Eastern Washington to face tough schedule

Jan 31, 2013 - 6:28 PM Cheney, WA (Sports Network) - Eastern Washington's first 12-game football schedule also is among its most competitive ever.

The Big Sky Conference university, whose program reached the FCS national semifinals this past season, will play five home games and two FBS opponents as part of its 2013 schedule announced on Thursday.

EWU will be on the road against its two FBS opponents, Oregon State to open the season Aug. 31 and then Toledo on Sept. 14. Both opponents played in bowl games this past season.

The Eagles' home games are against Division II Western Oregon on Sept. 7 and Big Sky members Weber State (Oct. 5), Southern Utah (Oct. 19, Homecoming), Montana State (Nov. 9) and Portland State (Nov. 23).

EWU will visit Sam Houston State on Sept. 28. Sam Houston ended the Eagles' 11-3 campaign in the national semifinals.

Coach Beau Baldwin's squad also will play road conference games at North Dakota (Oct. 12), Montana (Oct. 26), Idaho State (Nov. 2) and Cal Poly (Nov. 16).

2013 Eastern Washington University Football Schedule

Aug. 31, at Oregon State - Corvallis, Ore.

Sept. 7, Western Oregon - Cheney, Wash.

Sept. 14, at Toledo - Toledo, Ohio

Sept. 28 - at Sam Houston State - Huntsville, Texas

Oct. 5 - Weber State* - Cheney, Wash.

Oct. 12 - at North Dakota* - Grand Forks, N.D.

Oct. 19 - Southern Utah* (Homecoming) - Cheney, Wash.

Oct. 26 - at Montana* - Missoula, Mont.

Nov. 2 - at Idaho State* - Pocatello, Idaho

Nov. 9 - Montana State* - Cheney, Wash.

Nov. 16 - at Cal Poly* - San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Nov. 23 - Portland State* - Cheney, Wash.

* - Big Sky Conference game