WATCH LIVE: LIVE VIDEO & STATS|LIVE AUDIORADIO: ESPN 92.7 FM/1340 AMARCATA, Calif. - For the first time since 1960 Humboldt State football will have the chance to defend its home turf in a postseason game. The Lumberjacks host the Vikings of Augustana Saturday in Redwood Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
The Green and Gold earned the No. 4 seed in the NCAA Super Region Three rankings and the opportunity to host an NCAA Playoff game Sunday. No. 11-ranked HSU went 9-1 overall during the regular season, its only loss came on the road against a ranked and postseason-bound Midwestern State team.
Saturday's game means a historic opportunity for the Jacks, but also for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The GNAC has not had a postseason representative since the 2009 season, despite worthy squads over the past several years.
HSU will be facing one of the nation's best offensive units in its first round matchup. No. 24-ranked Augustana has a 9-2 overall record; its only two losses coming against ranked opponents. The Vikings average 42.09 points per game and are led by one of the nation's prolific passers - Trey Heid.
Heid ranks 11
th in the nation in pass completion percentage (66.4 percent) and has completed 28 touchdown passes. The junior and Harlon Hill Trophy nominee tossed a season-high five touchdowns in the Vikings' regular season finale last weekend.
The Jacks will rely on GNAC Offensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-GNAC First Team selection
Ja'Quan Gardner to be a difference maker Saturday. Gardner, also a Harlon Hill Trophy nominee, leads the nation in rushing with 1,996 yards. The Ceres, Calif., product has rushed for 23 touchdowns, which ranks second in the nation, and averages 7.2 yards per carry.
Eight HSU defensive players collected all-conference honors Wednesday, and they will need to step up Saturday if the Green and Gold hope to capture a postseason victory. The Jacks defense compiled 27 sacks and led the GNAC with a 14 turnover margin this season. The unit aims to take advantage of the Vikings line, which yielded 37 sacks. Augustana ranked last in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in sacks against during the 2015 campaign.
Live video, stats and radio links are available above the preview. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the gate Saturday. The campus tailgate will begin at 11 a.m.
