SAN ANTONIO – The No. 20 University of the Incarnate Word football team hosts Northwestern State for its homecoming game on Saturday at Benson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (CT).
The game will feature the unveiling of the 2018 Southland Conference Championship banner prior to kickoff. At halftime, the homecoming court will be introduced, and the king and queen will be announced. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free mini UIW football commemorative megaphone. Social House will also feature a homecoming-themed drink, the Cardinal-Rita.
FOLLOW ALONG
SERIES HISTORY
- UIW is 2-1 when playing against Northwestern State and has a two-game winning streak.
- The Cardinals last faced NSU at Turpin Stadium in 2016, defeating the Demons 21-18.
THE CARDINALS
- Sophomore quarterback Jon Copeland earned Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week, his first player of the week accolade, after a 376-yard and four-touchdown showing in the win against Lamar.
- UIW moved up on the Southland Conference leaderboard with a 4-1 league record. The Cardinals have the same record as first-place Sam Houston State, who holds the tiebreaker between the teams.
- The Cardinals moved up five spots to No. 20 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Top 25 Poll. They are receiving votes in the STATS FCS Top 25 Poll.
- UIW leads the nation with 15 interceptions (most in FCS and FBS) and has a nation-best 23 turnovers gained (tied with SHSU).
- Freshman Jaylon Jimmerson is averaging 0.6 interceptions per game (four on the season), which ranks fifth in the nation and first in the league.
SCOUTING THE DEMONS
- Northwestern State is 0-7 on the season, with four losses in Southland Conference play.
- NSU is led offensively by Quan Shorts with 635 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on the season, while Jared West has 288 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
- The Demons' quarterback, Shelton Eppler (206-325-7), has thrown for 2,106 yards and 17 touchdowns; he has also had two games with over 300 passing yards this season.
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