2023 Incarnate Word Cardinals football team

2023 Incarnate Word Cardinals football
ConferenceSouthland Conference
Ranking
STATSNo. 22
FCS CoachesNo. 14
Record8–2 (6–1 Southland)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorConner McQueen (1st season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorJim Gush (1st season)
Base defense4–2–5
Captains
  • Jayden Borjas
  • Darren Brown
  • Stanley Mark
  • Brandon Richard
  • Chance Trentman-Rosas
Home stadiumGayle and Tom Benson Stadium
Seasons
← 2022
2024 →
2023 Southland Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
Nicholls $^   7 – 0     6 – 5  
No. 22 Incarnate Word   6 – 1     8 – 2  
Lamar   5 – 2     6 – 5  
Houston Christian   4 – 3     5 – 5  
Southeastern Louisiana   3 – 4     3 – 8  
Texas A&M–Commerce *   2 – 5     1 – 9  
McNeese   1 – 6     0 – 10  
Northwestern State **   0 – 2     0 – 6  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • ^ – FCS playoff participant
  • * – Texas A&M–Commerce ineligible for FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division II.
    ** – Northwestern State canceled its season on October 26.
Rankings from STATS Poll

The 2023 Incarnate Word Cardinals football team represented the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) as a member of the Southland Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FCS football season. The Cardinals played their home games at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium in San Antonio, Texas. They were led by first-year head coach Clint Killough.

Preseason

Preseason poll

The Southland Conference released their preseason poll on July 24, 2023. The Cardinals were picked to finish second in the conference and received seven first-place votes.[1]

Predicted finish Team Votes (1st place)
1 Southeastern Louisiana 93 (9)
2 Incarnate Word 91 (7)
3 McNeese 65
4 Nicholls 62
5 Northwestern State 52
6 Texas A&M–Commerce 33
7 Lamar 28
8 Houston Christian 24

Preseason All–Southland Teams

The Southland Conference announced the 2023 preseason all-conference football team selections on July 21, 2023. UIW had a total of 7 players selected.[2]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
September 28:00 p.m.at UTEP*No. 7
ESPN+L 14–2830,738
September 93:00 p.m.at Northern Colorado*No. 10
ESPN+W 42–73,898
September 167:00 p.m.at Abilene Christian*No. 10
ESPN+W 27–208,280
September 236:00 p.m.North American*No. 9
ESPN+W 63–32,482
October 74:00 p.m.Southeastern LouisianaNo. 8
  • Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium
  • San Antonio, TX
ESPN+W 33–261,622
October 144:00 p.m.Texas A&M–CommerceNo. 7
  • Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium
  • San Antonio, TX
ESPN+W 28–112,278
October 217:00 p.m.at McNeeseNo. 5
ESPN+W 35–247,415
October 283:00 p.m.at LamarNo. 8
ESPN+W 17–76,593
November 43:00 p.m.NichollsdaggerNo. 8
  • Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium
  • San Antonio, TX
ESPN+L 32–453,158
November 112:00 p.m.Northwestern StateNo. 16
  • Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium
  • San Antonio, TX
ESPN+W 2–0 (forfeit)[3]N/A
November 182:00 p.m.at Houston ChristianNo. 20
ESPN+W 45–241,797
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from STATS Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Central time

[4][5]

Personnel

Coaching staff

Source: [6]

Name Position Alma mater Joined staff
Clint Killough Head coach Incarnate Word (2015) 2018
Kenny Hill Associate head coach / running backs TCU (2017) 2023
Conner McQueen Offensive coordinator / quarterbacks Texas A&M (2017) 2023
Jim Gush Defensive coordinator Bucknell (1981) 2023
Blair Cavanaugh Special teams coordinator Portland State (2016) 2022
Sam Bennett Linebackers / academic coordinator Texas Tech (2010) 2023
Ty Darlington Tight ends / director of high school relations Oklahoma (2016) 2023
Ben Olson Defensive line / defensive run game coordinator Eastern Illinois (2013) 2023
George Sanders Defensive backs / defensive pass game coordinator Southwest Baptist (2016) 2023
Willis White Wide receivers / pass game coordinator Alabama State (2018) 2023
Austin Woods Offensive line / run game coordinator Oklahoma (2013) 2023
Tre Spragg Defensive quality control Incarnate Word (2015) 2023
Richard Johnson Defensive quality control Kansas (2011) 2023
Nick Young Recruiting coordinator / senior analyst Toledo (2012) 2023
Zack Lucas Director of football operations / NFL liaison Oklahoma State (2010) 2022
Lauren Mancha Director of player personnel / campus relations / assistant to the head coach Incarnate Word (2022) 2022
Cody Dunn Assistant tight ends McGill (2021) 2022
John Scifers Specialists coach / video coordinator Incarnate Word (2021) 2023
Cameron Venzant Offensive graduate assistant Central Arkansas (2022) 2022
Mauricio De La Garza Offensive graduate assistant 2023
Lamont Johnson Offensive graduate assistant Incarnate Word (2019) 2023
Davis Conley Director of strength and conditioning LaGrange (2017) 2022
Augie Melendez, Jr. Head football athletic trainer Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi (2017) 2017

