After a thrilling victory over McNeese State, ACU will look to continue its winning ways as they head to San Antonio to take on Incarnate Word.
A Wildcat team that has momentum in their favor is looking to pounce on Incarnate Word, who are sitting at 1-2 and second-to-last in the Southland Conference. For the Wildcats, expect to see the running game come out in full force, as they have all year. Look for the senior running back tandem of Tracy James and Billy McCrary to carry the offense, and senior captains Bolu Onifade and Jeremiah Chambers to control the defensive side of the ball.
After breaking a 0-6 record against McNeese, the Wildcats have momentum swinging their way, and much of that success came from the running game. Seniors Tracy James and Billy McCrary split the workload against McNeese, with James getting 15 carries for 36 yards, and the game winning touchdown. McCrary had four carries for 30 yards, and showed off his speed on the outside.
Luke Anthony will look to continue a hot start to the 2019 season, after going 26-44 for 313 and one touchdown. Anthony continues to find Senior wide-out Josh Fink in big-play situations. Fink had 123 yards on nine catches against McNeese. Tracy James also had 80 yards through the air, and the young receiving core of Javorian Miller, Justus Lee, and Kobe Clark combined for 102 yards on nine receptions.
The intense pass rush for the Wildcats will also play a role in slowing down Cardinal’s quarterback Jon Copeland who went 23-47 for 257 passing yards, and rushed for 52 yards. Stopping a dual threat quarterback is crucial against an Incarnate Word offense that is strong, but has a few holes. Junior Kameron Hill recorded third 2.0 sack game of the year, matching his career high of 6.0 from 2018. Junior defensive end also brought pressure against McNeese with two sacks of his own.
For Incarnate Word, look for Kelechi Anyalebechi who entered Saturday’s game ranked second in the FCS and Southland with 2.5 tackles for loss per game. The Cardinal’s defense has forced turnovers in 15 straight games, and capitalize quickly after the turnover. Last year, UIW scored quickly against the Wildcats. Scoring four times in less than three minutes in the first half. The Cardinal’s also outscored ACU 24-0 late in the second half last year.
The Wildcats lead the all-time series against the Cardinals, 7-3, with all three losses after the 2013 season. ACU is 3-2 in San Antonio. Kickoff begins at six at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday.
