The UTSA Roadrunners will look to halt their three game losing streak this weekend against the Louisiana Tech (LA Tech) Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have won three out of their five games and are coming off a 35-17 loss to Marshall University. The ‘Runners lost 28-16 in last weekend’s game against the Army Black Knights while also suffering another setback at the quarterback position. Quarterback Lowell Narcisse went down early in the fourth quarter with a “severe left ankle injury” as described by head coach Jeff Traylor. An undisclosed injury to backup quarterback Jordan Weeks leaves a somewhat hobbled Frank Harris essentially alone on the depth chart. The only other quarterbacks the ‘Runners have on the roster are Cam Peters, Zach Rangel and Suddin Sapien; none of them have any experience at the college level.
The Bulldogs are led by senior quarterback Luke Anthony. Anthony has thrown for 11 touchdowns and has his offense averaging 29.8 points per game. That number is slightly inflated by a 66 point performance against the Houston Baptist University Huskies. The Bulldogs have had more success throwing the ball than running it. As a team, they are averaging a mere three yards per carry on the ground. Anthony and the Bulldogs are capable on offense, but the ‘Runners’ aggressive defense has shown that they will not back down from anyone. The always opportunistic ‘Runner defense has recorded 13 sacks, seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries. They continue to be a force to be reckoned with despite the losses to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Brigham Young University and Army.
On offense, the ‘Runners will look to once again rely on their running game. They average a healthy five yards per carry and will depend heavily on the nation’s leading rusher, Sincere McCormick. Harris will also look to use his scrambling ability to complement the passing game. Harris had three solid passing performances to start the year, but has not been as effective since coming back from his knee sprain. If Harris can get into a rhythm against the Bulldogs, it would provide some needed stability at the quarterback position. LA Tech’s defense has allowed opposing offenses to score an average of 33 points per game, meaning that this weekend would be as good a time as ever for the offense to get back on track. UTSA has scored less than 21 points in each of their last three games; they cannot continue to depend on the defense to hold opposing offenses to less than that.
Traylor and his team have fought well against tough competition over the last three weeks. They have been unable to overcome those teams, but the ‘Runners will look to rebound against the Bulldogs. The two teams played against each other during the 2019 season, resulting in a 41-27 LA Tech win. The ‘Runners will attempt to avenge last year’s loss and will meet the Bulldogs at the Alamodome on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.