Natchitoches, LA (Sports Network) - Northwestern State University announced Tuesday a 2013 football schedule which features six home contests and two FBS road tilts.
The Demons from the Southland Conference will play a 12-game schedule for the first time since 2008 and renew a series with intra-state rival Southern University from the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
The matchup with Southern highlights the schedule because the contest has drawn some of the best crowds in Turpin Stadium history, including a record of 17,528 in 2000.
"There are many positives about this 2013 schedule, most notably renewing the in-state rivalry with Southern University," NSU director of athletics Greg Burke said. "Much appreciation is expressed to Demon football All-American and current Southern athletic director William Broussard for helping facilitate this two-year contract."
NSU opens the season with a non-conference game at Missouri State on Aug. 29 before hosting Southern the following weekend on Sept. 7. The team then hits the road for back-to-back contests versus FBS members Cincinnati and Alabama- Birmingham on Sept. 14 and 21, respectively.
Northwestern State plays host to Division II Langston on Sept. 28 before the team's bye week. The Demons begin Southland Conference play at Nicholls State (Oct. 12) and return home on Oct. 19 for Homecoming and the "Battle for Chief Caddo" versus Southeastern Louisiana.
The schedule strengthens after Homecoming, with two conference road games at Sam Houston State (Oct. 26) and McNeese State (Nov. 16), and three more home contests versus Central Arkansas (Nov. 2), Lamar (Nov. 9) and Stephen F. Austin (Nov. 23).
Northwestern State is without a head coach after Bradley Dale Peveto was let go following a four-year run. Burke expects to name a new head coach soon.
2013 Northwestern State Football Schedule
Sept. 7, Southern
Sept. 14, at Cincinnati
Sept. 21, at Alabama-Birmingham
Sept. 28, Langston
Oct. 12, at Nicholls State*
Oct. 19, Southeastern Louisiana* (Homecoming)
Oct. 26, at Sam Houston State*
Nov. 2, Central Arkansas*
Nov. 9, Lamar*
Nov. 16, at McNeese*
Nov. 23, Stephen F. Austin*
* - Southland Conference game