Roster

Source: [7]

2023 Incarnate Word Cardinals football

Quarterback

  •  1 Zach Calzada – Redshirt Junior (6'4, 200)
  •  6 Ryan Stubblefield – Redshirt Sophomore (5'10, 205)
  • 12 Richard Torres – Redshirt Freshman (6'4, 225)
  • 16 Luke Gombert – Redshirt Junior (6'2, 185)
  • 22 Solomon James – Freshman (6'0, 180)

Running back

  •  0 Tre Siggers – Redshirt Senior (5'10, 200)
  •  4 Isaiah Robinson – Senior (6'2, 212)
  •  5 Jarrell Wiley – Redshirt Junior (5'10, 182)
  • 20 Timothy Carter – Junior (6'0, 215)
  • 23 Jarvis Reed – Freshman (6'0, 180)
  • 25 Tyrese Brown – Junior (5'11, 185)
  • 26 Zach Obara – Freshman (6'3, 195)
  • 28 Nick Meehan – Redshirt Freshman (5'11, 193)
  • 29 Daniel Fayombo – Freshman (6'0, 180)
  • 30 Dylan Nelson – Redshirt Freshman (5'10, 169)

Wide receiver

  •  2 CJ Hardy – Redshirt Senior (5'11, 200)
  •  3 Dekalon Taylor – Sophomore (5'9, 166)
  •  7 Jaelon Travis – Redshirt Sophomore (6'0, 200)
  •  8 Jameson Garcia – Freshman (6'1, 190)
  •  9 Lontrell Turner – Freshman (5'11, 180)
  • 10 Kailan Noseff – Redshirt Senior (6'3, 198)
  • 13 Marquez Perez – Redshirt Senior (5'11, 191)
  • 15 Jaelin Campbell – Redshirt Senior (6'1, 195)
  • 18 Brandon Porter – Redshirt Senior (5'10, 165)
  • 19 Baron Bradley – Redshirt Junior (6'1, 189)
  • 21 Caleb Chapman – Redshirt Senior (6'5, 220)
  • 83 Grant Jaeger – Freshman (5'8, 160)
  • 84 Jalen Smothers – Redshirt Junior (5'10, 189)
  • 85 Emerson Haywood – Redshirt Junior (6'1, 163)
  • 87 Jonathan Johnson – Freshman (6'0, 155)
  • 88 Matthew Ramirez – Freshman (6'0, 160)
  • 89 Marcus Harmon – Redshirt Senior (5'10, 170)

Tight end

  • 11 Jackson Lowe – Redshirt Senior (6'5, 237)
  • 27 Dalton Meyer – Redshirt Senior (6'2, 265)
  • 35 Chance Trentman–Rosas (C) – Redshirt Senior (6'3, 215)
  • 47 Dane Farley – Freshman (6'1, 230)
  • 80 Jackson Muckelroy – Freshman (6'4, 205)

Long snapper

  • 49 Bryce Felt – Sophomore (5'9, 180)
  • 50 Jake Williford – Freshman (6'3, 255)
  

Offensive line

  • 55 River Gordon – G – Redshirt Sophomore (6'4, 315)
  • 56 Alex Costilla – T – Redshirt Senior (6'5, 310)
  • 57 Rasheed Jackson – T – Freshman (6'7, 320)
  • 62 Austin DeArmond – T – Redshirt Freshman (6'4, 294)
  • 63 Stanley Mark (C) – G – Redshirt Senior (6'3, 283)
  • 65 Ozzy Garcia – OL – Freshman (6'1, 290)
  • 66 Bradley Walker – OL – Freshman (5'11, 220)
  • 67 Trevin Demby – OL – Freshman (6'0, 290)
  • 70 Dayton Robinson – T – Redshirt Sophomore (6'4, 320)
  • 71 Joe Bryson – T – Redshirt Senior (6'8, 300)
  • 72 Christian Fitchett – T – Freshman (6'5, 270)
  • 73 Caleb Flores – C – Redshirt Freshman (6'4, 279)
  • 75 Silas Robinson – C – Redshirt Senior (6'4, 315)
  • 76 Lawson Petty – G – Freshman (6'3, 280)
  • 77 Jayden Borjas (C) – G/T – Redshirt Senior (6'5, 295)
  • 78 Branon Jackson – G – Redshirt Junior (6'3, 295)
  • 79 Joseph Kimmey – T – Redshirt Senior (6'6, 305)

