UTSA-Texas State preview: Roadrunners look to earn first win of 2018 in I-35 rivalry

By Mary Scott McNabb

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UTSA and Texas State will square off in what has come to be known as the I-35 rivalry on Saturday. It will be the third time the two rival schools have faced off against each other and the second time in the last two seasons.

UTSA has won the previous two matchups to give them a 2-0 head-to-head record, so the Texas State Bobcats will be looking to get their first ever victory over UTSA’s young football program. Last season, the Roadrunners clobbered Texas State in a 44-14 road victory. However, in the year since, both teams have undergone some changes and both squads look drastically different from a year ago. Both UTSA (0-3) and Texas State (1-2) are coming off tough losses, so both are looking to bounce back.

Here are the three keys to victory for UTSA in what will be their final non-conference game.

UTSA vs. Texas State details

Date: Sept. 22, 2018

Location: The Alamodome in San Antonio

What channel is UTSA vs. Texas State on? 

UTSA vs. Texas State will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

How can I buy tickets to Texas vs. TCU?

Click here to buy tickets to the UTSA vs. Texas State game in San Antonio.

UTSA vs. Texas State preview

Contain QB Willie Jones III

In his first year running the offense, Texas State quarterback Willie Jones III hasn’t looked too shabby. He’s recorded 517 passing yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. However, what is perhaps more impressive is that he’s proven he can be a serious threat on the ground as well. Aside from being the team’s leading passer, Jones III is also the Bobcat’s leading rusher.

Jones has averaged four yards a carry and has rushed for nearly 200 yards so far this season. Jones III even broke off a 50-yard run in their loss last week to South Alabama that resulted in a touchdown. The UTSA defensive front will have to make it a point to keep Jones III in the pocket. The Roadrunner defensive line will have to get push and contain the edge to prevent him from scrambling for big gains.

Secondary must play well

Like Kansas State, Texas State is a team that likes to find success running the football. The UTSA run defense has been fairly solid the past two games, holding both Baylor and Kansas State to well under their season averages. The UTSA run defense held Kansas State to only 3.2 yards a carry and forced them to throw the football.

However, the Kansas state passing offense came alive and tore apart UTSA’s secondary. The secondary just didn’t hold up. So far this season, UTSA has allowed an average of 308 passing yards per game, and they’re allowing somewhere around 12 yards per completion. If UTSA is able to contain Jones III and force him to be a pocket passer, the secondary has to be up to the task.

Start fast

It was hardly a surprise last week when UTSA went down early. For the third straight week, UTSA allowed their opponent to put up points on their opening drive. It seems as if the Roadrunner’s have made it a habit of digging themselves a hole early before they adjust and settle in. Momentum means a lot, and if UTSA can avoid surrendering momentum early on, they’ll be doing themselves a favor.

UTSA needs to strike first, they can’t keep trying to come from behind. UTSA has been outscored 34-10 in the first quarter this season, and they have yet to possess a lead for any amount of time. They have to come out of the tunnel prepared, sharp and aware of the game plan to avoid surrendering an early lead.

Final Score prediction: UTSA 27, TXST 20

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