Northwestern State Demons vs Incarnate Word Cardinals Predictions

Cardinals have the clear matchup edge

Incarnate Word should win Saturday in San Antonio. University of the Incarnate Word Athletics reports that the Cardinals are 4-0 at home, while Northwestern State enters on a 19-game losing streak. The Cardinals have also won four straight meetings, including 38-3 on the road last season.

Quarterback Emmett Brown has thrown for 2,204 yards this season. He accounted for 283 passing yards, 79 rushing yards and five touchdowns in last week’s 38-6 win over McNeese. That form matters against a Northwestern State defense allowing 44 points per game.

Northwestern State quarterback Zach Wilcke has 1,290 passing yards, 12 touchdown passes and a team-high 317 rushing yards. However, the Demons average a Southland-low 111.9 rushing yards per game, and Incarnate Word defensive end Jeremiah Young has 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Northwestern State may struggle to keep Wilcke out of obvious passing situations.

The price calls for a pass

Incarnate Word’s home wins have come by an average of 30.5 points, one point below the SPF spread of -31.5. The Cardinals can control this game without covering such a large number, so the likely winner isn’t automatically a worthwhile wager.

The SPF total is 59.5, with the over at -112 and the under at -110. The available evidence doesn’t establish Northwestern State’s likely scoring output or either team’s current availability, so there isn’t a sound total bet. Moneyline prices are unavailable.