#5 Stephen F. Austin State (5-0; 2-0) vs. (RV) University of The Incarnate Word (2-2; 1-0)
No. 5 Stephen F. Austin State (5-0, 2-0) looks to extend its dominant start to the season and keep its historic home winning streak alive as it hosts the (RV) University of the Incarnate Word (2-2, 1-0) at Homer Bryce Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. CST, streaming live on ESPN+.
Series History
SFA holds a 6-3 lead in the overall series against UIW and has been historically dominant in Nacogdoches with a 4-1 home record. However, UIW has taken three of the last five meetings. SFA's current 10-game home winning streak began right after a 2027 home loss to UIW in 2024. SFA enters this game boasting an incredible 14-1 record at home over the last three seasons and is chasing its 16th consecutive regular-season victory.
Scouting the Incarnate Word Cardinals
UIW brings a balanced offense but a vulnerable defense into Homer Bryce Stadium. The Cardinals are averaging nearly 474 yards of total offense per game, splitting it between 174 yards on the ground and nearly 300 yards through the air.
- Offensive Players to Watch: Coastal Carolina transfer quarterback Emmett Brown (#9) captains the passing attack, throwing for 1,054 yards and 5 touchdowns, though he has thrown 5 interceptions. His favorite target is sophomore wideout Isaiah Champagne (#2), who leads the team with 29 receptions for 304 yards. On the ground, running back Lontrell Turner (#1) is highly efficient, averaging 6.1 yards per carry for 231 yards and a team-high 4 touchdowns.
- Defensive Identity: The Cardinals' defense, surrenders an average of 35 points, 155 rushing yards, and 227 passing yards per game. The unit is anchored by junior linebacker Christian Barney (#0), who has a team-high 36 tackles, and fifth-year senior defensive back Mekhi Brown (#1), a physical safety/rover hybrid who has racked up 16 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks.
Axe 'Em!
"History has no rubbish heap." Louis Blake Duff
