SAN MARCOS, TX – University of the Incarnate Word traveled to San Marcos, Texas and upset the FBS Bobcats 42-34. This is the first time in program history the Cardinals defeated an FBS program.
 
Cameron Ward led the team with 376 passing yards. Marcus Cooper rushed for 74 yards and completed a 45-yard punt return. Taylor Grimes and Robert Ferrel combined for 245 receiving yards. Kelechi Anyalebechi led the team with 11 total tackles, followed by Elliott Davidson with eight, seven solo. Anyalebechi, Blaine Hoover and Terrel Lucas all tallied a sack in tonight's matchup.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Cardinals came out shaky to start the night. A false start and muffed punt lead the Bobcats to the first touchdown of the night. However, the Cardinals quickly answered back. Ward connected with Chafin to get us to mid-field. Ward then found Grimes who brought the Cardinals to the Bobcat's 1-yard line. Kevin Brown ran the ball in for a UIW touchdown, tying the game, 7-7. Midway through the first quarter the Bobcats received a targeting call disqualifying the player and resulting in a 15-yard penalty. Ward took advantage of this and found Ferrel who ran it in for a touchdown giving UIW the lead, 14-7, heading into the second quarter.
 
The second quarter began with Texas State going on a 16-play run to tie the game 14-14 for the first drive on the quarter. UIW gets the ball back and goes all the way down field but fumbles on the goal line. The Bobcats capitalize and go down field for a field goal to take the lead 17-14. The Cardinals are down three heading into half time.
 
UIW's defense came out of half time with a vengeance, stopping the Bobcats on downs. Trevor Baegue rushed for 26-yards putting the Cardinals into Bobcat territory yet again. Ferrel followed suite with a 13-yard completion putting the Cardinals on the Bobcat 35-yard line. Ward connected with Beague for a 17-yard completion, the Cardinals are now in scoring position. Marcus Cooper sealed the deal and ran the ball in for a UIW touchdown giving the lead back to the Cardinals, 21-17. The Bobcats answered back with a touchdown for another lead change, 24-21. However, Ferrel's 14-yard completion from Ward gave the Cardinals the advantage, 28-25, heading into the final 15 minutes of the game.
 
Texas State adds to the board first in the fourth quarter leading by three. Anyalebechi forced a fumble on the Bobcat's 30-yard line, Rashon Davis recovered the ball. Ward connected with Grimes for a UIW first down. Ward then reached Chafin for an eight-yard completion for a UIW touchdown. The Cardinals go up, 35-31. The defense then brought a Bobcat three and out, getting the ball back with five minutes left. Cooper rushed for 28 yards to put the Cardinals in great field position. Ward then found Grimes for a 22-yard completion leading to a UIW touchdown. The Cardinals go up 42-31.
 
The Bobcats completed a field goal bringing the score to 42-34. They then tried an onside kick, but Ferrel is there to recover the ball and return it for 13 yards. The Cardinals take the victory formation against an FBS program for the first time in program history.
 
The Cardinals end the historic night 42-34. Coach Morris credits the entire team for this win.
"We [Coaches] take no credit in this," said Morris. "This was all the guys they laid it all on the field and I could not be prouder."
 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals start conference play when they host the Cowboys of McNeese on September 25 for an 11 a.m. kickoff at Benson Stadium.
 
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.