SAN ANTONIO – University of the Incarnate Word football hosts the Panthers of Prairie View A&M (PVAMU) Saturday evening in an ESPN+ televised game for their home opener. It's first responders' appreciation night at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium. Fans are asked to come in all black as the Cardinals will be showcasing their new all black uniforms for this game.
 
The Cardinals are coming off a close matchup against Youngstown State where they fell 44-41 in overtime Thursday evening. The Cardinals compiled 26 first downs, amassed 442 total yards, had 150 return yards and went 50% (7-14) in third down efficiency. Cameron Ward passed for 352 yards and four touchdowns, while Kevin Brown rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Marcus Cooper racked up 45 yards on kickoff returns. The Cardinals also outpaced the Penguins, 490-463, in total offensive yards
 
The Panthers are coming off a 40-17 victory against Texas Southern on Saturday. Quarterback, Jawson Pass, a transfer from Louisville and a native of Columbus, Ga., led the Panthers offensive juggernaut that put up 486 yards of total offense on 75 plays. He completed 25 of 37 passes for 354 yards with three passing touchdowns.
 
The Cardinals will need connections from Ward to Brown, Darion Chafin, Taylor Grimes, Robert Ferrel and Trevor Begue as they did against the Penguins to keep up with the high tempo Panther offense. Brown led the team rushing for 118 total yards with two touchdowns. Beague, Ferrel, Chafin and Grimes combined for 306 yards receiving.
 
The Cardinals defense led by Brandon Bowen, Kelechi Anyalebechi and Kaleb Culp will also be a key contributor to the matchup. Bowen led the team with 11 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Anyalebechi and Culp followed with eight total tackles.
 
UIW and PVAMU's last matchup came on November 16, 2017, when the Cardinals fell 28-42. In that game the Cardinals rushed for 108 total yards with one rushing touchdown. They passed for 287 total yards for three touchdowns.
 
Gates will open one hour before kickoff. Fans are asked to follow UIW COVID-19 safety protocols, by wearing a mask at all times and practicing social distancing when in close proximity of others.
 
Purchasing season tickets is the best way to experience UIW Football. Season tickets start at $115. Single game tickets are available for purchase. Fans can upgrade their game-day experience by adding a Cardinals Club membership. Fans interested in buying new season tickets can do so by visiting www.uiwcardinals.com/tickets or by calling 210-805-3000.

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