SAN ANTONIO -- For the first time in the program's 10-year history, the University of the Incarnate Word football team has earned a national ranking in the STATS FCS Media poll, announced the association Monday. The Cardinals come in at No. 24 after securing at least a share of the Southland Conference title on Saturday, when they defeated Central Arkansas, 40-27, in Conway, Arkansas.
 
With the win, UIW improved to 6-4, 6-2 in Southland Conference play. The Cardinals have won their first football conference title in program history while securing their third winning season. This also marks the best conference record ever recorded by Cardinal football.
 
UIW was perfect at home this season, winning all four games at Benson stadium, including victories over then-No. 6 McNeese (45-17, Oct. 20) and No. 21 Sam Houston State (43-26, Nov. 3).
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On the season, UIW put up a 2-1 record against ranked opponents to earn its first ranking in program history.
 
UIW is one of three ranked teams from the Southland Conference. Others include: No. 22 McNeese and No. 18 Nicholls. Nicholls and UIW are currently tied for the top spot in the conference. Nicholls can clinch a share of the conference title if it defeats Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday.
 
This national recognition solidifies the remarkable season turnaround under first-year Head Coach Eric Morris. Morris took over a program that had won four games in its last two seasons -- including a 1-10 record in 2017 -- and rebuilt it into conference champions.
 
The team has broken a myriad of individual and team records.
 
The UIW offense has set new records including: total offense (4,933 yards), total points (343) and touchdowns (46).
 
Freshman quarterback Jon Copeland became UIW's all-time leading passer (2,984 yards) while breaking the single-season passing touchdowns record (22) and setting the record for pass completions (206).
 
Senior running back Ra'Quanne Dickens became the first 1,000-yard rusher in program history, setting the new record at 1,054 yards. He also set the record for most rushing touchdowns in a season (14).
 
Senior wide receiver Kody Edwards set the program record for career receiving yards (2,220) while recording four games of 100+ receiving yards, a single-season UIW record.
 
On defense, UIW set new program marks in turnovers forced in a season (29) as well as in a single game (seven vs. SHSU, Nov. 3). The defense secured the most interceptions in program history, capturing 18.
 
Senior defensive lineman Justin Alexandre has tied the all-time program record for sacks in a single season with 8.5.
 
The Cardinals await their fate in the FCS Playoff Selection Show on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 11:30 a.m. (CT). UIW can qualify automatically as the Southland Conference Champion if Southeastern Louisiana defeats Nicholls on Thursday. Otherwise, the Cardinals hope to receive one of 14 at-large bids to make their postseason debut.
 
The Cardinals also received 22 votes in the American Football Coaches Association FCS Coaches' Poll, just one vote shy of No. 25.
 
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