NCAA FCS Recap

Incarnate Word Cardinals (5-3, 4-2)

Last Week: UIW was unable to hold off a late charge by Northwestern State last Saturday as they lost a tough 44-41 overtime decision. Running back Kevin Brown led the rushing attack with 116 yards on 21 carries while quarterback Jon Copeland completed 27-of-36 passes for 275 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Linebacker Mar’kel Cooks registered 13 tackles and a sack to lead the Cardinals defense.

The Verdict: This was a tough loss for the Cardinals against a team that entered without a win on the season. While the loss ended a four-game winning streak, UIW still controls its destiny towards earning a playoff berth and possibly a share of the conference title but has little room for error.

This Week: UIW concludes a three-game home winning streak on Saturday when they host No. 24 Nicholls at 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

Sam Houston State Bearkats (5-4, 4-2)

Last Week: SHSU put up a tremendous fight last Saturday but was unable to hold off a potent Central Arkansas offense as the No. 10 Bears scored a late touchdown to top the Bearkats 29-25. Running back Donovan Williams had a great game with 161 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 33 carries. Wide receiver Nathan Stewart caught five passes for 110 yards while Ty Brock completed 18-of-31 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown.

The Verdict: This loss hurt the Kats chances of earning a conference title this year as the Bears now hold the tiebreaker edge. However, SHSU still has a great chance to make the playoffs. This bye week is critical for the Kats as they will get some key guys healthy before facing a tough ACU team on the road.

This Week: SHSU has a bye this week.

Lamar Cardinals (4-4, 2-3)

Last Week: Lamar had a bye last week.

The Verdict: The Cardinals final four games of the regular season are against conference opponents. With three conference losses, Lamar has no room for error if they are to earn a second consecutive playoff berth. The Cardinals have a big challenge this week.

This Week: Lamar will host No. 9 Central Arkansas on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

Prairie View A&M Panthers (3-5, 2-3)

Last Week: PVAMU made an incredible fourth-quarter comeback last Thursday night before dropping a heartbreaking 38-35 double-overtime decision at home to Jackson State. Running back Dawonya Tucker gained 159 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries while wide receiver Tony Mullins added three receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Linebacker Storey Jackson had an incredible game with 17 tackles, nine solo, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries and a sack.

The Verdict: This loss was devastating for the Panthers as it has eliminated them from earning the SWAC West Division title and an appearance in the SWAC title game. PVAMU has a week off and the health of quarterback Jalen Morton will be a big topic after he exited last week’s game with an injury.

This Week: PVAMU has a bye this week.

Houston Baptist Huskies (4-5, 1-4)

Last Week: HBU gave up too many big plays last Saturday at home in a 52-13 loss to Southeastern Louisiana. Quarterback Bailey Zappe had a rare off game as he completed 22-of-42 passes for 156 yards and an interception. Running back Ean Beek gained 45 yards rushing on 13 carries and caught seven passes for 59 yards. Linebacker Brennen Young was incredible once again with 19 tackles while Colton Manning added 14 tackles, seven solo, one sack, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.

The Verdict: This is another disappointing result by a reeling Huskies team as they have now lost four straight games. HBU has a much-needed bye week and will try and get its offense rolling once again in a big road game in two weeks.

This Week: HBU has a bye this week.

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (1-7, 1-4)

Last Week: A tough fourth quarter proved costly for SFA as they lost 33-10 to Southeastern Louisiana last Saturday. Quarterback Trae Self completed 21-of-41 passes for 175 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Running back Josh McGowen gained 46 yards rushing on 12 carries and added five yards on four receptions and a touchdown receiving. Linebackers Quin Jones and Gerard McKnight each registered 14 tackles as Jones also had a sack and a quarterback hurry while McKnight had seven solo tackles and a quarterback hurry.

The Verdict: The final score does not indicate how well the ‘Jacks played as they only trailed by three points entering the fourth quarter. SFA has four more conference games remaining this season with three tough teams in the next three weeks.

This Week: SFA travels to play Southeastern Louisiana at 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The game will be broadcast on the Southeastern Sports Network.

Texas Southern Tigers (0-8, 0-4)

Last Week: TSU was unable to hold onto an early lead as they were defeated 35-14 on the road to Mississippi Valley State. Running back Dominic Franklin had 79 yards rushing on 22 carries to lead the offense. Quarterbacks Devin Williams and DeAndre Johnson split time and combined to complete 13-of-28 passes for 127 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. Linebacker Patrick Howell had 11 tackles, eight solo, 2.5 tackles for loss and broke up a pass for the Tigers defense.

The Verdict: This was another disappointing loss for the Tigers as they are now on an 11-game losing streak dating back to last season. While the final three games for TSU are against conference opponents, two of those games are on the road beginning with a tough game this week.

This Week: TSU concludes a two-game road trip on Saturday as they play Grambling State at 2 p.m.