SAN ANTONIO, Texas – For the first time in program history the University of the Incarnate Word football team will make the short drive up I35 and face off with regional opponent Texas State at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday in San Marcos.
 
OPENING KICK
 
The Cardinals (1-3, 1-2 SLC) are coming off of consecutive letdowns against Nicholls and McNeese, but scored a combined 43 points in the fourth quarter over those two ballgames. UIW will look for a faster start against the Bobcats (1-2) as both teams battle to avoid a third consecutive loss.
 
After opening the season with a thrilling 56-54 triple overtime victory at Ohio, Texas State has been outscored 106-6 in successive losses, albeit against #24 Arkansas and #6 Houston. Saturday's 64-3 defeat by the Cougars came in front of a record crowd of 33,133 at Bobcat Stadium.
 
SCOUTING THE BOBCATS
 
2016: 1-2 overall
Last Game: L vs. #6 Houston (64-3)
Head Coach: Everett Withers
Key Offensive Players:
#2 Sr. QB Tyler Jones (69-112-4, 603 yds, 4 td)
#26 So. RB Stedman Mayberry (32-132, 4.1 ypc, 1 td)
#3 JR. WR Elijah King (11-160, 14.5 ypc, 2 td)
#11 Jr. WR Eric Luna (12-93, 7.8 ypc, 1 td)
#32 Jr. TE Gabe Schrade (8-84, 10.5 ypc, 0 td)
Key Defensive Players:
#55 Fr. LB Bryan London (33 tkls, 2.0 tfl)
#2 Jr. LB Gabe Loyd (24 tkls, 1.5 tfl)
#27 Fr. DB Gavin Graham (17 tkls, 1.5 tfl, 1.0 sacks)
Summary:
Texas State has been outperformed in almost every statistical category through its first three games of the season, but the Bobcats are a dangerous and talented football team and have faced one of the toughest non-conference schedules to date.


THE CARDINAL FILE
 
2016: 1-3 overall, 1-2 SLC
Last Game: L vs. McNeese (42-35)
Head Coach: Larry Kennan
Key Offensive Players:
#4 Jr. QB Trent Brittain (67-135-3, 917 yds, 8 td)
#8 Sr. RB Broderick Reeves (53-190, 3.4 ypc, 2 td)
#21 Fr. RB Desmond Hite (11-120, 10.6 ypc, 1 td)
#2 Sr. WR Jordan Hicks (14-265, 18.9 ypc, 2 td)
#81 Jr. WR Kody Edwards (14-243, 17.4 ypc, 3 td)
Key Defensive Players:
#17 Jr. DB Sean Hoeferkamp (30 tkls, 3 brup)
#33 Sr. LB Joel Higgins (27 tkls, 1 tfl)
#35 So. DB Jawun Jiles (20 tkls, 1 tfl)
Summary:
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 second-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 run 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.
 
Over the last two weeks the Cardinals decided not to show up until the fourth quarter. Against Nicholls and McNeese, UIW was outscored, 42-13, over the first three quarters combined. In the fourth quarter of those contests the Cardinals flipped the script, outscoring the Colonels and Cowboys by a combined score of a 43-14.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
Saturday's game will be the first meeting in program history between UIW and Texas State. The Bobcats were members of the Southland Conference from 1987 until 2012.
 
UP NEXT
 
Following this weekend's action the Cardinals will host Sam Houston at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Benson Stadium. The contest will serve as the team's annual cancer awareness game. Fans are encouraged to wear pink.
 
STAY TUNED
 
UIW will head north to face Abilene Christian at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Incarnate Word Athletics visit uiwcardinals.com. Be sure to follow Incarnate Word Athletics on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like Incarnate Word Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics.