Incarnate Word, Morris to open versus FBS pair

(STATS) - Incarnate Word will open the Eric Morris era against a pair of FBS teams and host five opponents as part of an 11-game 2018 schedule which was announced Thursday.

Morris, the former Texas Tech offensive coordinator, will try to lift a UIW program that finished 1-10 last season. The Cardinals will open at New Mexico on Sept. 1 and then travel to North Texas on Sept. 8.

They'll host Southland Conference opponents Stephen F. Austin (Sept. 15), Southeastern Louisiana (Oct. 6), McNeese (Oct. 20) and Sam Houston State (Nov. 3), and close the regular season by welcoming transitioning FCS program North Alabama (Nov. 15) to Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium.

2018 Incarnate Word Schedule

Sept. 1, at New Mexico

Sept. 8, at North Texas

Sept. 15, Stephen F. Austin*

Sept. 29, at Abilene Christian*

Oct. 6, Southeastern Louisiana*

Oct. 13, at Lamar*

Oct. 20, McNeese*

Oct. 27, at Nicholls*

Nov. 3, Sam Houston State*

Nov. 10, at Central Arkansas*

Nov. 15, North Alabama

* - Southland Conference game