The Optimist
  • Home
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Features
  • Print Edition
    • The Pessimist
    • Special Projects
  • Police Log
  • Classifieds
You are here: Home / Sports / Wildcats, Cardinals set for showdown in San Antonio
Junior defensive end Kameron Hill celebrates after tackling the opposing quarterback. (Photo by Megan Holley)

Wildcats, Cardinals set for showdown in San Antonio

September 26, 2019 by Tyler Henderson

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.

Filed Under: Showcase, Sports

Other Showcase:

  • Love is in the air, in Moody and on the Lunsford Trail

  • Mid-majors face potential NIL legislation

  • Demolition begins on Sherrod residential apartments

About Tyler Henderson

You are here: Home / Sports / Wildcats, Cardinals set for showdown in San Antonio

Other Showcase:

  • Love is in the air, in Moody and on the Lunsford Trail

  • Mid-majors face potential NIL legislation

  • Demolition begins on Sherrod residential apartments

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

Retweet on Twitter The Optimist Retweeted
ashleyh1607 Ashley Henderson @ashleyh1607 ·
3 Jun

My second year at ACU was full of opportunities that grew me as an individual and a journalist.

In my first year as editor in chief of @acuoptimist, we published six print issues, filmed a 3-hour live election show, and revamped our newscast, all while producing news weekly.

Reply on Twitter 1929734328445178254 Retweet on Twitter 1929734328445178254 1 Like on Twitter 1929734328445178254 1 Twitter 1929734328445178254
Retweet on Twitter The Optimist Retweeted
optimistsports Optimist Sports @optimistsports ·
2 Jun

The Optimist reached out to ACU Athletics, who provided the following statement.

Reply on Twitter 1929676060947632336 Retweet on Twitter 1929676060947632336 1 Like on Twitter 1929676060947632336 1 Twitter 1929676060947632336

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

11 months ago

The Optimist

Video

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

2 years ago

The Optimist
"Ending my college education early was always the plan for me, but the things that I have been able to see, experience and examine about ACU’s community were not. I have found immense growth in ACU over the past three and a half years, but ACU still has a long road to climb if it wants to keep catering to students as the world changes around them." To read more of this article visit acuoptimist.com or click the link in our bio. #acu #abilenechristianuniversity #privatechristianuniversity #collegestudentopinion #acuopinion ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Optimist Newscast Feb. 28, 2024

Our top stories today include a recap of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, the ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 21, 2024
  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 14, 2024
  • Optimist Newscast Jan. 24, 2024

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Policies
    • Advertising Policy
    • Letters to the Editor and Reader Comments
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Multimedia
    • Videos
    • Photo Galleries
  • Features
  • Advertise
    • Paid Advertisement
  • Police Log

© 2025 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved