Cookus, NAU climb up FCS polls

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Northern Arizona finds itself ranked for the second straight week as it enters the final weekend of the regular season. The Lumberjacks are slotted 20th in the FCS Coaches' poll and 24th in the STATS FCS Top 25 poll.

The Lumberjacks rolled past Sacramento State 49-35 on Saturday to cap an undefeated home schedule for the second time in three seasons. NAU scored a minimum 41 points in all five home games.

Quarterback Case Cookus threw for six touchdowns and ran for another. The six touchdown passes vaulted Cookus to new FCS record holder for most touchdowns in a season by a freshman with 33.

Coming off the big performance, Cookus was named Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week. He also grabbed HERO Sports FCS Offensive Stud of the Week, CFPA National Player of the Week honorable mention, and College Sports Madness National and Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week honors.

Cookus and the Lumberjacks will take their new rankings to face No. 18/20 Southern Utah for a 3 p.m. kickoff on Saturday.