NCAA FCS Recap

No. 20 Incarnate Word Cardinals (5-2, 4-1)

Last Week: UIW jumped out to a big lead at halftime on their way to a convincing 35-17 win at home over Lamar last Saturday. Sophomore quarterback Jon Copeland completed 24-of-35 passes for 376 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Ameer King had an incredible game with four receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown as four different Cardinals receivers caught a touchdown pass. Jacob Harper led the UIW defense with 11 tackles, including six solo.

The Verdict: A four-game winning streak has the Cardinals in a great position as they are tied for the conference lead with three other teams. UIW has been outstanding at home this season and will have three of their final four conference games at home.

This Week: UIW continues a three-game homestand when they host Northwestern State on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.

Abilene Christian Wildcats (4-4, 3-3)

Last week: ACU held a 10-point lead heading into the fourth quarter last Saturday but needed double overtime to defeat Stephen F. Austin, 31-24, at home. Wide receiver Josh Fink had another outstanding game with 12 receptions for 110 yards while running back Tracy James added 105 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Luke Anthony completed 29-of-46 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns. Jack Gibbens was huge for the Wildcats defense as he had 13 tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hurry and broke up three passes.

The Verdict: The Wildcats have their first winning streak of the 2019 season, but it did not come easily as SFA put up a fight. The final four games of the regular season for ACU are against some of the toughest teams in the conference. The good news for the Wildcats is they have two of those conference games at home.

This Week: ACU travels to play No. 15 Nicholls on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Lamar Cardinals (4-4, 2-3)

Last Week: Lamar fell behind early last Saturday and never recovered as it fell 35-17 on the road to Incarnate Word. Quarterback Jordan Hoy completed 6-of-6 passes for 21 yards and added 77 yards rushing and a touchdown on four carries before leaving with an injury. Myles Wanza gained 80 yards rushing and a touchdown on 16 carries and caught five passes for 68 yards. David Crosley led the Cardinals defense with 10 tackles, four solo.

The Verdict: Losing the game was tough for the Cardinals but the possibility of losing quarterback Jordan Hoy is devastating for Lamar. Reports after the game were of a possible broken collarbone for the senior signal-caller which would severely hamper the Cardinals hopes of earning another playoff berth.

This Week: Lamar has a bye this week.

Prairie View A&M Panthers (3-4, 2-2)

Last Week: PVAMU had a great day at homecoming as they defeated Virginia Lynchburg 51-0 last Saturday. Quarterback Jalen Morton completed 10-of-12 passes for 144 yards with two touchdowns and an interception while adding 18 yards rushing and a touchdown on seven carries. Wide receiver Jared Scott led the receivers with four receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Drake Cheatum and Chris Myers each recorded five tackles to lead the Panthers defense.

The Verdict: The Panthers were able to earn a comfortable win last week and were also able to get a lot of younger players some playing time. Four different PVAMU players scored a rushing touchdown. The good news for the Panthers is that their next three games are also at home.

This Week: PVAMU continues a four-game homestand against Jackson State on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Houston Baptist Huskies (4-4, 1-3)

Last Week: HBU was unable to overcome an early 14-point deficit as they lost on the road to McNeese, 42-27, on Saturday. Quarterback Bailey Zappe completed 32-of-52 passes for 317 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Jaylon Johnson led the receivers with four catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. Running back Ean Beek gained 52 yards rushing on 13 carries and had three receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Brennan Young had an incredible game with 17 tackles, eight solo, and one tackle for loss.

The Verdict: A promising start to the season for the Huskies has taken a slight turn with a three-game losing streak. The Southland Conference is brutal and HBU has faced two teams the last two weeks who are outstanding at home. The final four games for HBU will be a tough challenge.

This Week: HBU returns home to play Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-6, 1-3)

Last Week: SFA fought back from a 10-point deficit entering the fourth quarter to tie the game before falling in double overtime to Abilene Christian, 31-24. Quarterback Trae Self completed 25-of-49 passes for 318 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Xavier Gipson caught five passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns while Da’Leon Ward gained 63 yards rushing on 24 carries and caught six passes for 102 yards and a touchdown. Trenton Gordon had another outstanding game with 12 tackles, five solo.

The Verdict: The ‘Jacks are just a few key breaks away from having a 3-4 overall record this year. SFA has had two overtime losses on the road this season against solid opponents. Despite the current record, there is a lot to like about the direction the ‘Jacks are heading.

This Week: SFA returns home to play McNeese at 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Texas Southern Tigers (0-6, 0-2)

Last Week: TSU was unable to score more than a field goal in the second half as they were defeated by NCAA Division II Missouri S&T, 23-20, at home last Saturday. Quarterback Devin Williams completed 25-of-37 passes for 273 yards with one interception. Dominic Franklin carried the ball 22 times for 114 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers while Donnie Corley once again led the receiving corps with 152 yards receiving on 10 catches. Mene Khepera led the TSU defense with 11 tackles.

The Verdict: This is a tough loss for the Tigers as they may have been caught in a trap game. TSU heads back into SWAC play this week with a huge game against Southern in the State Fair Showdown.

This Week: TSU will meet Southern on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.