The Southern Utah football team will play a 12-game schedule for the first time this year, including a pair of games against FBS opponents.

The Thunderbirds will travel to South Alabama on Aug. 29 and Washington State on Sept. 14 for first-ever matchups. It will mark the fifth straight campaign the Thunderbirds have faced two FBS opponents.

SUU will play five home games, starting with NCAA Division II Fort Lewis on Sept. 7. The Thunderbirds also will host Big Sky Conference games against UC Davis (Oct. 5), Portland State (Oct. 12), Idaho State (Oct. 26) and Northern Arizona (Nov. 23).

Coach Ed Lamb's squad will play nine Big Sky opponents, but only eight will count toward the conference standings. The Thunderbirds' Sept. 21 visit to Sacramento State is considered a non-conference game for both teams.

This past season, SUU finished 5-6 overall and 4-4 in the Big Sky - its first season in the conference.

2013 Southern Utah Football Schedule

Aug. 29, at South Alabama

Sept. 7, Fort Lewis

Sept. 14, at Washington State

Sept. 21, at Sacramento State

Sept. 28, at Northern Colorado*

Oct. 5, UC Davis*

Oct. 12, Portland State*

Oct. 19, at Eastern Washington*

Oct. 26, Idaho State*

Nov. 9, at Weber State*

Nov. 16, at Montana State*

Nov. 23, Northern Arizona*

* - Big Sky Conference game