LAKE CHARLES, LA. – University of the Incarnate Word took on the Cowboys of McNeese for the second time this season on Saturday, October 23. The Cardinals fell 28-20 falling for the first time since the beginning of the season.
 
Cameron Ward registered his 46th passing touchdown to push him ahead of Jon Copeland for most career passing touchdowns in UIW program history. Ward also passed for a season high 455 yards. Taylor Grimes completed 169 receiving yards on 10 receptions followed by Trevor Begue's 64 yards on seven receptions. Kevin Brown rushed for 69 yards and one touchdown. Robert Ferrel and Taylor Grimes also registered a touchdown on the day.
 
The Cowboys came out with a vengeance after their previous 31-0 shutout loss to the Cardinals. On this homecoming afternoon, the Cowboys came out hot adding to the board first with three touchdowns to lead 21-0 in the first half. The Cardinals ended the half on a high note with a Ward to Grimes touchdown as time expired in the half. UIW trailed 6-21 heading into halftime.
 
The Cardinals then came out of halftime with the only touchdown of the third quarter. Kevin Brown rushed for 46 yards to bring UIW within nine points. Kelechi Anyalebechi gave power to the Cardinal defense with a sack. Anyalebechi tallied 11 tackles on the day, making it his fifth game in a row with 10 plus tackles. Terrell Lucas and Jared Soyring combined for two sacks against the Cowboys.
 
The defense continued into the final quarter of the day. Isiah Paul and Elliott Davison both registered a tackle to end the McNeese drive on downs. This set up the Cardinals scoring run. Ward found Ferrel in the end zone and quickly decided to go for the two-point conversion. The Cardinals were successful and cut the lead to eight, 20-28. The defense came out against with a big stop on downs to bring a fourth down and give the ball back to the Cardinals.
 
McNeese defense played a vital role in their victory. The Cowboys came up with a sack that forced a fumble from Ward to secure the win. McNeese had a season high 8.5 sacks against the Cardinals.
 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals host Houston Baptist University on Saturday, October 30 for their homecoming game. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium.
 
The best way to experience Cardinal football is by purchasing tickets through the UIW ticket office. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.uiwcardinals.com/tickets or by calling the UIW ticket office directly at 210-805-3000
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook. 
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWFootball and on Instagram @uiw_football.