SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word football team will face its toughest challenge of the season at 6 p.m. on Saturday as the squad hosts No. 2 Sam Houston at Benson Stadium.
 
OPENING KICK
 
The Cardinals (1-4, 1-2 SLC) have shown flashes of brilliance over their first five games, but enter Saturday's matchup riding a three-game skid. UIW will look to slow down the nations' top offense and upset the Bearkats (4-0, 3-0 SLC) on ESPN3.
 
SCOUTING THE BEARKATS
 
2016: 4-0 Overall, 3-0 SLC
Last Game: W at Stephen F. Austin (63-28)
Head Coach: K.C. Keeler
Key Offensive Players:
#16 Jr. QB Jeremiah Briscoe (101-154-2, 1473 yrds, 16 td)
#34 So. RB Remus Butler (44-361 yrds, 8.2 ypc, 3 td)
#6 Jr. RB Corey Avery (43-264 yrds, 6.1 ypc, 4 td)
#9 Jr. WR Louis Yedidiah (24-392 yrds, 16.3 ypc, 4 td)
#81 Fr. WR Nathan Stewart (13-275 yrds, 21.2 ypc, 3 td)
Key Defensive Players:
#54 So. LB Justin Johnson (30 tkls, 2.5 tfl, 2.0 sacks)
#90 Jr. DE Mouf Abedo (24 tkls, 6.5 tfl, 5.0 sacks)
#92 Jr. DE P.J. Hall (18 tkls, 10.0 tfl, 3.0 sacks)
Summary:
Undefeated Sam Houston boasts jaw-dropping offensive statistics. The Bearkats lead the nation in total offense (637.8) and scoring offense (54.5), while ranking second in passing offense (392.0). Sam Houston's offensive line ranks second in the country in sacks allowed (0.25) and tackles for loss allowed (3.25).
 
On Monday quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe was named STATS FCS Offensive Player of the Week after going 25-for-33 for 438 yards and seven touchdowns against rival Stephen F. Austin. Briscoe's seven touchdown passes surpassed the previous Bearkat record of five.

THE CARDINAL FILE
 
2016: 1-4 Overall, 1-2 SLC
Last Game: L at Texas State (48-17)
Head Coach: Larry Kennan
Key Offensive Players:
#4 Jr. QB Trent Brittain (80-158-3, 1066 yds, 8 td)
#8 Sr. RB Broderick Reeves (64-250, 3.9 ypc, 3 td)
#21 Fr. RB Desmond Hite (19-224, 11.8 ypc, 2 td)
#81 Jr. WR Kody Edwards (17-305, 17.9 ypc, 3 td)
#2 Sr. WR Jordan Hicks (14-265, 18.9 ypc, 2 td)
Key Defensive Players:
#33 Sr. LB Joel Higgins (40 tkls, 2.0 tfl, 1.0 sacks)
#17 Jr. DB Sean Hoeferkamp (37 tkls, 3 brup)
#9 Sr. LB Josh Zellars (29 tkls, 1 brup)
Summary:
The Cardinals' front-loaded 2016 schedule culminates with Saturday's battle royal. After splitting the first two games of the season, UIW faced a Nicholls squad that nearly upset multiple FBS opponents. The Cardinals then hosted defending Southland Conference champion McNeese, before a challenging matchup with Texas State on the road.
 
Despite the team's recent struggles, UIW has displayed steady progress on both sides of the ball. The Cardinals ground game has shown the most growth. UIW registered -29 rushing yards in its season-opener, but tallied 191 in the squad's most recent contest at Texas State.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
The Cardinals are 0-4 all-time in the series against Sam Houston. The Bearkats took a 59-7 victory last season in Huntsville and have outscored UIW by an average score of 51.3 to 13.5 since the first meeting in 2012.
 
UP NEXT
 
Following this weekend's action the Cardinals will have a bye week before heading north to face rival Abilene Christian at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW will host Stephen F. Austin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29.
 
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.