SAN ANTONIO -- In just its second year of Division I postseason eligibility, the University of the Incarnate Word football program earned its first berth in the NCAA Division I Football Championship, announced the selection committee Sunday. UIW is slated to face Montana State in Bozeman, Mont. on Saturday at 2 p.m. (CT).
 
In one season, UIW Head Football Coach Eric Morris took the Cardinals from a 1-10 record in 2017 to a 6-4 overall mark and a Southland Conference title. The Cardinals finished conference play with a 6-2 record and were named co-champions of the Southland Conference. This is the best league record in program history and ties the most wins by Cardinal football in a single season.
 
Sunday morning prior to the selections, the Cardinals were ranked No. 24 in both the STATS FCS Media Poll and the AFCA Coaches Poll.
 
Following a 40-27 victory over Central Arkansas on Nov. 10, UIW earned its first ranking in program history, coming in at No. 24 in the STATS FCS Media Poll. The Cardinals were one vote outside of the top 25 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, landing at No. 26.
 
Other Notables of 2018:

• 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 for a single season (2,984 yards) while breaking the single-season passing touchdowns record (22) and setting the record for most pass completions in a campaign (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 UIW program record for sacks in a single season with 8.5.

 
The UIW football game at Iowa State on Dec. 1 is still TBD.
 
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