HAMMOND, La. – The University of the Incarnate Word football team will seek its first victory of the 2017 season on Saturday as the squad heads to the strawberry capital of the world for a battle with Southeastern Louisiana at 10 a.m.
OPENING KICK
Coming off of a disappointing home-opening loss to rival Abilene Christian, the Cardinals (0-4, 0-2 SLC) will look for better results on the road against the talented Lions (2-3, 2-1 SLC).
SLU's overall record is deceiving. The Lions dropped a 51-48 decision against FBS opponent Louisiana-Lafayette to open the year, lost by just five points to Bethune-Cookman in week two and suffered a 38-6 defeat at the hands of a Central Arkansas squad that is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation.
Southeastern Louisiana enters Saturday's matchup riding a two-game winning streak after decisive league victories over Lamar (49-21) and Northwestern State (49-20).
With thunderstorms in the forecast for Saturday, the chaos created by Mother Nature may just be UIW's best ally.
HOW TO LISTEN
UIW fans can listen to all the action, broadcast by Chris Reyes and Jaime Valdes, by visiting KUIW.org.
SCOUTING THE LIONS
2017: 2-3 Overall, 2-1 SLC
Last Game: W 49-20 at Northwestern State (Sept. 30)
Head Coach: Ron Roberts
Key Offensive Players:
#10 So. QB Lorenzo Nunez (35-59-2, 546 YRDS, 6 TD)
#15 Sr. RB Eugene Bethea (55-336, 5.8 YPC, 3 TD)
#22 Jr. RB Julius Maracalin (48-258, 5.1 YPC, 5 TD)
#1 Sr. WR Juwan Dickey (22-301, 13.7 YPC, 1 TD)
Key Defensive Players:
#1 Sr. DB Max Lyons (39 TKL, 2.5 TFL, 2 QBH, 2 BU, 1.0 SACKS, 1 INT, 1 FR)
#18 Sr. LB Sione Teuhema (37 TKL, 5.5 TFL, 4 QBH, 3.0 SACKS, 1 FR, 1 BU)
#44 Sr. LB Lee Spight (30 TKL, 4.0 TFL, 2 FF, 1.0 SACKS, 1 QBH, 1 BU)
Summary: Southeastern Louisiana posted a 7-4 record last season, including a 7-2 mark in Southland Conference action. The Lions are 2-3 in 2017 and coming off of a 49-20 victory at Northwestern State on Sept. 30.
SLU averages 35 points and 443.8 yards of total offense. The Lions average 164.6 yards through the air, led by quarterback Lorenzo Nunez (546 yards, 6 touchdowns). Running backs Eugene Bethea (336 yards, 5.8 yards per carry, 3 touchdowns) and Julius Maracalin (258 yards, 5.1 yards per carry, 5 touchdowns) spearhead the SLU ground game. Receiver Juwan Dickey (22 receptions, 301 yards, 1 touchdown) emerges as Nunez' favorite target.
Defensively, the Lions surrender 31.6 points and 440.4 yards per game, including 294.6 passing yards and 145.8 yards on the ground.
Defensive back Max Lyons leads the SLU defense with 39 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hurries, 2 pass breakups, 1 sack, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery. Linebacker Sione Teuhema has 37 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4 quarterback hurries, 3.0 sacks, 1 fumble recovery and 1 pass breakup, while linebacker Lee Spight has racked up 30 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 1 sack, 1 quarterback hurry and 1 pass breakup.
THE CARDINAL FILE
2017: 0-4 Overall, 0-2 SLC
Last Game: L 45-20 vs. Abilene Christian (Sept. 30)
Head Coach: Larry Kennan
Key Offensive Players:
#3 So. QB
Sean Brophy (79-134-6, 715 YRDS, 7 TD)
#6 Gr.
Derrick Mitchell (38-220, 5.5 YPC, 1 TD)
#11 Jr. WR
Zaire Andre (14-156 YRDS, 11.1 YPC, 1 TD)
#22 Sr. WR
Jamari Gilbert (15-191 YRDS, 12.7 YPC)
Key Defensive Players:
#8 Sr. LB
Quandre Washington (29 TKL, 1 TFL, 1 FR, 1 BU)
#25 Jr. CB
Jamarkese Williams (25 TKL, 2 BU, 1.5 TFL)
#55 Jr. DE
Darrius Montgomery (13 TKL, 5.0 TFL, 3 BK, 2.5 SACKS, 2 QBH, 1 FF)
Summary: The Cardinals finished their 2016 campaign with a 3-8 overall record and a 3-6 mark in Southland Conference play. UIW is 0-4 this season, including and 0-2 mark in league action, and coming off of a 45-20 home-opening defeat against Abilene Christian on Sept. 30.
The Cardinals average 18.3 points and 272.5 yards of total offense. UIW averages 201.3 yards through the air, led by quarterback
Sean Brophy (715 yards, 7 touchdowns). Receivers
Jamari Gilbert (15 receptions, 191 yards) and
Zaire Andre (14 receptions, 156 yards, 1 touchdown) emerge as Brophy's most reliable targets. Running back
Derrick Mitchell paces the UIW rushing attack with 220 yards on 38 carries and 1 touchdown.
Defensively, the Cardinals surrender 51 points and 486 yards per game, including 356 passing yards and 130 rushing yards.
Cornerback
Jamarkese Williams leads the UIW defense with 25 tackles, 2 pass breakups and 1.5 tackles for loss. Linebacker
Quandre Washington has contributed 29 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 fumble recovery and 1 pass breakup, while defensive end
Darrius Montgomery has tallied 13 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 3 blocked kicks, 2 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble and a conference-leading 2.5 sacks against conference opponents.
SERIES HISTORY
The Lions hold a 3-1 advantage in the all-time series with the Cardinals. SLU earned a 30-10 victory in the most recent meeting between programs, last season on Nov. 5 in San Antonio.
UP NEXT
UIW returns to Military City on Oct. 14 for a 6 p.m. meeting with in-state opponent Lamar.
STAY TUNED
The Cardinals travel to Lake Charles for a 6 p.m. date with McNeese on Oct. 21.
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.
