Defenses in the Big Sky last season, games against Arizona, Montana, and Appy State.

[PSUVikings]

I predict 8-3, with a playoff berth:

2007 Northern Arizona University Football Schedule

Date, Opponent, Site, Time
Aug. 30, WESTERN NEW MEXICO, FLAGSTAFF, 6:05 p.m.
Sept. 8, at Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., TBA
Sept. 15, at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C., TBA
Sept. 22, NORTHERN COLORADO, FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Sept. 29, at Sacramento State, Sacramento, Calif., 2:05 p.m.
Oct. 6, at Portland State, Portland, Ore., 1:35 p.m.
Oct. 13, IDAHO STATE (FW), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Oct. 20, at Weber State, Ogden, Utah, 12:05 p.m.
Oct. 27, MONTANA (HC), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Nov. 3, at Montana State, Bozeman, Mont., 1 p.m.
Nov. 10, EAST.WASHINGTON (HOF), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.

Paul

No way! 5-6 or 6-5 is more like it,

losses to...

Arizona- FBS school will sting you guys like ASU did, even if it is close
App State- Don't match up at all
PSU- You couldn't beat us when you had Murrieta and home field advantage, expect to lose big!
UM- The Griz don't lose to NAU, no matter where the game is
MSU- When was the last time you guys won in Bozeman?

[Ronbo]

If you guys take out App. State I'll change my prediction to 9-2 and a playoff berth.

[Keeper]

7-4.

[james_lawfirm]

I predict 8-3, with a playoff berth:

2007 Northern Arizona University Football Schedule

Date, Opponent, Site, Time
Aug. 30, WESTERN NEW MEXICO, FLAGSTAFF, 6:05 p.m.
Sept. 8, at Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., TBA
Sept. 15, at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C., TBA
Sept. 22, NORTHERN COLORADO, FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Sept. 29, at Sacramento State, Sacramento, Calif., 2:05 p.m.
Oct. 6, at Portland State, Portland, Ore., 1:35 p.m.
Oct. 13, IDAHO STATE (FW), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Oct. 20, at Weber State, Ogden, Utah, 12:05 p.m.
Oct. 27, MONTANA (HC), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Nov. 3, at Montana State, Bozeman, Mont., 1 p.m.
Nov. 10, EAST.WASHINGTON (HOF), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.

Paul

FYI, the ASU playoff time is 3:30 pm (Eastern).

Looks like a rather tough schedule to me - tougher at the beginning and at the end. My hat's off to you. Good luck!

[AppGuy04]

I say 6-5, maybe 7-4

[Jacks76]

NAU finished 6-5 last year...a record which included losses to FBS teams Arizona State (PAC-10, a 34-14 loss) and Utah (Mountain West, a 45-7 loss).

NAU is loaded this year on offense and their defense will be remarkably improved. They are due for a breakout year, a la 2003.

Paul

[BrevardMountaineer03]

I predict 8-3, with a playoff berth:

2007 Northern Arizona University Football Schedule

Date, Opponent, Site, Time
Aug. 30, WESTERN NEW MEXICO, FLAGSTAFF, 6:05 p.m.
Sept. 8, at Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., TBA
Sept. 15, at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C., TBA
Sept. 22, NORTHERN COLORADO, FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Sept. 29, at Sacramento State, Sacramento, Calif., 2:05 p.m.
Oct. 6, at Portland State, Portland, Ore., 1:35 p.m.
Oct. 13, IDAHO STATE (FW), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Oct. 20, at Weber State, Ogden, Utah, 12:05 p.m.
Oct. 27, MONTANA (HC), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Nov. 3, at Montana State, Bozeman, Mont., 1 p.m.
Nov. 10, EAST.WASHINGTON (HOF), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.

Paul

Just curious, who do you see as your wins, or loses this year, for an 8-3 record?

[Saint3333]

The schedule doesn't set up well for the Jacks as 4 of their 5 toughest games (on paper) are away.

Worst 5-6, best 8-3, my prediction 7-4. Losses to Arizona, ASU, Montana and go 1-1 vs. PSU and MSU.

