40 Facts About UIW Vs. Northern Arizona

UIW vs. Northern Arizona: A Clash of Titans

When UIW (University of the Incarnate Word) faces off against Northern Arizona, it's more than just a game. It's a battle of skill, strategy, and school pride. Here are some fascinating facts about this epic showdown.

Historical Background

Understanding the history between these two teams adds depth to their rivalry.

1. First Encounter: The first game between UIW and Northern Arizona took place in 2019.
2. Series Record: As of 2023, the series record stands at 2-1 in favor of Northern Arizona.
3. Conference Affiliations: UIW is part of the Southland Conference, while Northern Arizona competes in the Big Sky Conference.
4. Stadiums: UIW plays home games at Benson Stadium, whereas Northern Arizona's home turf is the Walkup Skydome.
5. Coaching Legends: UIW's head coach, G.J. Kinne, and Northern Arizona's Chris Ball are both highly respected in college football circles.

Key Players

Every game has its stars. These players have made significant impacts in the UIW vs. Northern Arizona matchups.

6. Jon Copeland: UIW's quarterback Jon Copeland set a school record for passing yards in a single game against Northern Arizona.
7. Case Cookus: Northern Arizona's Case Cookus threw for over 400 yards in their first meeting.
8. Kevin Brown: UIW's running back Kevin Brown rushed for over 150 yards in their 2021 game.
9. Emmanuel Butler: Northern Arizona's wide receiver Emmanuel Butler had a standout performance with multiple touchdowns.
10. Kelechi Anyalebechi: UIW's linebacker Kelechi Anyalebechi recorded a career-high in tackles during their 2022 game.

Memorable Moments

Certain plays and games stand out in the history of this rivalry.

11. Overtime Thriller: The 2020 game went into double overtime, with Northern Arizona clinching the win.
12. Record-Breaking Game: In 2021, both teams combined for over 1,000 yards of total offense.
13. Defensive Showdown: The 2022 game was a defensive battle, with neither team scoring in the first quarter.
14. Game-Winning Field Goal: UIW won their first game against Northern Arizona with a last-second field goal in 2019.
15. Weather Conditions: The 2021 game was played in heavy rain, affecting both teams' passing games.

Fan Experience

The atmosphere at these games is electric, thanks to the passionate fans.

16. Tailgating: Both schools have vibrant tailgating traditions, with fans arriving hours before kickoff.
17. Marching Bands: The UIW Marching Cardinals and Northern Arizona's Lumberjack Marching Band add to the game-day excitement.
18. Mascots: UIW's Red the Cardinal and Northern Arizona's Louie the Lumberjack are fan favorites.
19. Student Sections: Both schools boast enthusiastic student sections that create a raucous environment.
20. Rivalry Trophies: While there isn't an official trophy for this rivalry, fans have created their own makeshift trophies over the years.

Statistical Highlights

Numbers often tell the story of a game. Here are some key stats from their matchups.

21. Total Yards: UIW has averaged 450 total yards per game against Northern Arizona.
22. Turnovers: Northern Arizona has forced more turnovers in their meetings, with a total of 8.
23. Third-Down Conversions: UIW has a higher third-down conversion rate at 45%.
24. Red Zone Efficiency: Northern Arizona has scored on 85% of their red zone trips.
25. Penalties: Both teams have struggled with penalties, averaging 8 per game.

Coaching Strategies

The strategies employed by the coaches often determine the outcome of these games.

26. Offensive Schemes: UIW favors a spread offense, while Northern Arizona often uses a pro-style attack.
27. Defensive Alignments: UIW typically employs a 4-2-5 defense, whereas Northern Arizona uses a 3-4 scheme.
28. Special Teams: Both teams place a strong emphasis on special teams, often flipping field position with their punting units.
29. In-Game Adjustments: Both coaching staffs are known for making effective halftime adjustments.
30. Recruiting Battles: The two schools often compete for the same recruits, adding another layer to their rivalry.

Community Impact

The games between UIW and Northern Arizona have a significant impact on their respective communities.

31. Economic Boost: Local businesses see increased revenue on game days.
32. Charity Events: Both schools host charity events in conjunction with the games.
33. Alumni Gatherings: The games serve as a reunion for alumni, fostering school spirit.
34. Youth Clinics: Both programs offer youth football clinics on game weekends.
35. Media Coverage: Local media outlets provide extensive coverage, highlighting the importance of the rivalry.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, the future of this rivalry looks bright.

36. Scheduled Games: The two teams are scheduled to meet annually for the next five years.
37. Recruiting Classes: Both schools have strong recruiting classes, ensuring competitive games.
38. Facility Upgrades: UIW and Northern Arizona are investing in facility upgrades to enhance the game-day experience.
39. Television Deals: Future games will be broadcast on national television, increasing exposure.
40. Fan Engagement: Both schools are using social media to engage fans and build excitement for future matchups.

Final Thoughts on UIW vs. Northern Arizona

UIW vs. Northern Arizona is more than just a game; it's a clash of talent, strategy, and school pride. Both teams bring unique strengths to the field, making each matchup unpredictable and exciting. UIW's offensive prowess often meets Northern Arizona's solid defense, creating a thrilling spectacle for fans. The history between these teams adds another layer of excitement, with each game contributing to a growing rivalry. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, understanding these key facts enhances your appreciation of the game. So next time these teams face off, you'll know the stories behind the stats, the players to watch, and the strategies that could make or break the game. Enjoy the action, and may the best team win!