SAN ANTONIO, Texas – After a disappointing outing in Abilene over the weekend, the University of the Incarnate Word football team will look to rebound at 6 p.m. on Saturday as the squad hosts Stephen F. Austin at Benson Stadium for the first time in program history.
 
OPENING KICK
 
With the top teams in the Southland Conference fading in the rear view mirror, both the Cardinals (1-6, 1-4 SLC) and Lumberjacks (3-4, 2-3 SLC) are optimistic that Saturday's contest will be the turning point that sets them on a trajectory to finish 2016 on a high note.
 
SCOUTING THE LUMBERJACKS
 
2016: 3-4 Overall, 2-3 SLC
Last Game: L vs. Southeastern La. (58-34)
Head Coach: Clint Conque
Key Offensive Players:
#2 Sr. QB Zach Conque (93-213-4, 1040 YRDS, 7 TD, 5 TD rushing)
#7 So. RB Loren Easly (54-342, 6.2 YPC, 5 TD)
#5 Sr. WR Justic Liggins (37-450, 12.2 YPC, 2 TD)
#80 Fr. WR Tamrick Pace (29-417, 14.4 YPC, 5 TD)
#9 Jr. WR Trae Hart (28-361, 12.9 YPC, 1 TD)
Key Defensive Players:
#49 Sr. LB Price Milller (53 TKL, 2.0 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FF)
#4 Sr. LB George Stone (48 TKL, 3.0 TFL, 2.0 INT)
#97 Sr. DE Kedrick Harrison (26 TKL, 10.5 TFL, 7.5 SACKS, 4 QBH)
Summary: Stephen F. Austin heads to San Antonio at 3-4 overall and 2-3 in Southland Conference action, losing three-straight games against No. 2 Sam Houston, Nicholls and Southeastern La.
 
The Lumberjacks are averaging 29.9 points and 411.4 yards of total offense per game. SFA is averaging 291.9 yards through the air, led by Zach Conque, son of Head Coach Clint Conque. Receivers Justic Liggins (450 yards), Tamrick Pace (417 yards) and Trae Hart (361 yards) emerge as Conque's favorite targets. Loren Easly paces the Lumberjack ground game after a breakout performance against Southeastern La. Easly rushed 14 times for 169 yards and three touchdowns against the Lions.
 
Defensively, SFA is surrendering 43.9 points and 499.0 yards per game, including 122.0 rushing yards and 377.0 passing yards per game.
 
Linebacker Price Miller leads the Lumberjack defense with 53 tackles this season, while linebacker George Stone has added 48 tackles, with three tackles for loss and two interceptions. Defensive end Kendrick Harrison is a menace to opposing offences, racking up 26 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
2016: 1-6 Overall, 1-4 SLC
Last Game: L at Abilene Christian (52-27)
Head Coach: Larry Kennan
Key Offensive Players:
#4 Jr. QB Trent Brittain (109-220-4, 1385 YRDS, 12 TD, 4 rushing TD)
#8 Sr. RB Broderick Reeves (98-400, 3.9 YPC, 5 TD)
#10 Sr. RB Junior Sessions (38-125, 3.1 YPC, 1 TD)
#81 Jr. WR Kody Edwards (24-444, 18.5 YPC, 6 TD)
#22 Jr. WR Jamari Gilbert (18-272, 15.1 YPC, 4 TD)
Key Defensive Players:
#17 Jr. DB Sean Hoeferkamp (49 TKLS, 4 BU)
#33 Sr. LB Joel Higgins (48 TKLS, 4.5 TFL, 3.0 SACKS)
#9 Sr. LB Josh Zellars (46 TKLS, 1 QBH, 1 BU)
Summary:
The Cardinals will look to rebound after allowing Abilene Christian to pick up its first win of the season, 52-27, on Oct. 22 in Abilene. UIW struggled to generate any yardage on the ground early in the year, but found a spark in freshman Desmond Hite, who proved to be one of the most explosive weapons in the Southland Conference. Just when it looked like the Cardinals were firing on all cylinders, the team lost Hite to an injury against No. 2 Sam Houston. UIW currently rank last in the league in rushing yards per game (118.7).
 
While the Cardinals offense may not be the most prolific in the Southland Conference, it is undoubtedly one of the most explosive. UIW has the longest rushing touchdown and third-longest touchdown reception in the league this year. Kody Edwards scored on an 83-yard bomb against Texas A&M-Kingsville in week one, while Desmond Hite broke free for an 85 yard scamper against the stingy Nicholls rushing defense in week three. Even the Cardinal special teams unit has provided its share of excitement. Against the Colonels, a blocked field goal by Alex Jenkins was recovered and returned for a 76-yard touchdown by Robert Hayes Jr. Eleven of UIW's touchdowns have gone for 40 yards or more.
 
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday's meeting will be just the third in the all-time series between the Cardinals and Lumberjacks and the first to take place in the Alamo City. SFA won the previous two meetings, downing UIW 38-3 in 2014 and 55-21 last season. Both of the previous games were set in Nacogdoches.
 
UP NEXT
 
Following this weekend's action the Cardinals will battle Southeastern La. for homecoming at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. The matchup will also serve as the squad's annual Military Appreciation Game.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW will head to Beaumont for a 6 p.m. date with Lamar on Saturday, Nov. 12.
 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow UIW Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.