SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The University of the Incarnate Word heads to Natchitoches, La. for a matchup with Northwestern St. at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the team's first Southland Conference action of 2016.
 
OPENING KICK
 
The Cardinals (0-1) are coming off of a tough 31-22 loss at the hands of Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday, but will look to build off of the positives of a strong passing game in week one. The Demons (0-1) opened their campaign with a lopsided 55-7 defeat on Saturday, albeit at the hands of No. 21 Baylor. Both squads will attempt to shrug off their season-opening hardships and make the most of an abbreviated week of preparation.
 
TELEVISION DEBUT
 
Thursday's game will air on the American Sports Network. The contest can also be viewed on Cox Sports Television, as well as online at the Southland Digital Network and the Southland app.
 
SCOUTING THE DEMONS
 
2016: 0-1 overall, 0-0 SLC
Last Game: L at Baylor (55-7)
Head Coach: Jay Thomas
Key Offensive Players:
#9 Sr. QB Brooks Haack: 3-for-13, 14 yards passing
#25 Sr. RB De'Mard Llorens: 14 rushes for 35 yards
#11 Sr. WR Tuff McClain: No receptions against Baylor
#15 Sr. WR Shakeir Ryan: No receptions against Baylor
Key Defensive Players:
#1 Sr. DE JeMarcus Marshall: 3 tackles, 0.5 TFL
#46 Sr. LB Shawn Stephens: 7 tackles
#43 Jr. LB Peyton Guidry: 4 tackles, 0.5 TFL
#4 So. CB Ike Warren: No tackles against Baylor
#3 Sr. SS Adam Jones: 6 tackles
Summary:
Northwestern State finished 2015 on an upward swing, winning four of its last six games. A veteran front featuring Terrance Boyd and Korliss Johnson, and an abundance of experienced ball-handlers, led by running back De'Mard Llorens and receivers Tuff McClain and Shakeir Ryan, are the offensive anchors. Although only four full-time starters are back, another eight players who have gotten starting assignments bolster the depth chart.
Defensively, a young unit will blend in a set of newcomers, with seven returning starters and 10 others with starting experience. Key figures include senior end JeMarcus Marshall, linebackers Shawn Stephens and Peyton Guidry, and defensive backs Ike Warren and Adam Jones.
The Demons will look to fill a special team void left by 2015 All-America kicker Chris Moore, 2014 All-America return man Ed Eagan and three-year punting veteran Andy Wickman.
 
THE CARDINAL FILE
 
2016: 0-1 overall, 0-0 SLC
Last Game: L vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville (31-22)
Head Coach: Larry Kennan
Key Offensive Players:
#4 Jr. QB Trent Brittain: 19-for-33, 294 yards passing, 3 TDs
#8 Sr. RB Broderick Reeves: 8 rushes for 14 yards (1.8 avg.)
#81 Jr. WR Kody Edwards: 7 receptions for 159 yards, 1 TD
#2 Sr. WR Jordan Hicks: 5 receptions for 115 yards, 1 TD
Key Defensive Players:
#54 Jr. DE Corey Lee: Did not play against TAMUK
#99 Sr. LB Alex Jenkins: 8 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack
#33 Sr. LB Joel Higgins: 9 tackles
#15 Jr. LB Quandre Washington: 3 tackles, 1 fumble recovery
#18 Sr. SS Adrian Norwood, Jr.: Did not play against TAMUK
Summary:
The final dress rehearsal for the UIW football program will be 2016 as the Cardinals enter their fourth and final season as a team and overall athletic department in transition from Division II to Division I. Starting in 2017, the Cardinals will be eligible for postseason play and fifth year head coach Larry Kennan is hopeful to have the team ready to compete for an FCS playoff spot.
The Cardinals are coming off their best season to date after going 6-5 overall with a 5-4 record in the Southland Conference that put them in fourth place. While the team lost some key players, All-America linebacker Myke Tavarres and first team all-conference tight end Cole Wick to name a few, they return a strong core that expects to win games. Trent Brittain, Cyril Clarke, Matt McCarthy and Junior Sessions have each started at least 19 games in their careers on the offensive side of the ball while Daryl Irby, Adrian Norwood and Josh Zellars have the same experience on defense.
 
SERIES HISTORY
 
Thursday's game marks only the third meeting in program history between Incarnate Word and Northwestern St. The series is currently tied at one win apiece. The Demons earned a 49-12 victory in 2014 in Natchitoches, La., while the Cardinals picked up a 45-31 victory last season in San Antonio.
 
UP NEXT
 
Following Thursday's action Incarnate Word will head to Thibodaux, La. for a 3 p.m. matchup with Nicholls on Saturday, Sept. 17 at John L. Guidry Stadium.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals return to San Antonio for a battle with McNeese at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.
 
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.