[TexasTerror]

Losses to Arizona, AppSt, and two of the three (Montana, PSU and MSU)...

They'll be 7-4 and not go playoffs due to that Div II game...

[Ronbo]

No Jacks fan has answered my question about their Defense. They gave up 378 yards a game last season and ranked 8th in pass Defense in the Big Sky. They lost 18 Seniors and yet claim to have 9 starters back on Offense. Hmmm.... the Defense must have had a lot of Seniors then. Who's back on Defense? Do you have 5 starters back? 6? Are you another team with 12-13 seniors sitting on the bench last year? We had 7 seniors last season and 5 were starters. We'll have 26 this year and 12 will be starters and 10 will be backups that will play an important role and see a lot of action. You just can't lose so many Seniors and not be hurt somewhere.

[MplsBison]

Date, Opponent, Site, Time
Aug. 30, WESTERN NEW MEXICO, FLAGSTAFF, 6:05 p.m. WIN
Sept. 8, at Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., TBA LOSS
Sept. 15, at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C., TBA LOSS
Sept. 22, NORTHERN COLORADO, FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Sept. 29, at Sacramento State, Sacramento, Calif., 2:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 6, at Portland State, Portland, Ore., 1:35 p.m.LOSS
Oct. 13, IDAHO STATE (FW), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 20, at Weber State, Ogden, Utah, 12:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 27, MONTANA (HC), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. LOSS
Nov. 3, at Montana State, Bozeman, Mont., 1 p.m. LOSS
Nov. 10, EAST.WASHINGTON (HOF), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN


6-5

[Jacks76]

Date, Opponent, Site, Time
Aug. 30, WESTERN NEW MEXICO, FLAGSTAFF, 6:05 p.m. WIN
Sept. 8, at Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., TBA LOSS
Sept. 15, at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C., TBA LOSS
Sept. 22, NORTHERN COLORADO, FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Sept. 29, at Sacramento State, Sacramento, Calif., 2:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 6, at Portland State, Portland, Ore., 1:35 p.m. WIN
Oct. 13, IDAHO STATE (FW), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 20, at Weber State, Ogden, Utah, 12:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 27, MONTANA (HC), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Nov. 3, at Montana State, Bozeman, Mont., 1 p.m. LOSS
Nov. 10, EAST.WASHINGTON (HOF), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN

8-3.

Paul

[AZGrizFan]

I predict 8-3, with a playoff berth:

2007 Northern Arizona University Football Schedule

Date, Opponent, Site, Time
Aug. 30, WESTERN NEW MEXICO, FLAGSTAFF, 6:05 p.m.
Sept. 8, at Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., TBA
Sept. 15, at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C., TBA
Sept. 22, NORTHERN COLORADO, FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Sept. 29, at Sacramento State, Sacramento, Calif., 2:05 p.m.
Oct. 6, at Portland State, Portland, Ore., 1:35 p.m.
Oct. 13, IDAHO STATE (FW), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Oct. 20, at Weber State, Ogden, Utah, 12:05 p.m.
Oct. 27, MONTANA (HC), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.
Nov. 3, at Montana State, Bozeman, Mont., 1 p.m.
Nov. 10, EAST.WASHINGTON (HOF), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m.

Paul

7-4, no playoffs. Losses to UA, ASU, UM, MSU. xnodx xnodx

[AZGrizFan]

No Jacks fan has answered my question about their Defense. They gave up 378 yards a game last season and ranked 8th in pass Defense in the Big Sky. They lost 18 Seniors and yet claim to have 9 starters back on Offense. Hmmm.... the Defense must have had a lot of Seniors then. Who's back on Defense? Do you have 5 starters back? 6? Are you another team with 12-13 seniors sitting on the bench last year? We had 7 seniors last season and 5 were starters. We'll have 26 this year and 12 will be starters and 10 will be backups that will play an important role and see a lot of action. You just can't lose so many Seniors and not be hurt somewhere.

I don't know Ronbo, but their pass rush is "vaunted". ;) xeyebrowx :D

[youwouldno]

5-6 or 6-5

[BrevardMountaineer03]

Date, Opponent, Site, Time
Aug. 30, WESTERN NEW MEXICO, FLAGSTAFF, 6:05 p.m. WIN
Sept. 8, at Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., TBA LOSS
Sept. 15, at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C., TBA LOSS
Sept. 22, NORTHERN COLORADO, FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Sept. 29, at Sacramento State, Sacramento, Calif., 2:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 6, at Portland State, Portland, Ore., 1:35 p.m. WIN
Oct. 13, IDAHO STATE (FW), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 20, at Weber State, Ogden, Utah, 12:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 27, MONTANA (HC), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Nov. 3, at Montana State, Bozeman, Mont., 1 p.m. LOSS
Nov. 10, EAST.WASHINGTON (HOF), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN

8-3.

Paul


I'm not trying to insulte your team but do you really believe that you can beat Montana? I see Montana as the top of the Big Sky. I think that Montana will run the Bik Sky Table.

Best of luck, though. I see 7-4.

[CopperCat]

Didn't we already do this on ronbo's previous "big sky prediction" thread?xrolleyesx

6-5, 7-4 if they are lucky

[PSUVikings]

Date, Opponent, Site, Time
Aug. 30, WESTERN NEW MEXICO, FLAGSTAFF, 6:05 p.m. WIN
Sept. 8, at Arizona, Tucson, Ariz., TBA LOSS
Sept. 15, at Appalachian State, Boone, N.C., TBA LOSS
Sept. 22, NORTHERN COLORADO, FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Sept. 29, at Sacramento State, Sacramento, Calif., 2:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 6, at Portland State, Portland, Ore., 1:35 p.m. WIN
Oct. 13, IDAHO STATE (FW), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 20, at Weber State, Ogden, Utah, 12:05 p.m. WIN
Oct. 27, MONTANA (HC), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN
Nov. 3, at Montana State, Bozeman, Mont., 1 p.m. LOSS
Nov. 10, EAST.WASHINGTON (HOF), FLAGSTAFF, 3:05 p.m. WIN

8-3.

Paul

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/4900/222pxhomersimpson2006ne6.png

[89Hen]

Without looking at anyone else's answer... 6-5. Now I will read the thread.

[89Hen]

I don't know Ronbo, but their pass rush is "vaunted". ;) xeyebrowx :D

xlolx xlolx xthumbsupx :p

[dbackjon]

I'm not trying to insulte your team but do you really believe that you can beat Montana? I see Montana as the top of the Big Sky. I think that Montana will run the Bik Sky Table.

Best of luck, though. I see 7-4.

Well - we do have 18 starters from the team that lost by 3 to Montana @ Montana last year, so it is not like we got whooped by them...

[dbackjon]

It really is going to depend on how quickly the new QB meshing with the country's best recieving corp. 6-5 to 8-3 is the range I would put, depending on the above.

[CopperCat]

It really is going to depend on how quickly the new QB meshing with the country's best recieving corp. 6-5 to 8-3 is the range I would put, depending on the above.

What happens during the season is MUCH more dependent on what the jack's D does. If it sucks, then your season won't be as good. Your QB is good, we all know that. The defense hasn't been very good historically, so I say that is where the biggest improvement needs to be made.

[HensRock]

5-6 (I haven't looked at anyone else's answers yet)

[slycat]

No way! 5-6 or 6-5 is more like it,

losses to...

Arizona- FBS school will sting you guys like ASU did, even if it is close
App State- Don't match up at all
PSU- You couldn't beat us when you had Murrieta and home field advantage, expect to lose big!
UM- The Griz don't lose to NAU, no matter where the game is
MSU- When was the last time you guys won in Bozeman?

agreed. maybe an upset over PSU or MSU.

[Grizalltheway]

Well - we do have 18 starters from the team that lost by 3 to Montana @ Montana last year, so it is not like we got whooped by them...

You did until late in the 4th quarter...

