'Jacks on cusp of first conference title since '03

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AP College Football Writer

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Northern Arizona, like so many other teams in the state, has had a time gaining a steady following unless it wins.

The Lumberjacks are starting to take care of that this season.

Behind running back Zach Bauman and quarterback Cary Grossart, Northern Arizona is on the cusp of its first conference title since 2003.

Picked seventh by the conference's coaches, the Lumberjacks surprised everyone but themselves by beating UNLV and one-time nemesis Montana during an eight-game winning streak, the program's longest since 1958.

Northern Arizona lost a chance at the outright Big Sky Conference title by losing a triple-overtime shootout to Southern Utah on Saturday, but can earn at least a share of the championship by beating Cal Poly at home Saturday.