The Lumberjacks (5-2, 4-0 BSC) come into this game on a 5 game winning streak and are fresh off of a 45-31 ass kicking of the farm extension last week. NAU had a rough start to the season when their admin inexplicable announced that long time HC Jerome Souers will not be re-signed. But this team has gotten it together and IMO looks like the most balanced team in the conference.
Offensively they run various single back formations primarily from the shotgun and typically with multiple TEs (which they use very well). QB Cookus (168/288, 2,224 yds, 18 TD, 4 INT) is one of the most productive QBs in the BSC. Good arm and accuracy who has great pocket awareness and can throw on the run. Cookus spreads the ball around quite well but his main target is playmaking WR Marks (54 rec, 945 yds, 6 TD). The NAU OL is pretty good but has given up 2 sacks a game. RBs Young (70 car, 429 yds, 6 TD) and Logan (85 car, 366 yds, 3 TD) share the load on the ground. Both are capable runners but the run game is used mostly to keep the defense honest. This Lumberjack offense wants to win it through the air.
NAU has a good defense that is comparable to the Hornet defense. They line up in the 4-3 and have a DL that is good, quick, and has depth; decent LBs and a ball hawking secondary (12 INTs on the year, 1st in the BSC). Overall this is a stingy defense with good pursuit and tackling that doesn’t give up a lot of points.
On special teams the Lumberjacks have given up and taken some returns to the house. Marks is a dangerous returner. Their kicker Roehler (5/10 FG, 31/33 PAT) has had issues making FGs. Hornets have the clear advantage in the kicking game.
NAU is the most complete and balanced team the Hornets will face this season (WSU a close 2nd) as NAU has only gotten better as the season has progressed. Couple that with this road trip at elevation coming off the long haul to UND and the Hornets have a tough task ahead of them. I was having a hard time seeing a Hornet win at Flagstaff with a healthy Thomson, so with the QB situation in question (and Obinna out for the 1st half due to a targeting call) I think NAU wins this one by at least 14. Interesting note: NAU games have been penalty bonanzas this season.
Offensively they run various single back formations primarily from the shotgun and typically with multiple TEs (which they use very well). QB Cookus (168/288, 2,224 yds, 18 TD, 4 INT) is one of the most productive QBs in the BSC. Good arm and accuracy who has great pocket awareness and can throw on the run. Cookus spreads the ball around quite well but his main target is playmaking WR Marks (54 rec, 945 yds, 6 TD). The NAU OL is pretty good but has given up 2 sacks a game. RBs Young (70 car, 429 yds, 6 TD) and Logan (85 car, 366 yds, 3 TD) share the load on the ground. Both are capable runners but the run game is used mostly to keep the defense honest. This Lumberjack offense wants to win it through the air.
NAU has a good defense that is comparable to the Hornet defense. They line up in the 4-3 and have a DL that is good, quick, and has depth; decent LBs and a ball hawking secondary (12 INTs on the year, 1st in the BSC). Overall this is a stingy defense with good pursuit and tackling that doesn’t give up a lot of points.
On special teams the Lumberjacks have given up and taken some returns to the house. Marks is a dangerous returner. Their kicker Roehler (5/10 FG, 31/33 PAT) has had issues making FGs. Hornets have the clear advantage in the kicking game.
NAU is the most complete and balanced team the Hornets will face this season (WSU a close 2nd) as NAU has only gotten better as the season has progressed. Couple that with this road trip at elevation coming off the long haul to UND and the Hornets have a tough task ahead of them. I was having a hard time seeing a Hornet win at Flagstaff with a healthy Thomson, so with the QB situation in question (and Obinna out for the 1st half due to a targeting call) I think NAU wins this one by at least 14. Interesting note: NAU games have been penalty bonanzas this season.
