SAN ANTONIO - The University of the Incarnate Word football team will compete against Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Lumberjack territory this Saturday, Sept. 20, at 4:00 p.m. CT.

Following Saturday's 48-20 loss to a FBS team, the University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA), the Cardinals anticipate a competitive top-20 nationally ranked battle against the Lumberjacks. The Cardinals and Lumberjacks have a brief history, spanning barely 365 days as of this Sunday. UIW met NAU once with a win at the Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium last season, 38-14.

LIVE LINKS

• ESPN+

• Live Stats

CARDINALS

• Currently, the Cardinals are the only team in the Southland Conference with two receivers who have over 200 receiving yards this season.
• Led by both Cardinal quarterbacks, UIW tallied 23 first downs last week and 324 yards through the air. UIW is second in the Southland for total passing yards so far this season with 844.
• Last week, two of the three leading receivers wore black and red, as Chedon James and Jameson Garcia each found the ball in their hands eight times. 

SCOUTING THE LUMBERJACKS

• Lumberjack running backs have punched in nine touchdowns on the ground, led by Seth Cromwell with four.
• Kolbe Katsis leads the Lumberjacks in receiving yards with 293, which is ranked ninth in the country

PLAYERS TO WATCH

• Keeping the ball in the hot hand, freshman quarterback EJ Colson completed 71 percent of his passes for 213 yards and three touchdowns in two quarters. He will start his first game for the Cardinals this Saturday against the Lumberjacks.
• Junior wide receiver Chedon James exploded for 134 yards against UTSA last Saturday. He currently ranks in the top 10 nationally for two categories, receptions per game (7) and receiving touchdowns (2).
• On defense, AJ Tisdell shares the number one ranking for solo tackles in the SLC (17) and is also third in pass breakups (3).
• Declan Williams made his mark on last week's game for the Cardinals with 14 tackles against UTSA last week. He was one tackle shy of entering the top five for most tackles in a single game at UIW.

RETURN OF THE WALT
After missing some time due to injury, Jalen Walthall will make his return against Northern Arizona. Walt recorded the third most receiving yards (1290) and touchdowns (14) in the NCAA. He is one of the best receivers in the country, who was nominated for numerous awards in the 2024 season, including the Stats Perform & AP & AFCA All-American.

WHO'S NEXT?
Other Cardinal receivers have stepped up in Walt's absence. Both Jameson Garcia and Chedon James put up 100+ yard games. Who will be the next Cardinal to have a breakout game? Or will Jalen prove he is just as strong post injury? 


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.
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