SAN ANTONIO – The No. 14/13 University of the Incarnate Word football program continues to rise in the FCS rankings as the Cardinals prepare for another Southland Conference matchup with McNeese State University this Saturday, Oct. 19. The Cardinals host the Cowboys for the UIW Military Appreciation Game, sponsored by H-E-B with a 4 p.m. kickoff.

UIW

• The Cardinals have moved up in both polls after taking a 55-10 victory over Nicholls to open Southland Conference play. UIW is now sitting at No. 13 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll and No. 14 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll.
• UIW has been active in the FCS Top 25 poll for 46-straight weeks, the fifth longest streak behind North Dakota State (195), South Dakota State (167), Montana (50) and Montana State (50).
• Following last week's performance, Dune Smith and Zach Calzada earned themselves Southland Conference Player of the Week honors.
• UIW's defense is number one in FCS for red zone defense, holding opponents to just eight scores through 17 attempts. The Cardinals eight fumble recoveries is also good for third in FCS.
• The Cardinals are sixth in FCS for total offense, averaging almost 300 yards per game (293.2 ypg).

COWBOYS

• McNeese has already faced two SLC foes, defeating SFA 28-24 and falling to Houston Christian 22-43 last weekend for a 4-3 overall record and a 1-1 conference record.
• The Cowboys have the third most productive offense in the conference behind SFA and UIW. McNeese is averaging 380.9 total yards per game.
• Quarterback Clifton McDowell has tallied six rushing touchdowns on the season. In the air, he's thrown for 1,054 yards for six TDs to average 175 yards per game.
• The Cowboy running back room has rushed for 200-plus yards during three games this season behind McDowell.
• Boogsie Silvera is the Cowboy's leading tackler with 49 on the season to go along with 0.5 TFL, two interceptions, three pass breakups, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

• The Cardinals vs. Cowboys all-time series is all tied up, 5-5, with UIW winning the last two matchups.
• Last season, the Cardinals fought back from a 17-point halftime deficit to score 28 unanswered points in the second half. Backup quarterback Richard Torres accounted for 161 yards and three touchdowns during the 35-24 victory.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

• Calzada's 18 passing touchdowns on the season is good for second in the FCS and his 1,663 passing yards is seventh in the nation.
• Jalen Walthall leads the UIW receiving core with nine touchdowns through six games, marking him second in the FCS for receiving TDs. Roy Alexander's 77 receiving yards per game is good for third in the Southland Conference.
• Linebacker Mister Williams leads the SLC in tackles for loss with 8.0 for 24 yards and fumbles forced with three.
• Dune Smith's 3.5 sacks for a loss of 15 yards is the most in the Southland Conference.

 
GAME THEME – MILITARY APPRECIATION GAME

UIW Athletics is providing all military members, retired, active duty, and veterans, free entry to the game with proof of ID at the box office on game day. Family and friends of military members can purchase tickets for a discounted rate on game day or online using code: MLTYAPPGAME. 

A military fan zone can be found at the entrance of the stadium to include booths from all branches. The Bexar County Miliary and Veterans Service Center will also be in attendance to promote their services to all military members.

GAME SPONSOR - H-E-B
H-E-B will be providing food and all tailgating essentials for the enlistees who will be participating in the halftime ceremony that will be conducted by Major General William Green, Jr. United States Army Chief of Chaplains.

FOLLOW ALONG    
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