YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO – University of the Incarnate Word football kicked off its first game of the 2021 season in a Thursday evening matchup against Youngstown State University (YSU). This game was a battle between both squads that led to an overtime performance where UIW ultimately fell, 44-41. The exciting start to the season shows promise for the Cardinals. 

The Cardinals completed 26 first downs, amassed 442 total yards, had 150 return yards and went 50% (7-14) in third down efficiency. 

How It Happened 

In the first quarter, the Penguins came out strong with two early touchdowns to take the lead (14-0). The Cardinals wasted no time in turning the tempo around when Cameron Ward connected with Kevin Brown for the first touchdown of the 2021 season.

Heading into the second quarter, the Cardinal defense set the tone by holding the Penguins to a field goal. Then, it was all UIW. Ward connected with Darion Chafin for a 38-yard touchdown to close the gap with nine minutes left in the first half. The defense followed suit with a big sack from Jared Soyring to keep the energy up. The Cardinals took the lead, 20-17, when Ward connected with Taylor Grimes for the final UIW touchdown of the half. The Penguins, though, put together a big run to gain back the advantage heading into halftime. 

The second half began with a touchdown from YSU before the Cardinals answered with two touchdowns, jumping ahead again. Brown rushed for a touchdown to cut the lead to four midway through the third quarter. Then, with another Ward-to-Chafin connection, the Cardinals snatched the lead back, going up 34-31 heading into the fourth quarter.

An exhilarating end to the fourth quarter started when YSU took the lead with just over two minutes left in the game. The Cardinals quickly answered with a one minute, 36 second run ending in a touchdown to take back the advantage, 41-38. This drive started with Brown's rush for 14 yards followed by a penalty from YSU to move the chains for a first down. Then, Ward completed a 28-yard pass to Ferrel to put the Cardinals in scoring position. Brown rushed for four more yards, setting up the play for Ward to connect to Trevor Begue for the Cardinal touchdown.

YSU answered with a 39-second run ending in a field goal to tie the game and force overtime. YSU ended the extra period with a field goal, defeating the Cardinals 44-41. 

This game was a great matchup. Trading points back and forth the entire game served as a great showing for the first game of the 2021 Fall season. A few highlights from the game bring excitement about the Cardinals' potential this season.

Among the highlights, Ward passed for 352 yards and four touchdowns, while Brown rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Marcus Cooper racked up 45 yards in kickoff returns. The Cardinals also outpaced the Penguins, 490-463, in total offensive yards.

UP NEXT 

The Cardinals are back in action next weekend, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. for their home opener against Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). UIW last faced PVAMU at home on November 16, 2017 when the Cardinals fell to the Panthers, 28-41. 

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.

--UIW CARDINALS--