PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Lamar University recorded its biggest offense explosion of the season, to go along with another strong defensive effort to defeat Northwestern State, 41-14, Saturday in Natchitoches to improve to 7-1 overall and a perfect 4-0 in Southland Conference play. With the victory, Lamar University climbed one spot to 14^th in both the STATS Perform FCS Poll and the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll.
 
It is a new high-water mark for the program having never been ranked that high in either poll prior to the 2015 season. The Cardinals also remain 11^th in the FCS Nation poll and moved to 13^th in the FCS Triumvirate Top 25 poll.
 
The Cardinals are reaching historic levels of success this season. Saturday's win at Northwestern State secured winning seasons in three consecutive years for the first time since 1965 through 1967. Lamar's current seven-game win streak is the longest since the end of the 1971 and beginning of the 1972 seasons. Big Red is off to its best start to a season since 1967 and the best start in conference play since 1960 when the Cardinals competed in the Lone Star Conference.
 
The Cardinals will put their national ranking on the line Saturday when they travel to UIW. The game against the league's other Cardinals is set for a 2 p.m. kick from Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium in San Antonio.