A contest many believed would be decided by two explosive offenses turned into a defensive slugfest on a chilly, rainy day in San Antonio. The UIW offense scored the game’s only touchdown in the fourth quarter, and the Cardinals defense held an explosive Villanova offense in check to earn a 13-6 victory in the second round of the FCS playoffs.

The No. 6 seed Cardinals advance to the FCS quarterfinals for the second time in three years and will travel to meet two-time reigning champions and No. 3 seed South Dakota State next week. The NCAA has yet to announce the time and date.

In a game, BetMGM placed the over/under at 54.5 points; the teams only mustered 19 combined points, mainly due to the ferocious UIW defense. The Cardinals held Villanova to 138 total yards, nine first downs, and 1 for 12 on third downs.

UIW’s offense moved the ball consistently throughout the contest, gaining 437 yards, including 255 rushing yards, but negative plays and penalties stalled multiple drives in Villanova territory. The Cardinals took a 10-6 lead with 14:08 remaining in regulation when Roy Alexander took a screen pass from Zach Calzada 17 yards for a touchdown. 

Villanova advanced to the UIW 21-yard line on the ensuing drive but lost yards on consecutive plays to turn the ball over on downs. The Cardinals added a field goal on their next drive, and the UIW defense sealed the game with an interception on Villanova’s next possession.

The Cardinals will make their second trip to Brookings, S.D., next week after the two teams met in Week 2 this year. UIW will seek to avenge a 45-24 loss to then No. 1 SDSU in that contest.