[th0m]

Losses to Arizona, AppSt, and two of the three (Montana, PSU and MSU)...

They'll be 7-4 and not go playoffs due to that Div II game...

Pretty much what I was thinking. Wouldn't count out any of the other Big Sky teams to play spoiler either though.

[AZGrizFan]

Well - we do have 18 starters from the team that lost by 3 to Montana @ Montana last year, so it is not like we got whooped by them...


And how many of those are Defense, jon?

And we've got 19 back, so it looks like we're good to go. See you in Flag, buddy.

Griz - 27
NAU - 13

xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx

[dbackjon]

You did until late in the 4th quarter...

We lost by three - never a whooping...xrolleyesx

[dbackjon]

And how many of those are Defense, jon?

And we've got 19 back, so it looks like we're good to go. See you in Flag, buddy.

Griz - 27
NAU - 13

xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx xnodx

We shall see...

NAU 24
UM 17

[WyomingGrizFan]

I'll chime in and say that NAU has a chance of going 9 - 2. This with loses to Arizona and the Griz; expecting a victory over Appalachian St. If not, then PSU might sneak past them as well for 7 - 4. If the Lumberjacks can come close to App, less than seven though losing anyways, maybe 8 - 3 with a close win over the Vikings.

Still a very good chance to make the playoff field given a little bit of luck.

[GreatAppSt]

7-4:) :) :)

[already123]

jacks go 8-4...mayb 9-4

losses to UA, Montana and one game out against ASU or PSU

playoff berth

[mvemjsunpx]

NAU will go 6-5 (5-3 BSC), maybe 7-4 if they can win in Portland.

The only reason I think the Jacks will be any good at all is because they got Norton to replace Murietta. However, he still probably won't be as good as Murietta.

If NAU wants to make the playoffs, they need to find a running game.

[Keeper]

From NAU website:
"NAU returns 39 letterwinners highlighted by consensus All-American Alex Watson among nine starters on offense. Overall, 14 starters return in 2007."
"The defense will benefit from the return of two players lost to injury early last season in defensive back K.J. Gerard and defensive lineman Blair Boynton. Both players suffered season-ending injuries in a loss to Arizona State in the first game of the season."

Also, not stated, the defense loses their top 5 tacklers from last year.
5 Jeff Wheeler 45 Chris Hunsaker 42 D.J. Wade 51 DeAndre Johnson 24 Shaun Baker 282 total tackles.

[asu70]

6-5.

[already123]

NAU will go 6-5 (5-3 BSC), maybe 7-4 if they can win in Portland.

The only reason I think the Jacks will be any good at all is because they got Norton to replace Murietta. However, he still probably won't be as good as Murietta.

If NAU wants to make the playoffs, they need to find a running game.


NAU had the best running game in the BSC last year...

1,000+ yard freshman (newcomer of the year) Alex Henderson sound familiar???
NAU returns him, senior Josh Sayles, debut a great back in Lionel Scott out of Delta JC, and have the best dual threat QB in the BSC in Lance Kriesien

Oh, and I believe NAU returns their entire o-line as well...or their 2-deep or somethin...

GO JACKS!!!

[PSUVikings]

jacks go 8-4...mayb 9-4

losses to UA, Montana and one game out against ASU or PSU

playoff berth


Highly doubt it.

[AZGrizFan]

From NAU website:
"NAU returns 39 letterwinners highlighted by consensus All-American Alex Watson among nine starters on offense. Overall, 14 starters return in 2007."
"The defense will benefit from the return of two players lost to injury early last season in defensive back K.J. Gerard and defensive lineman Blair Boynton. Both players suffered season-ending injuries in a loss to Arizona State in the first game of the season."

Also, not stated, the defense loses their top 5 tacklers from last year.
5 Jeff Wheeler 45 Chris Hunsaker 42 D.J. Wade 51 DeAndre Johnson 24 Shaun Baker 282 total tackles.

5 defensive starters returning.