Defensive line

  •  0 Steven Parker – DE – Redshirt Junior (6'4, 240)
  •  1 Ayodele Adeoye – DE/LB – Redshirt Senior (6'1, 250)
  •  8 Chase Carter – DL – Redshirt Freshman (6'4, 255)
  •  9 Darren Brown (C) – DT – Redshirt Senior (6'3, 325)
  • 10 John Mathis – DT – Redshirt Sophomore (6'2, 265)
  • 15 Marcus Brown – DE – Junior (6'5, 245)
  • 17 Mat Freeman – DE – Redshirt Freshman (6'3, 230)
  • 41 MarQuice Hill – DL – Freshman (6'2, 245)
  • 43 Emiliano Fears – DL – Freshman (6'1, 215)
  • 44 Devin Grant – DL – Redshirt Sophomore (6'3, 230)
  • 45 Logan Granville – DE – Freshman (6'3, 230)
  • 91 Lloyd Johnson – DT – Redshirt Freshman (6'2, 280)
  • 92 Jeremiah Robinson – DL – Freshman (6'2, 240)
  • 97 TJ Harold – DT – Freshman (6'1, 290)
  • 99 Josh Gonzalez – DT – Redshirt Sophomore (6'2, 310)
  

Linebacker

  • 11 Tylan Foster – Junior (5'11, 225)
  • 12 Mister Williams – Redshirt Sophomore (6'0, 245)
  • 22 Derrick Lewis – Junior (6'1, 210)
  • 23 Ricky Rich – Redshirt Sophomore (6'1, 212)
  • 26 Emmerick Dopona – Redshirt Freshman (5'10, 215)
  • 32 Darius Sanders – Junior (6'2, 199)
  • 33 Tylan George – Junior (5'11, 212)
  • 42 Caleb Lewis – Redshirt Junior (6'2, 235)
  • 54 Josh Pastrana – Freshman (6'0, 205)

Defensive back

  •  2 James Tuayemie – CB – Redshirt Junior (5'11, 205)
  •  3 Mason Chambers – S – Redshirt Junior (6'0, 210)
  •  4 Chris Pierce – CB – Sophomore (6'0, 170)
  •  5 Tiji Paul – CB – Senior (5'10, 160)
  •  6 Ronald Wilson – S – Junior (5'10, 180)
  •  7 Brandon Richard (C) – S – Redshirt Senior (5'11, 183)
  • 13 Tre Richardson – S – Redshirt Senior (6'2, 178)
  • 14 Ethan Alexander – DB – Redshirt Senior (6'2, 205)
  • 16 Dante Heaggans – S – Redshirt Senior (6'1, 185)
  • 18 D'Arius Carmouche – CB – Freshman (6'0, 165)
  • 20 Kendrick Stone – DB – Redshirt Sophomore (6'2, 190)
  • 21 A.J. Harris – S – Freshman (5'10, 170)
  • 24 Barry Dillon – CB – Freshman (6'1, 170)
  • 25 Patrick Batiste – CB – Freshman (6'0, 185)
  • 28 Jayden Staggers – CB – Sophomore (5'11, 167)
  • 31 DeVonte Wilson – S – Redshirt Sophomore (6'2, 196)
  • 36 Keenon Pitts – CB – Redshirt Junior (5'10, 169)
  • 40 Khalil Warfield – S – Redshirt Sophomore (6'2, 193)

Kicker/Punter

  • 24 Mason Lawler – K – Redshirt Senior (6'3, 220)
  • 37 Ben D'Aquila – P/K – Sophomore (6'0, 200)
  • 46 Brack Peacock – K – Freshman (5'6, 165)
  • 48 Haden Tessier – P/K – Redshirt Freshman (5'9, 162)

Legend

  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured Injured
  • Redshirt Redshirt

Depth chart

Game summaries

@ UTEP

See also: 2023 UTEP Miners football team
Uniform combination
Helmet Jersey Pants
Game One – Incarnate Word Cardinals at UTEP Miners
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 7 Cardinals 7 7 0014
Miners 7 7 7728

at Sun Bowl (stadium), El Paso, TX

  • Date: September 2
  • Game time: 8:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 92 • Wind: SW 3 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 30,738
  • Referee: Ed Ardito
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Box Score Pregame line: UTEP −7.0
Game information
First Quarter
  • UIW – 10:46 Brandon Porter 34 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 7–0 Drive: 4 plays, 44 yards, 1:24
  • UTEP – 6:52 Torrance Burgess Jr. 40 yard run, Buzz Flabiano kick
    Tied 7–7 Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:54
Second Quarter
  • UIW – 10:42 Tre Siggers 5 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 14–7 Drive: 7 plays, 92 yards, 2:29
  • UTEP – 4:52 Jostein Clarke 13 yard pass from Gavin Hardison, Buzz Flabiano kick
    Tied 14–14 Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:43
Third Quarter
  • UTEP – 6:40 Tyrin Smith 24 yard pass from Gavin Hardison, Buzz Flabiano kick
    UTEP 21–14 Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 8:20
Fourth Quarter
  • UTEP – 8:47 Mike Franklin 3 yard run, Buzz Flabiano kick
    UTEP 28–14 Drive: 12 plays, 96 yards, 7:08
Statistics UIW UTEP
First downs 19 25
Plays–yards 58–308 63–423
Rushes–yards 27–63 50–329
Passing yards 245 94
Passing: comp–att–int 18–31–1 10–13–0
Time of possession 24:28 35:32
Team Category Player Statistics
Incarnate Word Passing Zach Calzada 18/31, 245 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Tre Siggers 12 carries, 39 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Brandon Porter 6 receptions, 94 yards, 1 TD
UTEP Passing Gavin Hardison 10/13, 94 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Deion Hankins 24 carries, 174 yards
Receiving Tyrin Smith 4 receptions, 49 yards, 1 TD

