SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The University of the Incarnate Word football team had no answers for rival Abilene Christian on Saturday night, dropping a 45-20 decision in their home-opener at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Wildcats (2-3, 2-1 SLC) got on the board first with an 8-play, 65-yard scoring drive, capped off by a Dallas Sealey two-yard rushing touchdown.
 
The Cardinals (0-4, 0-2 SLC) responded six minutes later when Sean Brophy connected with Derrick Mitchell on a 6-yard touchdown reception that completed a 7-play, 59-yard march. After a missed extra point attempt, UIW trailed, 7-6.
 
ACU wasted no time punching back with a 3-play, 61-yard touchdown drive that took just 25 seconds.
 
The Wildcats took complete control for the remainder of the half, registering touchdowns of 13, 16 and 6 yards, to secure a 35-6 advantage at the break.
 
The Cardinals managed just 84 total yards in the first half, compared to 201 by ACU.
 
The Wildcats added to their lead at the 10:29 mark of the third period when Nik Grau connected on a field goal that put ACU ahead, 38-6.
 
UIW countered with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Brophy to Jezzel Para, but the Wildcats scored again to grab a 45-13 advantage.
 
The Cardinals continued to battle, and after a Ra'Quanne Dickens 7-yard rushing touchdown, trailed ACU, 45-20.
 
LEADERS
 
Brophy finished 23-of-37 for 202 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Mitchell paced the UIW ground game with 30 yards and added a receiving score. Phillip Baptiste and Jamari Gilbert led the Cardinals through the air with 70 and 63 yards respectively, while Parra contributed a receiving touchdown.
 
Sealey went 21-of-31 for 306 yards and a touchdown. Tracy James paced the Wildcats on the ground with 54 yards and a score. Troy Grant led ACU receiving core with 77 yards and a touchdown.
 
Quandre Washington led the UIW defense with 10 tackles, while Tim McCoy and Mar'Kel Cooks added 8 tackles apiece. Darrius Montgomery contributed a 10-yard sack and a punt block, to go along with 2 quarterback hurries and a pair of tackles.
 
Jeremiah Chambers spearheaded the Wildcats defense with 7 tackles. Jamar Mack had 3 tackles and a fumble recovery, while Sam Denmark recorded 2 tackles and an interception.
 
ACU finished with 350 yards, compared to 202 by the Cardinals. The Wildcats totaled 21 first downs, in contrast to UIW's 11.
 
UP NEXT
 
UIW travels to Hammond for a 4 p.m. battle with Southeastern Louisiana on Oct. 7.
 
STAY TUNED
 
The Cardinals return to Military City on Oct. 14 for a 6 p.m. date with in-state opponent Lamar.
 
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.