THIBODAUX, LA. – University of the Incarnate Word's football team defeated the Colonels of Nicholls 27-23 to secure the first win in Thibodaux, Louisiana under head coach Eric Morris. The Cardinals advance to 8-2 overall and 6-1 in Southland Conference play heading into the final week of the regular season.
 
"It was a hard-fought win. Offense did just enough, and the defense was able to pick us up and make a stand when we needed them too. They played a heck of a game. This team keeps showing how resilient they are and I'm proud of them. We just keep finding ways to win," said head coach Eric Morris.
 
Kevin Brown led the Cardinal offense with a season high 185 rushing yards including a season long 85-yard rushing touchdown to put the Cardinals ahead of Nicholls late in the third quarter. Kaleb Culp led the Cardinal defense with 13 total tackles. Elliott Davison secured one interception against Nicholls Kohn Granier. Rashon Davis registered 11 solo tackles and two pass break-ups that helped keep the most talented wide receiver in the conference to 90 yards. Kelechi Anyalebechi registered 10 tackles on the night putting him three away from tying the UIW program record for most total tackles in a single season. Keven Nguyen tallied four punts, two of which were inside the 20 and forced two muffed punts.
 
The Cardinals started the game off behind, falling 10-0 to end the first quarter. With a lot of time left to play, the Cardinal dialed in and went on a 13-0 scoring run to take the lead. Cameron Ward found Roger McCuller for a six-yard receiving touchdown to put the Cardinals on the board. The Cardinal defense then came out strong to get a turnover on downs and give the ball right back to the offense. Ward went down field to find Darion Chafin for a 13-yard completion to give the Cardinals the lead with eight minutes left in the first half. The Colonels then went on their own 14-0 run to take back the lead, 20-13, heading into halftime.
 
Brown came out of the break on a mission, rushing for a 55-yard touchdown to tie the game. The defense came out strong once again to force another three-and-out for the Colonels. Brown again showed his speed rushing for 85 yards to give the lead back to the Cardinals, 26-20, with eight seconds left in the third quarter.
 
The defense continued to show their dominance in the final 15 minutes of the game. The Colonels were held to a field goal the kept the Cardinals on top with nine minutes left in regulation. The Cardinal defense forced two incomplete passes from Nicholls' Lindsey Scott Jr. to bring another turnover on downs, giving the Cardinals the ball back with two minutes left. Brown adds 12 more rushing yards to his stat line before the Cardinals took the victory formation securing the game 27-23.  
 
This victory keeps the Cardinals dream of post-season play alive with just one game left in the regular season.
 
 "Anytime you have a chance to play for a conference championship in the final week of the season is special. We'll enjoy this win tonight and start preparing for Houston Baptist tomorrow. We've put ourselves in a great position, now we just have to do what we talk about every day, finish," said Morris.
 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals travel to Houston, Texas to face Houston Baptist University for the final game of the fall 2021 regular season. Kick-off is set for 2 p.m., fans can follow along on ESPN+.
 
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. 
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