What's Happening?
Incarnate Word secured a decisive 38-7 victory over Abilene Christian, led by EJ Colson's impressive performance. Colson contributed significantly to the win by running for two touchdowns and passing for another. The game began with Abilene Christian taking an early lead with a 21-yard pass from Stone Earle to Dallas Dudley. However, Colson quickly responded with a short touchdown pass and a run, giving Incarnate Word a 17-7 lead by halftime. In the third quarter, Colson extended the lead with a 3-yard touchdown run, followed by a defensive play where Declan Williams intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, bringing the score to 31-7. The Cardinals finished the game with a 79-yard drive, culminating in an 11-yard touchdown run by Jaylon Spears. Incarnate Word dominated in total yards, outgaining Abilene Christian 423-248.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Incarnate Word as it marks a strong performance against a ranked FCS opponent. The win improves their record to 2-3 and demonstrates their capability to compete at a high level. For Abilene Christian, the loss is a setback, especially after having won five of their last six games against ranked FCS teams. The game highlights the challenges Abilene Christian faces in maintaining consistency against competitive teams. The performance of EJ Colson is particularly noteworthy, as his dual-threat ability as a passer and runner was instrumental in the Cardinals' success. This game could impact the rankings and perceptions of both teams in the FCS landscape.
What's Next?
Following this game, Incarnate Word will likely look to build on their momentum and improve their standing in the FCS rankings. They will need to maintain their performance level in upcoming games to continue climbing the ranks. Abilene Christian, on the other hand, will need to address the issues exposed in this game, particularly in their defense and offensive consistency. Both teams will be preparing for their next matchups, with Incarnate Word aiming to capitalize on their recent success and Abilene Christian seeking to rebound from this loss.
