The UTSA Roadrunners will travel to Tempe, Ariz., on Saturday to take on the Arizona State Sun Devils in the season opener.

After the departure of many key players and a flurry of coaching changes during the offseason, there’s quite a bit of uncertainty surrounding UTSA football as it heads into the 2018 season. With ASU coming into the game as 18-point favorites, UTSA will have its work cut out for them.

Here are three important keys to Saturday’s showdown in the desert. 

UTSA vs. Northwestern State details

Time: 9:30 p.m. CT

Date: Sept. 1, 2018

Location: Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.

What TV channel is UTSA vs. Arizona State on? 

Texas A&M vs. Northwestern State will be broadcast on Fox Sports 1. It can also be streamed live on Fox Sports Go. 

How can I buy tickets to UTSA vs. Arizona State?

Click here to buy tickets to the UTSA vs. Arizona State game at Sun Devil Stadium. 

UTSA vs. Arizona State Preview

UTSA secondary MUST bring their A-game

UTSA’s defense was one of the best in the nation last season. Even with the departure of defensive coordinator Pete Golding and defensive end Marcus Davenport, all signs point to the defense being a force yet again. UTSA’s secondary was second in the nation last year in passing yards allowed, but they’re going to be tested heavily by senior quarterback Manny Wilkins and the Sun Devil receiving core.

Sun Devil receivers N’Keal Harry and Kyle Williams combined for nearly 2,000 receiving yards last year, and they’re both back for the 2018 season. Harry and Williams, along with a more developed Wilkins at quarterback, will keep the UTSA secondary busy. They’ll have to be up to the task.

Have to bring the air attack on offense

Arizona State ranked near the bottom of the barrel in passing yards allowed last season, and their defense again is somewhat inexperienced. If UTSA wants to have a chance to win, they’re going to have to take advantage of ASU’s weaker pass defense.

Head Coach Frank Wilson recently announced that Cordale Grundy will start at quarterback for the Roadrunners. With Al Borges as the new offensive coordinator for UTSA, expect more shots downfield and more plays from out of the shotgun. Grundy will have to calm his nerves and make solid decisions in his first NCAA Division I start. 

Red-zone trips must translate to six points

Dating back to last season, the UTSA offense has gone eight straight quarters without seeing the end-zone. Strangely enough, UTSA was able to earn their sixth win against Marshall late in the season without scoring a single touchdown. They won by a score of 9-7.

However, nine points on just field goals will not work out in Tempe, Ariz. Even with Jared “Platinum Toe” Sackett at kicker, field goals will not get the job done against Arizona State. It is a major key to convert red-zone trips into six points for the UTSA offense. 

In the season opener, look for both offenses to try and air it out, and don’t be surprised if this contest turns into a gunslinging competition out in the desert. If UTSA’s new-look offense is able to click, it could turn into an offensive slugfest in a hurry. 

Score prediction: ASU 38, UTSA 27