FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Getting a week off after the highest-scoring output in program history, the University of the Incarnate Word football team returns for its first significant challenge of the 2026 season.

The Cardinals (1-0), will hit the road for the first time to take on a 1-1 Northern Arizona team that is ranked in both FCS polls. The Lumberjacks come in at No. 23 in the STATS FCS poll and No. 24 amongst FCS coaches.

The game will kick off at 3 p.m. local time in Flagstaff and can be streamed on ESPN+.

LAST TIME OUT: UIW 76, OKLAHOMA PANHANDLE STATE 14

Facing an overwhelmed NAIA opponent, the Cardinals scored 41 points while possessing the ball for just 2:07 in the first quarter and eventually set the single-game program scoring record, topping a 72-point effort against Houston Christian in 2022.

UIW scored on offense, defense and special teams, with nine different players accounting for 11 touchdowns. Quarterback Emmett Brown threw for three scores, while Lontrell Turner and Jayden Hibbler both scored twice. Turner scored on runs of 40 and 3 yards, while Hibbler had punt return touchdowns of 58 and 65 yards.

The Cardinals enter the week first in the FCS in both scoring offense and rushing defense, as the unit held the Aggies to negative-15 yards on the ground in week zero.

SCOUTING THE LUMBERJACKS

Northern Arizona has had an eventful start to 2026, opening the year by falling in a 24-3 hole in the second quarter, only to rally for a thrilling 34-27 home win over Eastern Washington. The Lumberjacks followed that up with a 35-7 loss to Power-4 opponent Arizona last Saturday.

Quarterback Ty Pennington has thrown for 344 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions so far, with tight end Jeter Purdy (8 catches, 126 yards and a touchdown) serving as his top target. Quarn Gossett has been the leading tailback, running for 131 yards and a score.

Defense has been a struggle for NAU though two games, particularly through the air. The Lumberjacks come into the week 98th in total defense, allowing 474.5 yards per-game, while their passing defense ranks 105th out of 116 teams, surrendering 310.5 yards per-contest.

MATCHUP HISTORY

This is the third all-time meeting between the two teams. All three games have come in the last three seasons, with home field proving to be a major advantage.

UIW fell behind 14-7 in a 2024 meeting in San Antonio, only to respond with 24-unanswered points in a 38-14 win. The highlight of the game was a 97-yard Dekalon Taylor touchdown run, the longest offensive play in program history.

The Lumberjacks then got payback when the teams played in Flagstaff last season, as Pennington threw for 286 yards and three touchdowns and his defense stopped Incarnate Word deep in NAU territory in the final moments to clinch a 31-23 win.

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