Arizona State adds NAU to 2006, 2008 schedule

[Lumberjacks76]

The Arizona State University Sun Devils will host the
Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks in their 2006
college football season opener August 31st.

This marks only the second time since 1950 that the
NAU Lumberjacks and Arizona State Sun Devils have met
on the football field. In 2003, NAU lost 34-14 to ASU.
The Lumberjacks went on to post a 9-4 record and made
it to the quarterfinals of the 2003 Division I-AA
playoffs.

NAU has also scheduled the University of Arizona in
football in 2002, 2004 and 2005. NAU lost to Arizona
31-12 in Tucson last season. In 2004, NAU trailed only
7-3 entering the 4th quarter in Mike Stoops head
coaching debut at Arizona. UofA eventually won 21-3.

ASU added the Lumberjacks as a last second replacement
to New Mexico State University, who quietly (and
abruptly) backed out of the 2006 season opener at Sun
Devil Stadium in Tempe.

New Mexico State will still owe ASU $300,000 for the
game. ASU will guarantee NAU $390,000 in profit.

The Sun Devils also play NAU in 2008.

Paul

[DaGriz]

Arizona wasn't tough enough? What is the point of a game like that for a team that struggled this year? Wouldn't the wins be more important than the money?

[TypicalTribe]

$390,000 is a nice payday, especially for such a short trip.

[TexasTerror]

$390,000 is a nice payday, especially for such a short trip.

Heck, that's $100,000 more than SHSU is getting for going to Texas!

[dbackjon]

$390,000 is a nice payday, especially for such a short trip.

Two hour drive to where at least half of your players/recruits are from, exposure in the biggest city in the state.....