BEAUMONT, Texas – Two of the Southland top scoring offenses will be on display Saturday at Provost Umphrey Stadium when Lamar University steps on the field to face Incarnate Word in a 3 p.m. kick off. The Cardinals are coming off their open week and will be heading into their first game since the Sept. 29^th setback at Nicholls.
 
Although the two schools have the same nickname, Saturday's game will be a contest of two teams currently at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Cardinals have struggled with injuries and heartbreaking losses in Southland Conference play and enter the week currently tied for 10^th in the league standings. Big Red has dropped four straight after a season-opening win against Kentucky Christian.
 
UIW has been the surprise of the Southland in 2018. San Antonio's version of the Cardinals enters the week as one of two remaining undefeated schools in league play (along with McNeese). UIW has rattled off three-straight wins since dropping back-to-back games to FBS opponents to start the season and sits just a game back of McNeese in the win column for the overall lead in the conference standings.
 
Both squads enter the week ranked among the Southland's top three in terms of scoring offense, UIW is second (34.6 ppg) and Big Red is just a notch behind at 33.8. UIW leads the Southland Conference averaging better than 470 yards of total offense per game.
 
Both LU and Incarnate Word bring a strong ground attack into Saturday's contest. The Red and White lead the league averaging better than 226 yards per game, while UIW is third. UIW brings the league's leading rusher in Ra'Quanne Dickens into the game who is averaging 123.6 yards per game and 9.2 yards per carry.
 
On the flip side of the ball, UIW has struggled to stop the run. Entering Saturday's all red showdown, UIW is ninth in league in rushing defense (195.8 ypg). LU, on the other hand, has two of the Southland's top 10 rushers in quarterback Darrel Colbert, Jr. (84-345/4.1 ypc/69.0 ypg) and A.J. Walker (56-283/5.1 ypc/56.6 ypg).
 
There are even more similarities between the two schools defensively. Both schools rank among the Southland leaders in gaining turnovers. Both are tied for third in the league in turnover margin (+2), while LU is second in the SLC with 14 turnovers gained. San Antonio's Cardinals are fifth in the league with 12 turnovers gained.  LU is tied for first in the league with eight interceptions, while UIW has picked off seven passes.
 
Although the Cardinals will be kicking off earlier Saturday, there are still plenty going on around the stadium for fans to enjoy the afternoon with the Cardinals. MCT Credit Union will serve as the gameday sponsor and will be handing out pink fan footballs to fans as they enter the stadium (while supplies last). Players will also be wearing pink items to go along with their normal uniform in support of breast cancer awareness.
 
Due to an earlier kickoff time, the Fan Zone opens at 11:30 a.m. In addition to the Fan Zone, the band Champagne Room will be performing on the Corona band stage (near the marquee at the northwest corner of the stadium) at 1 p.m. The Re/Max Skydiving team will once again be bringing the flags into the stadium prior to kick off and Mobiloil Credit Union will be sponsoring the fireworks throughout the game.
 
LU will also recognize health care providers and provide special pricing to get into the game. For more information about the special pricing contact the LU Ticket Office at (409) 880-1715.
 
Prior to kickoff, Regina Rogers and the gift of Life will be on site for cancer awareness, and Rogers will also serve as the game's honorary coin flipper.
 
Saturday's game will kick off at 3 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium, which is different from the first three homes games. The rest of LU's home games will kick at 3 p.m.