@ Northern Colorado

See also: 2023 Northern Colorado Bears football team
Uniform combination
Helmet Jersey Pants
Game Two – Incarnate Word Cardinals at Northern Colorado Bears
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 10 Cardinals 7 14 14742
Bears 0 0 077

at Nottingham Field, Greeley, CO

  • Date: September 9
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Wind: NE 9 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 3,898
  • Referee: Gregg Wilson
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Jason Alveen (play-by-play) and Nick Hager (analyst)
  • Box Score Pregame line: UIW −17.0
Game information
First Quarter
  • UIW – 8:34 Marquez Perez 21 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 7–0 Drive: 3 plays, 40 yards, 0:41
Second Quarter
  • UIW – 14:24 Caleb Chapman 1 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 14–0 Drive: 16 plays, 97 yards, 6:50
  • UIW – 1:53 Timothy Carter 16 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 21–0 Drive: 7 plays, 89 yards, 1:39
Third Quarter
  • UIW – 9:22 Zach Calzada 11 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 28–0 Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 3:18
  • UIW – 5:10 Tre Siggers 11 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 35–0 Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:05
Fourth Quarter
  • UIW – 10:04 Caleb Chapman 25 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 42–0 Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 2:37
  • UNC – 6:28 Blake Haggerty 43 yard pass from Hank Gibbs, Hunter Green kick
    UIW 42–7 Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 3:36
Statistics UIW UNC
First downs 29 14
Plays–yards 82–617 69–261
Rushes–yards 42–235 37–93
Passing yards 382 168
Passing: comp–att–int 29–40–1 15–32–1
Time of possession 31:03 28:57
Team Category Player Statistics
Incarnate Word Passing Zach Calzada 23/32, 255 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Timothy Carter 16 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Caleb Chapman 5 receptions, 116 yards, 2 TD
Northern Colorado Passing Jacob Sirmon 13/27, 114 yards, 1 INT
Rushing David Afari 14 carries, 43 yards
Receiving Blake Haggerty 4 receptions, 57 yards, 1 TD

@ Abilene Christian

See also: 2023 Abilene Christian Wildcats football team
Uniform combination
Helmet Jersey Pants
Game Three – Incarnate Word Cardinals at Abilene Christian Wildcats
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 10 Cardinals 0 10 01727
Wildcats 0 10 01020

at Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium, Abilene, TX

  • Date: September 16
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 82 • Wind: W 2 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 8,280
  • Referee: John Kellermeier
  • TV announcers (ESPN+): Zach Carlyle (play-by-play), Joseph Chapa (analyst) and Kauy Ostlien (sideline)
  • Box Score Pregame line: UIW −3.0
Game information
First Quarter
  • No scoring plays
Second Quarter
  • ACU – 4:16 Jeremiah Dobbins 29 yard run, Kyle Ramsey kick
    ACU 7–0 Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 4:41
  • UIW – 3:29 Zach Calzada 52 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    Tied 7–7 Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 0:47
  • ACU – 0:31 Kyle Ramsey 51 yard field goal
    ACU 10–7 Drive: 5 plays, 39 yards, 1:35
  • UIW – 0:00 Mason Lawler 43 yard field goal
    Tied 10–10 Drive: 3 plays, 49 yards, 0:31
Third Quarter
  • No scoring plays
Fourth Quarter
  • UIW – 14:50 Brandon Porter 23 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 17–10 Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:24
  • UIW – 10:06 Zach Calzada 1 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 24–10 Drive: 8 plays, 70 yards, 4:20
  • ACU – 8:26 Jay'Veon Sunday 1 yard run, Kyle Ramsey kick
    UIW 24–17 Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 1:34
  • UIW – 5:18 Mason Lawler 27 yard field goal
    UIW 27–17 Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 3:01
  • ACU – 2:45 Kyle Ramsey 44 yard field goal
    UIW 27–20 Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 2:27
Statistics UIW ACU
First downs 21 19
Plays–yards 67–517 67–320
Rushes–yards 31–144 35–131
Passing yards 373 189
Passing: comp–att–int 23–36–1 15–32–1
Time of possession 28:01 31:59
Team Category Player Statistics
Incarnate Word Passing Zach Calzada 23/36, 373 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Zach Calzada 7 carries, 66 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Brandon Porter 10 receptions, 201 yards, 1 TD
Abilene Christian Passing Maverick McIvor 15/32, 189 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Jeremiah Dobbins 21 carries, 106 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Cooper McCasland 4 receptions, 64 yards

