NATCHITOCHES -- Looking at the 2011 Northwestern State football schedule, it was easy to see the challenge of a strong slate heading into the season.

Going into Saturday evening's Homecoming game at 6 against Southland Conference rival Southeastern, the Demons have clearly been tested -- to their benefit, says coach Bradley Dale Peveto.

"Our strong schedule has made us a better football team," he told the Shreveport-Bossier City Demon Quarterback Club on Thursday. "You look at who we've played and it's very impressive. Our guys have gone toe to toe every week against some really good teams."

Opening opponent Delta State was a 24-23 Demon victim on Sept. 1. The Statesmen, who played for the NCAA Division II national title last season, are going to rise to No. 1 in the nation's Division II rankings next week after beating previously unbeaten, No. 1 North Alabama 30-24 Thursday night in overtime on the road. Delta State is 7-1 and currently ranked No. 2 in Division II.

LSU stands No. 1 in the FBS Top 25, undefeated at 6-0.

SMU, which defeated nationally-ranked TCU in its most recent game, is 4-1.

Nicholls is the only team Northwestern has played without a winning record. The Demons pasted the Colonels 34-0 on Sept. 24 in Thibodaux.

McNeese is nationally ranked in the FCS Top 25 at No. 23. The Cowboys share the Southland Conference lead and are 3-2 overall heading into a key Southland Conference visit Saturday to Central Arkansas.

Even after getting whipped 37-17 at home by Northwestern last Saturday, Lamar carries a 3-2 record and a 1-1 Southland mark.

Tickets are on sale at the NSU Athletic Ticket Office (318-357-4268) for Saturday evening's game in Turpin Stadium. The ticket office will be open unitl 3 Saturday afternoon. Stadium gates and ticket windows open at 4.