SAN ANTONIO – Before his University of the Incarnate Word football team opened pre-season training camp on Wednesday, head coach Eric Morris answered a few questions about the upcoming fall 2021 season.
 
After their season opener on Sept. 2 at Youngstown State, the Cardinals return to Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium on Sept. 11, where they host Prairie View A&M. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. (CT)
 
The Cardinals' home opener is included in an attractive five-game season ticket package offered for as little as $115.
 
Morris spoke optimistically about his team's prospects.
 
1. Coach, UIW football is much more successful and a lot more exciting since you took over three seasons ago. What changes did you set out to make that have proven to be so successful?
 
We try to cater everything in our program toward the student athletes. We believe that having fun is such a key component for these young men. They are making memories that they will have for the rest of their lives, and we want them to have a great experience on and off the field. 
 
2. You seem to have established a track record for grooming young quarterbacks. Cameron Ward broke a lot of records as a freshman and has received pre-season attention this year — including his selection for the Walter Payton Award Watch List. What is your philosophy of quarterback coaching and what makes your young guys so successful?
 
The most important part is to recruit someone that fits our philosophy and style of play. We also will not offer a kid if we haven't seen him throw in person. Once we know that he has the physical tools, we then move on to seeing if he fits in well with our culture.
 
3. Coach, the Southland Conference head football coaches and sports information directors picked the Cardinals to finish third in the conference this season. Could we contend for a conference championship? If so, what must our players and coaches do?
 
Absolutely.  We have a lot of areas we need to improve on but if I could put it in one word, I would say … FINISH!
 
4. Because of conference realignment, we will be playing McNeese, Nicholls and HBU on a home-and home-basis. That usually doesn't happen in college football. What do you think about playing an opponent twice in one season?
 
I think it is uncharted territory. The only sample size we have is the NFL. And I think there is definitely a reason why nobody ever goes undefeated in the NFL. That's because it is very difficult to beat somebody twice.
 
5. On Sept. 2, we open the season with an ESPN, nationally televised, Thursday night game on the road against Youngstown State of the Missouri Valley Conference. Tell us about this opponent and what the Cardinals will have to do to win.
 
A storied FCS program that has been a national powerhouse for many, many years. It will be a unique challenge for us to fly up to Ohio and play the Penguins. But it is a challenge that our players and coaches are looking forward to. 
 
Purchasing season tickets is the best way to experience UIW Football. Season tickets start at $115. Fans can upgrade their game-day experience by adding a Cardinals Club membership.
 
Fans interested in buying new season tickets can do so now at uiw.universitytickets.com or by calling 210-805-3012.
 
For detailed information about UIW football tickets, click here.