SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word football team is set to host Southeastern Louisiana University to open Southland Conference play on Saturday, October 7. The Lions, who were projected to finish first in the SLC Preseason Poll, are 0-5 on the season and will kick off against the Cardinals at 4 p.m. at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium.
 
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UIW

• After defeating North American University, 63-3, before a bye week last weekend, the Cardinals are on the rise in the latest polls. The AFCA Coaches Poll ranked UIW at a season-high No. 6, while the Cardinals moved up one spot in the FCS Stats Perform Poll to No. 8.
• UIW looks to extend its 13-0 win streak at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium. The Cardinals have held it down at home since a home-opener win against Prairie View A&M University on September 11, 2021. 
• The Cardinals are third in the FCS for total offense (493.5 ypg) and for passing offense (320.2 ypg)
• On the defensive side, UIW is fifth in the FCS for team tackles for loss with 8.8 per game and in total defense, allowing only 254 yards per game.

 
SCOUTING THE LIONS

• Southeastern Louisiana is on a five-game losing streak with the most recent loss a narrow game against Tarleton State (14-13).
• Eli Sawyer and Zachary Clement have shared quarterback duties through the first five games. Sawyer is currently second in FCS for passing efficiency (141.7).
• Darius Lewis leads the team with 24 catches for 278 yards, while Jacob Logan and Bauer Sharp have totaled three touchdowns apiece.
• The Lion defense is allowing 34.2 points and 463.2 yards per contest and is led by Ian Conerly-Goodly who has tallied 53 tackles on the season. Herman Christophe IV follows closely behind with 51 total tackles.
• Punter, Austin Dunlap is second in FCS with a 42.6 average yards per punt and Mateo Rengifo is third for PAT kicks made and attempted (112-123).

 
LAST TIME THEY MET

• The all-time series between the Cardinals and the Lions is tied, 5-5.
• Southeastern Louisiana defeated UIW last season, 41-35, with a 59-yard touchdown pass as the clock expired to snap the Cardinals' three-game win streak to start the 2022 season.

 
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH

• QB Zach Calzada is fifth in FCS with 298.25 passing yards per game and eighth for passing efficiency (161.23). He's 81-for-123 for 1,193 yards and seven touchdowns.
• Brandon Porter leads the Cardinals in catches with 23 for 376 yards and two TDs.
• At running back, Timothy Carter, Tre Siggers, and Jarrell Wiley have all shared time, however, Calzada leads the team in rushing touchdowns with four.
• Steven Parker is the FCS leader for tackles for loss with 10.5 total to average 2.6 per contest. Tylan Foster is the leading tackler with 24 total, while Tre Richardson has tallied two interceptions this season.

 
FOLLOW ALONG  
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