North American

See also: North American University
Uniform combination
Helmet Jersey Pants
Game Four – North American Stallions at Incarnate Word Cardinals
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Stallions 0 0 033
No. 9 Cardinals 28 14 14763

at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, San Antonio, TX

  • Date: September 23
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 99 • Wind: SE 9 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 2,482
  • Referee: Matt Carpenter
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • UIW – 12:22 CJ Hardy 31 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 7–0 Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 0:55
  • UIW – 11:30 Ronald Wilson 35 yard interception return, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 14–0
  • UIW – 8:36 Zach Calzada 2 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 21–0 Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:14
  • UIW – 5:09 Timothy Carter 2 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 28–0 Drive: 5 plays, 35 yards, 1:39
Second Quarter
  • UIW – 10:23 CJ Hardy 1 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 35–0 Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 3:06
  • UIW – 4:45 Jarrell Wiley 14 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 42–0 Drive: 2 plays, 21 yards, 0:23
Third Quarter
  • UIW – 9:38 Dekalon Taylor 24 yard pass from Richard Torres, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 49–0 Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:13
  • UIW – 7:45 Kendrick Stone 43 yard interception return, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 56–0
Fourth Quarter
  • NAU – 8:22 Christobal Salgado 33 yard field goal
    UIW 56–3 Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 4:26
  • UIW – 3:40 Nick Meehan 1 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 63–3 Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:31
Statistics NAU UIW
First downs 3 26
Plays–yards 49–12 64–531
Rushes–yards 25–10 35–250
Passing yards 2 281
Passing: comp–att–int 15–24–2 18–29–0
Time of possession 27:05 20:55
Team Category Player Statistics
North American Passing Oscar Ozuna 5/5, 9 yards
Rushing Xander Armani Williams 3 carries, 17 yards
Receiving Colbi Clark 5 receptions, 22 yards
Incarnate Word Passing Zach Calzada 11/16, 193 yards 2 TD
Rushing Jarrell Wiley 7 carries, 59 yards, 1 TD
Receiving CJ Hardy 4 receptions, 72 yards, 2 TD

Southeastern Louisiana

See also: 2023 Southeastern Louisiana Lions football team
Uniform combination
Helmet Jersey Pants
Game Five – Southeastern Louisiana Lions at Incarnate Word Cardinals
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Lions 3 3 13726
No. 8 Cardinals 7 17 9033

at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, San Antonio, TX

  • Date: October 7
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 76 • Wind: NE 9 mph • Weather: Cloudy
  • Game attendance: 1,622
  • Referee: Gary Leeper
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • UIW – 11:32 Mason Chambers 60 yard fumble recovery, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 7–0
  • SLU – 5:32 Riley Callaghan 23 yard field goal
    UIW 7–3 Drive: 14 plays, 70 yards, 6:00
Second Quarter
  • UIW – 12:50 Caleb Chapman 8 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 14-3 Drive: 5 plays, 89 yards, 2:04
  • SLU – 7:54 Riley Callaghan 31 yard field goal
    UIW 14–6 Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 4:56
  • UIW – 3:57 Brandon Porter 18 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 21–6 Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:51
  • UIW – 0:00 Mason Lawler 25 yard field goal
    UIW 24–6 Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 3:55
Third Quarter
  • SLU – 11:08 Zachary Clement 8 yard run, Riley Callaghan kick
    UIW 24–13 Drive: 1 play, 8 yards, 0:06
  • SLU – 5:55 Jaylon Domingeaux 17 yard pass from Eli Sawyer, run failed
    UIW 24–19 Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:19
  • UIW – 5:55 Brandon Richard 75 yard PAT return
    UIW 26–19
  • UIW – 0:42 Zach Calzada 4 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 33–19 Drive: 12 plays, 89 yards, 5:06
Fourth Quarter
  • SLU – 6:18 Bauer Sharp 8 yard pass from Eli Sawyer, Riley Callaghan kick
    UIW 33–26' Drive: 4 plays, 15 yards, 1:19
Statistics SLU UIW
First downs 24 22
Plays–yards 80–416 62–371
Rushes–yards 39–145 29–67
Passing yards 271 304
Passing: comp–att–int 24–41–1 23–33–1
Time of possession 34:16 21:53
Team Category Player Statistics
Southeastern Louisiana Passing Eli Sawyer 27/40, 271 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Harlan Dixon 13 carries, 55 yards
Receiving Jaylon Domingeaux 4 receptions, 58 yards, 1 TD
Incarnate Word Passing Zach Calzada 23/32, 304 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Jarrell Wiley 9 carries, 54 yards
Receiving Brandon Porter 10 receptions, 182 yards, 1 TD

Texas A&M–Commerce

See also: 2023 Texas A&M–Commerce Lions football team
Uniform combination
Helmet Jersey Pants
Game Six – Texas A&M–Commerce Lions at Incarnate Word Cardinals
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Lions 3 0 0811
No. 7 Cardinals 7 7 01428

at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, San Antonio, TX

  • Date: October 14
  • Game time: 4:05 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 81 • Wind: NE 8 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 2,278
  • Referee: Matt Beck
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • TAMUC – 6:24 Emmanuel Adagvon 35 yard field goal
    TAMUC 3–0 Drive: 8 plays, 62 yards, 3:02
  • UIW – 0:08 Jarrell Wiley 13 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 7–3 Drive: 1 play, 13 yards, 0:05
Second Quarter
  • UIW – 1:57 CJ Hardy 31 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 14–3 Drive 5 plays, 68 yards, 1:50
Third Quarter