But their pass rush is "vaunted". xeyebrowx xcoolx

[already123]

Drew Hoffman and Blair Boyton will reak havoc on any o-line in the BSC...its the middle of the d-line that has me a bit concerned (i.e. the loss of our 2 flex LBs and 4-year starter at NT)

Jacks do seem to have good depth however...

[Saint3333]

I'm not sure where all this NAU talk is coming from, but it seems lately that their fans are really building this team up a little too much. I expect them to be a top 20 team, but with their brutal schedule I don't see them making the playoffs. They're starting to sound like the CCU fans prior to their trip to Boone in 2005.

Some have even predicted a win against teams like Montana and ASU.

As for the ASU game, NAU is going to rebound from a FBS team (where their top players will not rest), hop on a 4 hour flight, take an hour and a half bus ride to Boone, and then break the streak in front of 25K fans. Remember ASU has two weeks to recover from the Michigan game with a D2 school in between.

Will they upset the champs, maybe, but not likely. Those long trip across the country seldom work out for the vistor.

[AZGrizFan]

Drew Hoffman and Blair Boyton will reak havoc on any o-line in the BSC...its the middle of the d-line that has me a bit concerned (i.e. the loss of our 2 flex LBs and 4-year starter at NT)

Jacks do seem to have good depth however...

I'll take my chances with the O-line the Griz have patched together..... xlolx

[I Bleed Purple]

Weber State is known for its offensive line, and it was young last year, so I'll take my chances with our O-line.

[already123]

NAU held Montana to 24 points at home last year...and tore apart Weber so....
GO JACKS

[PSUVikings]

NAU held Montana to 24 points at home last year...and tore apart Weber so....
GO JACKS

All these advantages and you still couldn't beat us last year:D

[ucdtim17]

I'm not sure where all this NAU talk is coming from, but it seems lately that their fans are really building this team up a little too much. I expect them to be a top 20 team, but with their brutal schedule I don't see them making the playoffs. They're starting to sound like the CCU fans prior to their trip to Boone in 2005.


I too don't ever remember this much hype from NAU (and yes it is mostly coming from NAU fans). Seems a little over the top based on the recent past

[already123]

we were a pos. away from beatin PSU too if I recall...guess we could never finish

[PSUVikings]

we were a pos. away from beatin PSU too if I recall...guess we could never finish


good luck on surviving in Portland, we tend to do a hell of a lot better there then on the road.xnodx

BTW, Glanville and Mouse are 1-0 vs Norton...........

[already123]

well good thing we'll prob not be lining up with him now isnt it! lol

[Eagle22]

I too don't ever remember this much hype from NAU (and yes it is mostly coming from NAU fans). Seems a little over the top based on the recent past

The only time I remember this much hype was near the end of Steve Axman's tenure ... and then again in 1999 in Souer's second season.

Though the record book now reflects a 4-8 mark in 1999 due to the use of an ineligible player (their big WR whose name escapes me), they had a very solid offensive squad led by Travis Brown, with Marcus King and Ronney Jenkins (BYU transfer) in the backfield that led them to a pre-penalty 8-4 mark.

Historically, that is one of their best teams. 8-3 is probably a longshot, and if they do make the playoffs they're likely on the road and one and done.

The way they played at Paulson Stadium, was perhaps the worst defensive effort I've ever seen from a Division I school playing in Statesboro. GSU could have easily racked up over 100 points, but called off the dogs at 72.

My point in mentioning this, is that NAU had a great QB that year, and a very potent offense. It doesn't mean much though if you don't play a little defense along the way. Having a stud QB and offense is a start, but only a start.

My prediction, 7-4.

[already123]

The only time I remember this much hype was near the end of Steve Axman's tenure ... and then again in 1999 in Souer's second season.

Though the record book now reflects a 4-8 mark in 1999 due to the use of an ineligible player (their big WR whose name escapes me), they had a very solid offensive squad led by Travis Brown, with Marcus King and Ronney Jenkins (BYU transfer) in the backfield that led them to a pre-penalty 8-4 mark.

Historically, that is one of their best teams. 8-3 is probably a longshot, and if they do make the playoffs they're likely on the road and one and done.

