For the first time since 2014, Rice University claimed a hard-fought victory over UTSA in a fourth quarter nail-biter. