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Incarnate Word Notes
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FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – The University of the Incarnate Word football team has their biggest test of the season on Saturday when they travel to three-time defending FCS national champion and current No. 1-ranked North Dakota State at Gate City Bank Field at Fargodome at 2:30 p.m.
         
The Cardinals (0-2) are making their first trip North of Arkansas in the program's history.  The team dropped their first two games of the year at home to Sacramento State and on the road at Stephen F. Austin.  The Bison (2-0) knocked off Iowa State and Weber State on the road to start the season.  NDSU is one of four teams on UIW's schedule this year that is currently ranked in the Top 25.
         
The UIW offense is averaging 261.5 yards per game and 8.0 points per game.  Junior quarterback Taylor Woods (Sugar Land/Fort Bend Austin HS) is 26-of-56 for 329 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.  The top receiver on the team is senior Casey Jennings (Fremont, CA/Washington HS) who has nine catches for 167 yards.  Four other players have three receptions.  The running game has yet to get on track.  Joseph Sadler (Devine/Devine HS) leads the team with 48 yards on nine carries.
         
On defense, the Cardinals are allowing 472 yards per game.  Six players are averaging at least 5.0 tackles per game with Brandon Tanksley (Katy/Morton Ranch HS) leading the way with 12 stops.  Defensive tackle Corey Lee (Humble/La Porte HS) has been the most disruptive force for UIW with 4.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.  Linebacker Nick Ginn (Corpus Christi/Calallen HS) has contributed 11 tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss.
         
The UIW special teams have done well in the kick return and kicking games.  Freshmen Kody Edwards (Mesquite/Mesquite Poteet HS) and Jamari Gilbert (Baytown/Baytown Lee HS) are each averaging over 26 yards per kick return.  Freshman kicker Ramon Coto (Houston/Westfield HS) is 3-of-4 on field goals with all three coming from at least 47 yards.  He has also boomed three touch backs and is averaging 37.5 yards per punt.
         
The Bison come into the game averaging 29.0 points per game and allowing 10.5 points per game.  The offense is led by running back John Crockett who is averaging 129.5 yards per game on 6.0 yards per carry with four touchdowns.  Quarterback Carson Wentz is 31-of-50 for 396 yards and two interceptions.  Zach Vraa leads the team with nine catches for 123 yards.
         
The NDSU defense is limiting opponents to 279.5 yards or total offense with only 84 coming on the ground.  Kyle Emanuel has been the team's top play-maker with 16 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and two forced fumbles.  Carlton Littlejohn has added 14 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss.
         
The Bison kicking game is very strong.  Adam Keller is perfect on three field goal attempts and seven extra-point attempts this year.  Ben LeCompte is averaging 43.3 yards per punt and has booted 5-of-7 kickoffs for touchbacks.
         
The game will be broadcast on ESPN3 and the pregame show will be part of ESPN's College GameDay program.  UIW fans can listen to the broadcast on CBS SportsRadio 860 AM with Gabe Farias and Shawn Morris on the call.  The online broadcast is available at www.uiwlive.com.  UIW Athletics is hosting a watch party at the new Augie's BBQ at 909 Broadway.  Food will be provided while it lasts.  E-mail UIWAthletics@uiwtx.edu for more information and to RSVP.
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