No scoring

Fourth Quarter
  • TAMCU – 14:51 Javotrick Dotrey 40 yard interception, Keith Miller III pass
    UIW 14–11
  • UIW – 6:55 Ronald Wilson 71 yard interception, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 21–11
  • UIW – 4:40 Jarrell Wiley 14 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 28–11 Drive: 2 plays, 27 yards, 0:48
Statistics TAMUC UIW
First downs 13 24
Plays–yards 66–213 79–458
Rushes–yards 33–50 37–158
Passing yards 163 300
Passing: comp–att–int 15–33–2 27–42–3
Time of possession 30:06 28:22
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas A&M–Commerce Passing Josh Magana 15/33, 163 yards, 2 INT
Rushing Ra'veion Hargrove 10 carries, 37 yards
Receiving Jerome Buckner 2 receptions, 48 yards
Incarnate Word Passing Zach Calzada 27/42, 300 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rushing Jarrell Wiley 18 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Jaelin Campbell 7 receptions, 89 yards

@ McNeese

See also: 2023 McNeese Cowboys football team
Uniform combination
Helmet Jersey Pants
Game Seven – No. 5 Incarnate Word Cardinals at McNeese Cowboys
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 5 Cardinals 0 7 72135
Cowboys 7 17 0024

at Cowboy Stadium, Lake Charles, LA

  • Date: October 21
  • Game time: 7:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 7,415
  • Referee: Craig Helser
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • MCN – 6:19 Joshon Barbie 24 yard run, Garrison Smith kick
    McNeese 7–0 Drive: 6 plays, 67 yards, 3:17
Second Quarter
  • MCN – 14:49 Jon McCall 57 yard pass from Ryan Roberts, Garrison Smith kick
    McNeese 14–0 Drive: 10 plays, 90 yards, 4:32
  • UIW – 12:10 Isaiah Robinson 1 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    McNeese 14–7 Drive: 5 plays, 71 yards, 2:33
  • MCN – 7:10 Jon McCall 28 yard pass from Ryan Roberts, Garrison Smith kick
    McNeese 21–7 Drive: 5 plays, 84 yards, 2:02
  • MCN – 2:12 Garrison Smith 28 yard field goal
    McNeese 24–7 Drive 7 plays, 9 yards, 3:11
Third Quarter
  • UIW – 4:10 Brandon Porter 14 yard pass form Richard Torres, Mason Lawler kick
    McNeese 24–14 Drive: 14 plays, 83 yards, 6:07
Fourth Quarter
  • UIW – 13:56 Richard Torres 2 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    McNeese 24–21 Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 2:46
  • UIW – 5:09 Brandon Porter 36 yard pass from Richard Torres, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 28–24 Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:20
  • UIW – 0:16 Marquez Perez 20 yard pass from Richard Torres, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 35–24 Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 2:44
Statistics UIW MSU
First downs 25 17
Plays–yards 75–514 63–334
Rushes–yards 43–301 33–134
Passing yards 213 200
Passing: comp–att–int 19–32–0 17–30–1
Time of possession 29:23 30:37
Team Category Player Statistics
Incarnate Word Passing Richard Torres 11/18, 161 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Timothy Carter 20 carries, 165 yards
Receiving Brandon Porter 6 receptions, 91 yards, 2 TD
McNeese Passing Ryan Roberts 17/30, 200 yards, 2 TD, 1 Int
Rushing Joshon Barbie 21 carries, 117 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Jon McCall 5 receptions, 106 yards, 2 TD

@ Lamar

See also: 2023 Lamar Cardinals football team
Uniform combination
Helmet Jersey Pants
Game Eight – Incarnate Word Cardinals at Lamar Cardinals
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 8 Cardinals (UIW) 7 7 0317
Cardinals (LU) 7 0 007

at Provost Umphrey Stadium, Beaumont, TX

  • Date: October 28
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: • Wind: SE 10 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 6,593
  • Referee: Gary Leeper
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • UIW – 3:31 Brandon Porter 24 yard pass from Richard Torres, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 7–0 Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 1:43
  • LU – 3:19 Sevonne Rhea 75 yard pass from Cameron George, Chris Esqueda kick
    Tied 7–7 Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:12
Second Quarter
  • UIW – 14:38 Dalton Meyer 18 yard pass from Richard Torres, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 14–7 Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 3:33
Third Quarter

No scoring

Fourth Quarter
  • UIW – 2:01 Mason Lawler 27 yard field goal
    UIW 17–7 Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 4:44
Statistics UIW LU
First downs 23 11
Plays–yards 77–459 58–248
Rushes–yards 40–152 32–73
Passing yards 307 175
Passing: comp–att–int 24–37–0 12–26–1
Time of possession 33:15 26:45
Team Category Player Statistics
Incarnate Word Passing Richard Torres 24/37, 307 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Dekalon Taylor 12 carries, 83 yards
Receiving Brandon Porter 6 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD
Lamar Passing Robert Coleman 11/25, 100 yards, 1 INT
Rushing Khalan Griffin 16 carries, 50 yards
Receiving Sevonne Rhea 6 receptions, 120 yards, 1 TD