The way they played at Paulson Stadium, was perhaps the worst defensive effort I've ever seen from a Division I school playing in Statesboro. GSU could have easily racked up over 100 points, but called off the dogs at 72.

My point in mentioning this, is that NAU had a great QB that year, and a very potent offense. It doesn't mean much though if you don't play a little defense along the way. Having a stud QB and offense is a start, but only a start.

My prediction, 7-4.

Francis St. Paul was his name...played in the league a few years and bounced around. Currently a coach at NAU now

[Jacks76]

NAU's best team, in my opinion, was in 1995 and 1996, respectively. Both those teams could score in bunches and the '95 team missed out on a playoff berth by dropping two late conference games by the slimmest of margins. In '96, we had a late lead in a home playoff game versus Furman, but couldn't hold the lead and lost by 3 or 4.

Paul

[g-webb1994]

Those back to back road games at Arizona and Appy will take a physical toll. Add in no open date, and it is a recipe for 6-5 at best.xtwocentsx

[already123]

guess NAU will be shockin the world huh?!

Jacks go 8-4 With a playoff berth

[CopperCat]

guess NAU will be shockin the world huh?!

Jacks go 8-4 With a playoff berth

xhomerx

[Jacks76]

Given their schedule, 7-4 would be ideal.

Paul

[JALMOND]

6-5. Like Portland State last year, your non-conference schedule will hurt. Consider yourself lucky if you get one win in either Tucson, Boone, Portland or Bozeman. As crazy as it sounds, U of A may not be your toughest game all year.

[already123]

then what are you suggesting our toughest game would be?

At PSU or MSU?
ASU?
Montana at home...?

[AZGrizFan]

then what are you suggesting our toughest game would be?

At PSU or MSU?
ASU?
Montana at home...?

Yes. Yes.
Yes.
Yes.

[Mountaineer#96]

hahaha i think 6-5 as well

[already123]

haters...

[WyomingGrizFan]

I still feel pretty good about my assessment given earlier. 'already12' may be right about the OL players coming back, but I think it's really four of five, not the entire OL of last year, though.

LT...Justin Tyler.....6'7"...320 lbs...Sr
LG...Trevor Heekin..6'3"...291 lbs...Jr
OC...Kevin Meagher.6'2"..280 lbs...Jr (two-year starter; HM BSC)
RG...John Toailoa....6'0"..295 lbs...Sr (HM BSC)
RT...[could be either Nick Posey, 6'7" 280 lb Sr, Ryan Holstrom, 6'6" 295 or Quinton Larson, 6'4" 270 lbs].

They say they have 39 letterwinners, nine starters on offense and fourteen overall coming back in 2007. In the main that seems pretty fair. With defensive starters back:

DE...Blair Boynton....6'3"...255 lbs...Jr (?)
DE...Drew Hoffman...6'6"...265 lbs...Sr (HM BSC)
...with DT Josh Williams, 6'2" 281 lbs Sr and Fotu Kofutua, 6'2" 264 lb Sr also possible for plenty of playing time.
They don't seem to have much experience at LB this year though, having back only two players that I've heard of: Joe Mitchell, 6'1" 235 lb Sr and Jared Fano, 6'0" 225 lb Jr.
They do seem to have four DBs back that were starters at one time or another:
S....Marcus McIlwain.5'10"...170 lbs..Jr (two year starter)
S....Adam Wright......6'0".....190 lbs..Sr
CB..Ricky Wilson.......5'11"...180 lbs..Sr (2nd Team BSC)
CB..K. G. Gerard.......6'1".....170 lbs..Jr (?)
...with K/P..Robbie Dehaze...6'3"..184 lbs...Jr (HM BSC)

Needless to say, NAU has their offense as their main strength with nine starters, three WRs at least HM with Alex Watson an All-American. Watson was catching 70 to 80 yd TD passes most of last year as I recall so he can change the complexion of the game in a heart beat. If they have a QB that is as good as reported it may be like what Mike Kramer said last year before the Bobcat/NAU game:..."NAU is a really good team playing really, really well offensively,"..."If (insert Norton?) plays like he's been playing, it could be a track meet." (Bozeman Chronicle, 30 Sept 2006).

