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NAU vs. UIW: Top 20 Showdown on Family Weekend

9 months agoUS
NAU vs. UIW: Top 20 Showdown on Family WeekendSource: sportingnews.com
No. 17 Northern Arizona (NAU) Lumberjacks are set to host No. 19 Incarnate Word (UIW) Cardinals in a highly anticipated top-20 matchup this Saturday. The game is NAU's Family Weekend event and marks a significant contest between two nationally-ranked FCS teams. This game is the second of a four-game series between the two programs. Last year, UIW defeated NAU 38-14.

Key Insights

The game features two of the nation's top offenses, with NAU bringing the Big Sky's highest-scoring offense at 36.3 points per game.

NAU quarterback Ty Pennington was named Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week.

UIW's passing offense ranks 10th in the FCS, averaging 281.3 passing yards per game.

NAU has won seven of its last eight games during Family Weekend.

In-Depth Analysis

The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (2-1) are riding an eight-game winning streak at the Walkup Skydome, matching their longest since 1977-79. Quarterback Ty Pennington has been instrumental in NAU's offensive success, throwing for 799 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Kolbe Katsis has also been a key target, with 293 receiving yards. Defensively, Travis Arena leads the team with 4.0 sacks this season.

Incarnate Word (1-2) comes into the game with a strong passing attack, led by quarterback Richard Torres, who averages 206.0 passing yards per game. Chedon James is a top receiver for the Cardinals, with 21 receptions and 249 receiving yards.

NAU's head coach Brian Wright emphasized the need for improvement after last year's loss to UIW, stating, "We learned a lot last year and carried that through the rest of the season."

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and on the Northern Arizona Healthcare NAU Lumberjack Radio Network.

FAQs

Q: Where is the game being played?

Findlay Toyota Field at the Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Q: How can I watch the game?

The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and on the Northern Arizona Healthcare NAU Lumberjack Radio Network.

Q: What is NAU's record at home?

NAU is currently on an eight-game winning streak at the Walkup Skydome.

Key Takeaways

NAU and UIW will face off in a top-20 showdown on Family Weekend.

Ty Pennington and the NAU offense will look to continue their strong play.

The game will be a test for NAU's defense against UIW's passing attack.

Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ and the NAU Lumberjack Radio Network.

Discussion

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