Nicholls

See also: 2023 Nicholls Colonels football team
Uniform combination
Helmet Jersey Pants
Game Nine – Nicholls Colonels at Incarnate Word Cardinals
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colonels 0 24 14745
Cardinals 10 3 61332

at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, San Antonio, TX

  • Date: November 4
  • Game time: 3:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 79 • Wind: SE 8 mph • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 3,158
  • Referee: James Brookhart
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • UIW – 12:26 Mason Lawler 24 yard field goal
    UIW 3–0 Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 2:27
  • UIW – 4:26 Brandon Porter 7 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 10–0 Drive: 9 plays, 86 yards, 4:11
Second Quarter
  • NSU – 12:30 Gavin Lasseigne 23 yard field goal
    UIW 10–3 Drive: 15 plays, 69 yards, 6:56
  • NSU – 11:37 Lee Negrotto 19 yard pass from Pat McQuaide, Gavin Lasseigne kick
    Tied 10–10 Drive: 1 play, 19 yards, 0:07
  • NSU – 5:10 Collin Guggenheim 5 yard run, Gavin Lasseigne kick
    NSU 17–10 Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 4:38
  • NSU – 0:25 Collin Guggenheim 6 yard run, Gavin Lasseigne kick
    NSU 24–10 Drive: 8 plays, 90 yards, 2:27
  • UIW – 0:00 Mason Lawler 51 yard field goal
    NSU 24–13 Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 0:25
Third Quarter
  • NSU – 9:54 Devonte Mathews 58 yard fumble recovery, Gavin Lasseigne kick
    NSU 31–13
  • NSU – 7:06 Collin Guggenheim 43 yard run, Gavin Lasseigne kick
    NSU 38–13 Drive: 3 plays, 51 yards, 1:21
  • UIW – 6:06 Caleb Chapman 6 yard pass from Zach Calzada, 2 point conversion failed
    NSU 38–19 Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 0:50
Fourth Quarter
  • NSU – 13:43 Collin Guggenheim 3 yard run, Gavin Lasseigne kick
    NSU 45–19 Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 5:16
  • UIW – 12:00 Caleb Chapman 29 yard pass from Zach Calzada, 2 point conversion failed
    NSU 45–25 Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 1:34
  • UIW – 9:07 Jaelin Campbell 19 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    NSU 45–32 Drive: 2 plays, 47 yards, 0:39
Statistics NSU UIW
First downs 26 29
Plays–yards 74–439 69–464
Rushes–yards 55–331 16–45
Passing yards 108 419
Passing: comp–att–int 9–19–0 31–53–2
Time of possession 37:02 22:58
Team Category Player Statistics
Nicholls Passing Pat McQuaide 9/19, 108 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Jaylon Spears 23 carries, 160 yards
Receiving Quincy Brown 5 receptions, 39 yards
Incarnate Word Passing Zach Calzada 28/48, 394 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Isaiah Robinson 9 carries, 31 yards
Receiving Brandon Porter 11 receptions, 158 yards, 1 TD

Northwestern State

See also: 2023 Northwestern State Demons football team
Game Ten – Northwestern State Demons at Incarnate Word Cardinals (Cancelled)
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Demons 0 0 000
No. 16 Cardinals 2 0 002

at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, San Antonio, TX

  • Date: November 11
  • Game time: Cancelled

@ Houston Christian

See also: 2023 Houston Christian Huskies football team
Uniform combination
Helmet Jersey Pants
Game Eleven – Incarnate Word Cardinals at Houston Christian Huskies
Quarter 1 2 34Total
No. 20 Cardinals 14 10 71445
Huskies 0 7 31424

at Husky Stadium, Houston, TX

  • Date: November 18
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: Temperature: 74 • Wind: SW • Weather: Sunny
  • Game attendance: 1,797
  • Referee: Craig Helser
  • TV: ESPN+
  • Box Score
Game information
First Quarter
  • UIW – 9:36 Isaiah Robinson 4 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 7–0 Drive: 3 plays, 62 yards, 1:03
  • UIW – 1:24 Caleb Chapman 6 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 14–0 Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:37
Second Quarter
  • UIW – 7:36 Caleb Chapman 20 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 21–0 Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:49
  • HCU – 4:29 Calvin Wiggins 37 yard pass from Colby Suits, Dillon Fedor kick
    UIW 21–7 Drive: 7 plays, 86 yards, 3:03
  • UIW – 1:07 Mason Lawler 51 yard field goal
    UIW 24–7 Drive: 10 plays, 41 yards, 3:22
Third Quarter
  • HCU – 3:56 Dillon Fedor 27 yard field goal
    UIW 24–10 Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 3:26
  • UIW – 0:20 CJ Hardy 15 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 31–10 Drive: 10 plays, 65 yards, 3:36
Fourth Quarter
  • UIW – 14:34 Caleb Chapman 64 yard pass from Zach Calzada, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 38–10 Drive: 1 play, 64 yards, 0:09
  • UIW – 9:08 Jarrell Wiley 2 yard run, Mason Lawler kick
    UIW 45–10 Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:31
  • HCU – 5:08 Colby Suits 4 yard run, Dillon Fedor kick
    UIW 45–17 Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:00
  • HCU – 2:56 Caleb King 8 yard fumble recovery, Dillon Fedor kick
    UIW 45–24
Statistics UIW HCU
First downs 25 20
Plays–yards 73–562 67–316
Rushes–yards 35–155 30–114
Passing yards 407 202
Passing: comp–att–int 29–38–0 23–37–2
Time of possession 31:31 28:29
Team Category Player Statistics
Incarnate Word Passing Zach Calzada 29/38, 407 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Jarrell Wiley 14 carries, 93 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Caleb Chapman 7 receptions, 170 yards, 3 TD
Houston Christian Passing Colby Suits 23/37, 202 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Darryle Evans 12 carries, 67 yards
Receiving Karl Reynolds 6 receptions, 58 yards

