SAN ANTONIO – The University of Incarnate Word football team is set to kick off the 2019 season against UTSA in the Hometown Showdown on Saturday at the Alamodome at 5 p.m. (CT). This is the first time in history that the two Division I teams from San Antonio face each other.
 
Follow Along

• Watch: ESPN3
• Talent: Lincoln Rose (PBP), LaDarrin McLane (Color), Brooke Shoemaker (sideline)
• Listen: uiwcardinals.com/broadcast
• Live Stats: uiwcardinals.com/football

 
Cardinal Quick Hits

• Offensive Line – The entire starting offensive line is returning, including center Brandon Floores. With the offensive production from 2018, combined with some up-and-comers that were either developing freshman in 2018 or transferred in for the 2019 season, the Cardinals are excited about the offensive power this season.
• Offensive Power – With Jon Copeland returning, the offense looks to improve on its productivity from last season. UIW will rely on Copeland, returning sophomore running back Ameer King, returning senior wide receiver Kam Williams and others to push the limits this season.
• Newcomers on Defense – The defense is young after losing multiple key players at linebacker, the defensive line and more. Half of the defense is new, so that unit will work on developing the youth, being tougher, being smarter and growing as men.
• Defensive Experience – Although there are so many newcomers on defense, the Cardinals also have multiple experienced student-athletes returning who can be leaders in 2019. Senior Mar'kel Cooks is a three-year starter, while Lukas Termin and Brian Lee stepped in and played integral parts in the success of the 2018 season. UIW's defense will look to their leadership, in addition to other returners, to help prepare for the season.
• Maintaining Intensity – after a spectacular first season under new Head Coach Eric Morris, the Cardinals need to continue to push the limits of what they can do on the field. This includes improving communication, staying focused and staying hungry while avoiding complacency.

 
Scouting the Roadrunners

• UTSA is coming off of a 3-9 season, returning 16 starters (9 offense, 6 defense) that averaged 14.2 points per game and allowed 31.2.
• Returning is junior running back B.J. Daniels who led the team in rushing yards (322) and touchdowns (3), including 90 yards and a touchdown in the game against Baylor.
• Junior safety Andrew Martel, who registered 45 tackles, four tackles for loss, a pair of sacks and two fumble recoveries last season, was named to the watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy.

 
In the Rankings

• For the first time in school history, the Cardinals enter the season receiving votes in the AFCA FCS Coaches poll. The Cardinals finished the 2018 campaign ranked No. 24 in the nation by the FCS Stats Top 25 poll. The 2018 season was the first time that the Cardinals entered the rankings (AFCA FCS Coaches Poll – No. 24, Nov. 11, 2018).
• Joining the Cardinals in the AFCA FCS Coaches poll is week four opponent Sam Houston State at No. 22. Nicholls enters the season ranked 11th nationally, while Central Arkansas is No. 25.