HC Jerome Souers did take his Lumberjacks into Lake Charles, La. one day in the First Round of the I-AA Playoffs back in 2003 to play the No. #1 seeded and AP Poll rated McNeese State Cowboys, winning 35 - 3 as I recall.

[already123]

I still feel pretty good about my assessment given earlier. 'already12' may be right about the OL players coming back, but I think it's really four of five, not the entire OL of last year, though.

LT...Justin Tyler.....6'7"...320 lbs...Sr
LG...Trevor Heekin..6'3"...291 lbs...Jr
OC...Kevin Meagher.6'2"..280 lbs...Jr (two-year starter; HM BSC)
RG...John Toailoa....6'0"..295 lbs...Sr (HM BSC)
RT...[could be either Nick Posey, 6'7" 280 lb Sr, Ryan Holstrom, 6'6" 295 or Quinton Larson, 6'4" 270 lbs].

They say they have 39 letterwinners, nine starters on offense and fourteen overall coming back in 2007. In the main that seems pretty fair. With defensive starters back:

DE...Blair Boynton....6'3"...255 lbs...Jr (?)
DE...Drew Hoffman...6'6"...265 lbs...Sr (HM BSC)
...with DT Josh Williams, 6'2" 281 lbs Sr and Fotu Kofutua, 6'2" 264 lb Sr also possible for plenty of playing time.
They don't seem to have much experience at LB this year though, having back only two players that I've heard of: Joe Mitchell, 6'1" 235 lb Sr and Jared Fano, 6'0" 225 lb Jr.
They do seem to have four DBs back that were starters at one time or another:
S....Marcus McIlwain.5'10"...170 lbs..Jr (two year starter)
S....Adam Wright......6'0".....190 lbs..Sr
CB..Ricky Wilson.......5'11"...180 lbs..Sr (2nd Team BSC)
CB..K. G. Gerard.......6'1".....170 lbs..Jr (?)
...with K/P..Robbie Dehaze...6'3"..184 lbs...Jr (HM BSC)

Needless to say, NAU has their offense as their main strength with nine starters, three WRs at least HM with Alex Watson an All-American. Watson was catching 70 to 80 yd TD passes most of last year as I recall so he can change the complexion of the game in a heart beat. If they have a QB that is as good as reported it may be like what Mike Kramer said last year before the Bobcat/NAU game:..."NAU is a really good team playing really, really well offensively,"..."If (insert Norton?) plays like he's been playing, it could be a track meet." (Bozeman Chronicle, 30 Sept 2006).

HC Jerome Souers did take his Lumberjacks into Lake Charles, La. one day in the First Round of the I-AA Playoffs back in 2003 to play the No. #1 seeded and AP Poll rated McNeese State Cowboys, winning 35 - 3 as I recall.

Yes I was at that game...it wasnt even close! The talk around Flagstaff, and from Souers himself, is that this years team is as good if not better than the 2003 team.
As far as returners go...Heekin, Reader, Meagher, Toiloa, and Tyler will start on the line (from L to R tackle repestively). All of which have started at least a few games. We all know about the skill positions offensively...ALL return, ALL recieved some form of all-conf recognition. QB is the only question, however, Kriesien (the incumbent and current #1) and Norton (Fresno St. transfer) look good. Defensively, the secondary returns 4 of 5 starters, 2 of 3 D-Line, and 1 out of 3 starters at LB. Joe Mitchell did recieve extensive PT last year, so we expect him to do well.
Basically, the Lumberjacks look great on paper...but we all know games arent played on paper. It will be a great season for NAU xthumbsupx

[JALMOND]

then what are you suggesting our toughest game would be?

At PSU or MSU?
ASU?
Montana at home...?

My opinion only...

1. App State on the road
2. Montana at Flag-Town (only because its a home game)
3. tossup between PSU, MSU and U of A.