SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word football team returns home to Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday, September 21 to host Northern Arizona University for a 6 p.m. kickoff. All information on tickets, stadium policies, etc. can be found on the 2024 UIW Football Fan Guidelines page.
 
UIW

• Quarterback Zach Calzada has the third-most passing yards in the FCS with 922 through the first three games of the season, which helps the team to the sixth-best passing offense in the nation averaging 307.3 yards per game.
• The Cardinals average 421.3 total yards of offense per game which is good for No. 17 in all of FCS.
• UIW has extended its ranking streak to 42-straight weeks coming in at No .15 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and No. 18 in the AFCS FCS Coaches Poll.

 
LUMBERJACKS

• Northern Arizona University is 2-1 to start the season following wins over Lincoln and Utah Tech, with a 10-22 loss over No. 20 Arizona. This start has the Lumberjacks receiving votes in both the AFCS and the Stats Perform Top 25.
• Quarterback Ty Pennington was named the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week following the 45-17 victory over Utah Tech. Pennington went 8-for-14 for 123 yards and two passing touchdowns while adding 67 rushing yards on nine carries and two scores, to account for four of the Lumberjacks six touchdowns. Pennington is in his first season with NAU after transferring from Pittsburg State.
• The Lumberjacks are led by first year head coach, Brian Wright following a four-year stint at Pittsburg State.
• NAU was predicted to finish No. 7/9 in the Big Sky media and coaches preseason poll.

 
THE LAST TIME THEY MET

• This is the first time the Cardinals and Lumberjacks have met.
• UIW has already faced a Big Sky opponent this season in Northern Colorado whom the Cardinals defeated 28-7 in the season opener.

 
PLAYERS TO WATCH

• Calzada is first in the FCS for completions per game (29.00) with 87 on the season. He's also third in the FCS for passing touchdowns with eight and in passing yards (922) and fourth in passing yards per game (307.33).
• Receivers Jalen Walthall and Roy Alexander are both in the top 10 in the FCS for receiving yards. Walthall coming in at No. 4 with 344 yards and five touchdowns and Alexander adding 309 yards and one touchdown for the ninth-most receiving yards in the nation. Walthall is first in the FCS for his five receiving touchdowns.
• Safety Mason Chambers is tied for 46^th in the FCS in total tackles with 26 on the season.

GAME SPONSOR
This game is sponsored by our partners at Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Airport. Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Airport is an official hotel partner of UIW Athletics and an amazing option for your stay when you head to San Antonio to cheer on the Cardinals!
 
Get your room booked for the Homecoming Game on November 2, 2024, with the Marriott Bonvoy® App. Search for Courtyard San Antonio Airport and select your dates, under special rates enter promo code: GAE.
 
"Our partners at Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Airport have been a wonderful addition to our group of hotel partners. They offer hotel guests a free shuttle service to and from the airport, a full-service coffee bar, a gym, pool and wonderful guest room options" shared Tori Jaworski, Director of Corporate Partnerships for UIW Athletics. "They are near some great attractions like the San Antonio Zoo, the Riverwalk, Retama Park, and of course the University of the Incarnate Word!" 
 
GAME THEME – HISPANIC HERITAGE GAME
The first 100 students will receive matracas to cheer on Los Cardenales during the Hispanic Heritage Game. The Mariachi Cardenale band will be performing alongside the UIW Marching Cardinals at halftime and three UIW faculty will be celebrated on field for Hispanic Heritage Month.
 
FOLLOW ALONG    
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on, and like UIW Athletics on Facebook.     
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWFootball and Instagram @uiw_football.