Incarnate Word edges mistake-prone SE Louisiana 27-21

HAMMOND, La. (AP) — Lamont Johnson pulled in a 21-yard pass from Jon Copeland in the fourth quarter with the winning score as Incarnate Word defeated Southeastern Louisiana 27-21 Saturday night, downing a ranked opponent for the second week in a row.

The game-clinching touchdown gave Incarnate Word (4-2, 3-1 Southland) a 27-14 lead with 9:23 remaining. Southeastern Louisiana (3-3, 2-2), ranked 23rd in the FCS coach’s poll, cut that to 27-21 on a Marcus Cooper 16-yard run but the Lions suffered an interception and turned the ball over on downs for their final two possessions.

After being intercepted by Jaylon Jimmerson with five minutes left, Chason Virgil’s pass on fourth-and-2 was broken up by Gerald Bowie II with 35 seconds remaining and Incarnate Word ran out the clock.

Virgil threw for 337 yards and a TD but was picked off four times. Southeastern Louisiana committed six turnovers and Incarnate Word has forced turnovers in 18 straight games going back to the 2017 season.

Isaiah Paul recovered a fumble and returned an interception 45 yards to give the Cardinals a 10-7 lead. Ashton Preston added two interceptions.