Sports

Looking Forward to the Golden Eagles

Ryder Martin

November 13, 2019

Lowell Narcisse runs the ball in a 2019 game against the Rice Owls.

Fresh off a comeback, 24-23, victory last week against Old Dominion University (ODU) (1-9), UTSA football improved to 4-5. After a slow start on offense, the Roadrunners scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and secured their victory with a strip sack by the defense. The ‘Runners are now turning their attention to the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi (6-3). This will be the sixth meeting between the Golden Eagles and the ‘Runners, with the Golden Eagles leading the series three games to two. The teams most recently met last year with Southern Miss. prevailing with a score of 27-17.

The Golden Eagles enter this week’s contest in the midst of a highly successful season. Currently second in Conference USA (C-USA) West division, the Golden Eagles are coming off a 37-2 thrashing of UAB (6-3). Southern Miss. has only dropped three games this year thus far, falling to C-USA West leading Louisiana Tech, and two losses to out of conference losses to SEC schools Mississippi State and Alabama. With a win against ODU, the ‘Runners reached four wins for the year. The ‘Runners must win two of their next three games to qualify for a bowl game.

Despite questions surrounding the health of ‘Runners’ quarterback Lowell Narcisse last week, he suited up last week against ODU. The Monarchs successfully stopped Narcisse’s running ability, but this allowed him to attack through the air, throwing for 240 yards and the game-winning touchdown pass to junior tight end Carlos Strickland II late in the 4th quarter. Narcisse continues to progress as a passer as the season wears on, eclipsing 200 passing yards in each of the last two games he has played. The Golden Eagles’ defense, ranked 86th internationally, is entering the game, allowing 238.5 yards through the air per game. This should allow Narcisse to continue moving the ball down the field. Fresh off a week in which he ran over 130 yards and two touchdowns, freshman running back Sincere McCormick is likely to face a stiffer challenge this week against the Golden Eagles’ defense, allowing only 107.4 yards on the ground per game, good for 15th in the nation. The ‘Runners’ defense put up a strong second half last week against ODU, holding the Monarchs to three points in the second half. This week they face a dangerous Southern Miss. offense led by redshirt junior Jack Abraham, who comes into the week ranked 12th nationally for throwing the ball, averaging 292.7 yards per game.

The ‘Runners will be taking on the Golden Eagles on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 5 p.m. in the Alamodome. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

About the Contributors

Ryder Martin, Sports Editor

Ryder is a fourth-year student majoring in Communication. A fan of all things sports, Ryder played a variety of sports for much of his life. Joining the Paisano in the winter of 2019, Ryder has covered a variety of sports events. Growing up in a military family, Ryder has moved to many places and even spent four years living overseas in Germany. This has allowed him to develop a global view of sports and the world in general, and he likes to apply that global perspective to his work. When he’s not working for the Paisano, he can usually be found enjoying some of his hobbies such as reading, playing video games or dabbling in some amateur game design.

Lindsey Thomas

Lindsey is a second-year marketing and public relations double major. She has an eye for creativity and spontaneity with a drive to work. During her time at The Paisano, she has worked as assistant sports editor, photo editor, and is currently the head of special projects. She works as an educator at Lululemon when she is not at school or writing. As an Austin native, she enjoys her sunsets and sunrises with a cup of coffee. When she is not working, writing or taking photos, you can catch her hiking with her dog.