NACOGDOCHES, Texas- The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (6-4, 4-2) return home this weekend to face the number six ranked University of Incarnate Word Cardinals (8-2,5-0). Kickoff is set for 2:00 PM at Homer Bryce Stadium.
Series History
Saturday will be the eighth meeting between the Lumberjacks and Cardinals with SFA holding a 5-2 series lead over UIW. The series dates to September 6th, 2014, a 38-3 Lumberjacks win. UIW won the most recent meeting between the two teams, a 35-28 overtime loss on November 27th, 2021, in the first round of the FCS playoffs. SFA currently is 4-0 at home at Homer Bryce Stadium over UIW.
A Look at SFA
The Lumberjacks are coming off a tough road loss to the East Texas A&M Lions last weekend in Commerce, Texas by a final score of 19-14.
The offense struggled to find their rhythm against a stout Lions defense, scoring a season-low 14 points. SFA was able to score the first touchdown of the game at the end of the first quarter to take a 7-3 lead then quickly extended their lead with 10:45 to go in the second quarter to take a 14-3 lead. The Lions’ defense would hold the Lumberjacks offense off the scoreboard the rest of the game for an East Texas A&M, 19-14 win.Gavin Rutherford made his first start of his collegiate career and was 26-for-41 for 193 yards. Qualan Jones also made his first start after seeing limited action throughout the last three games. Jones led the rushing attack for the Lumberjacks with 24 carries and 96 yards and a touchdown. Jerrell Wimbley totaled 14 yards on the ground and scored the ‘Jacks only other touchdown. Kylon Harris led the receivers with 12 catches for 119 yards setting a new season-high in single-game receiving yards.
The Lumberjacks defense had another gritty performance holding the Lions offense to just 19 points and forcing three fumbles while recovering all three. Josiah Cotton led the way for the defense with eight total tackles and a quarterback hurry. Aaron Austin recorded 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and two quarterback hurries on the night.
A Look at UIW
The Cardinals are coming off a dominant 41-20 win over the Lamar University Cardinals last weekend to keep their undefeated conference record at 5-0 while also winning their seventh straight game.
Cardinals quarterback Zach Calzada had another strong game going 23-for-33 for 405 passing yards and five passing touchdowns. Dekalon Taylor led the way for the UIW rushing attack with 15 carries for 98 yards. The Cardinals wide receivers were on display against Lamar as Jalen Walthall totaled seven receptions for 165 yards and one touchdown while Roy Alexander totaled eight receptions for 163 yards and three touchdowns.
Dune Smith led the way for the UIW defense with 12 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one fumble recovery. The UIW defense also forced three fumbles and recovered all three.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and on Q107.7 FM with Rob Meyers and color analyst Hunter Taylor calling all the action. The 2024 season marks Meyers’ 30th season calling play-by-play for the Lumberjacks. You can also follow all the action live on social media and check live stats at sfajacks.com.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are on sale for the two remaining two home games vs. UIW and Abilene Christian University. Fans can visit SFAtickets.com for more information and to secure your tickets today.
FOLLOW THE LUMBERJACKS
For all the latest information on SFA football, visit SFAjacks.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the Lumberjacks on X,Instagram and Facebook.
By: Jackson Pickard, Graduate Assistant for Strategic Communications