National and state recognition

One Southland Conference team and conference players received national recognition over the course of the season. One of the players, Incarnate Word's Richard Torres, was recognized on October 23 as National freshman player of the week.

Weekly awards

Weekly honors
Honors Player Position Date Awarded Ref.
FedEx Ground FCS National Freshman Player of the Week Richard Torres QB October 23, 2023 [8]

Dave Campbell's Texas Football post season All-Texas Non-FBS teams

Two Cardinals were named as player of the year for their respective positions. Brandon Porter was named Wide Receiver of the Year. Steven Parker was named Defensive Lineman of the Year. In addition, Zack Calzada was named to the 2023 All-Texas Non-FBS Offense team.[9]

Conference awards and honors

Cardinal players received player of the week recognition six times during the season.

Weekly awards

Weekly honors
Honors Player Position Date Awarded Ref.
SLC Offensive Player of the Week Zach Calzada QB September 11, 2023 [10]
SLC Offensive Player of the Week Brandon Porter WR September 18, 2023 [11]
SLC Defensive Player of the Week Tre Richardson DB September 18, 2023 [11]
SLC Defensive Player of the Week Tylan Foster LB October 16, 2023 [12]
SLC Offensive Player of the Week Richard Torres QB October 23, 2023 [13]
SLC Offensive Player of the Week Brandon Porter WR October 30, 2023 [14]

Player and Coach of the Year Selections

Two Incarnate Word players were individual superlative award winners.[15]

2023 Southland Conference Football Individual Superlative Winners

Offensive Player of the Year: Brandon Porter, UIW
Newcomer of the Year: Zach Calzada, UIW

Postseason All–Southland Teams

The Southland Conference announced the 2023 all-conference football team selections on November 22, 2023. Incarnate Word had a total of 13 players selected.[15]

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
Week
PollPre123456789101112Final
STATS FCS71010998758816201922
Coaches7109986654410111114

References

  1. ^ "Southeastern Voted Top Spot in 2023 Southland Football Preseason Poll". www.southland.org. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  2. ^ "Southland Announces 2023 All-Conference Team". www.southland.org. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  3. ^ Kasabian, Paul (October 26, 2023). "Northwestern State Cancels Football Season, HC Resigns After Ronnie Caldwell's Death". Bleacher Report. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  4. ^ "2023 UIW Football Schedule". FBSchedules. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  5. ^ "Incarnate Word Cardinals Schedule 2023". ESPN Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  6. ^ "Football Coaches". University of the Incarnate Word. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  7. ^ "2023 Football Roster". University of the Incarnate Word Athletics. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  8. ^ James Hill (October 23, 2023). "UIW's Torres Named FedEx Ground FCS National Freshman Player of the Week". Southland Conference. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  9. ^ Cory Hogue (December 6, 2023). "REVEALED: The 2023 All-Texas Non-FBS Team". Dave Campbell's Texas Football. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  10. ^ James Hill (September 11, 2023). "UIW's Calzada, Parker; Nicholls' Lasseigne Earned Southland Football Player of the Week Honors". Southland Conference. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  11. ^ a b James Hill (September 18, 2023). "UIW's Porter, Richardson; SLU's Dunlap Take Home Southland Football Player of the Week Honors". Southland Conference. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  12. ^ James Hill (October 16, 2023). "Lamar's Rhea, UIW's Foster, HCU's Fedor Earn Southland Football Player of the Week Honors". Southland Conference. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  13. ^ James Hill (October 23, 2023). "UIW's Torres, SLU's Tademy, Goodly Named Southland Football Players of the Week". Southland Conference. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  14. ^ James Hill (October 30, 2023). "UIW's Porter, HCU's Cash, Lamar's Deleon Named Southland Football Players of the Week". Southland Conference. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  15. ^ a b James Hill (November 22, 2023). "Southland Announces 2023 All-Conference Football Team and Superlatives". Southland Conference. Retrieved November 22, 2023.