ACU (2-0, 0-0) aims to keep their early season success going Saturday night when they face the ninth-ranked Incarnate Word Cardinals (1-1, 1-0).
The Wildcats are coming in off a dominating performance last week when they took down Prairie View A&M 45-16. The Cardinals are coming off their first win of the season winning 42-7 last weekend against Northern Colorado who the Wildcats defeated in week one, 31-11.
Going into Saturday, the Wildcats will look to enforce the dominant offensive presence that they have shown the first two games this year.
Led by junior quarterback Maverick McIvor, the Wildcat offense has averaged 443 yards through the first two games of the season with an average of 269.5 of those coming in the air from McIvor. McIvor has thrown for five touchdowns so far and is currently leading the FCS in passing efficiency at 207.6. McIvor’s main target has been junior wide receiver Blayne Taylor, who through two games, has averaged 105.5 yards per game which is third in the FCS.
A big reason for McIvor’s hot start to the season comes from the front five. Junior offensive lineman Reese Moore leads the veteran O-line, which through two games leads the FCS with zero sacks allowed.
The offensive line has also been able to open up the holes for the running game which has rushed for 354 yards total so far this season led by junior running back Jermiah Dobbins.
The ACU defense has looked sharp to start off the season as well with the Wildcats having only allowed 27 points through two games.
The Wildcats have 18 tackles for loss so far, led by junior safety Elijah Moffett with four. The Wildcats have eight sacks this season and grabbed their first interception of the year last game from senior defensive back Patrick Jolly.
Another highlight for the Wildcats so far this season has been Houston sophomore kicker transfer Kyle Ramsey. Ramsey is 10-10 on PAT’s and 2-2 on field goals so far this season including a 55-yarder in last week’s contest. The fourth longest field goal in school history was enough to earn Ramsey UAC Special Teams Player of the Week.
The Cardinals, who are coming into their third straight away game to begin the season, are led by former Texas A&M and Auburn quarterback Zach Calzada. Calzada has thrown for 500 yards through the first two games with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
A key factor in Saturday’s matchup may come down to which team can control the ball better. Both the Wildcats and Cardinals are almost identical in time of possession so far this season so whichever team can handle the ball with care may get the upper hand come Saturday night.
The Wildcats are looking to start 3-0 for the first time since 2013 and will definitely have their hands full against the Cardinals. However, the way the Wildcats have been playing so far this season, we could be in for an exciting game come Saturday night.
The Wildcats take on the Cardinals on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium with the game streaming live on ESPN+.
