SAN ANTONO – After moving up in the rankings following a week one win over the University of Northern Colorado, the No. 11/12 University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals are set to face No. 1 South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
UIW

• The much-anticipated Cardinals vs. Jackrabbits matchup was tabbed the Stats Perform FCS game of the Week.
• UIW is sitting at No. 11 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll and No. 12 in the Stats Perform Top 25 Poll. The Cardinals have now been featured in the FCS Top 25 Poll for 40-straight weeks, the fifth longest streak in the FCS behind North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Montana, and Montana State.
• With the home-opener win over Northern Colorado, Killough has improved his career record at UIW to 10-2 to start his second season as head coach.

 
JACKRABBITS

• The defending champions are coming off their first loss in almost two years after putting up a 20-44 fight against No.17 Oklahoma State.
• 2023 Walter Payton Award winner Mark Gronowski threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Cowboys.
• Amar Johnson and Angel Johnson combined for 100 yards on the ground.
• Griffin Wilde tallied one touchdown and 150 yards in the air on seven catches, while Grahm Goering added one touchdown and 69 yards on four catches.
• Adam Bock led the Jackrabbit defense with 12 tackles and Caleb Francl registered a career-high eight tackles.

 
THE LAST TIME THEY MET

• This is the first time the Cardinals and Jackrabbits have met.
• In 2022, the Cardinals faced two Missouri Valley Football opponents. UIW opened up the season with a win against the No. 9 Southern Illinois Salukis and closed the season with a loss at No. 3 North Dakota State to cap off the furthest playoff run in UIW football history.

 
PLAYERS TO WATCH

• Following his first game in red and black, Walthall was named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Coming from Hawai'i, Walthall capped off the 28-7 win with 103 receiving yards on five catches and a 46-yard touchdown to take the 14-7 lead over the Bears in the second quarter. Another transfer student-athlete debut, Roy Alexander finished with six catches for 64 yards.
• Zach Calzada found the end zone twice on Saturday while throwing for 205 yards.
• Dekalon Taylor and Isaiah Robinson split the workload on the ground rushing for 81 and 82 yards respectfully.
• The Cardinals defense continues to shine with Mister Williams and Kendrick Stone each snagging an interception. Williams ended the night with five tackles, one interception, one QBH, and one fumble return.
• Tylan Foster and Stone each tallied nine total tackles on the night, while Mason Chambers added eight tackles and two pass breakups.

 
FOLLOW ALONG    
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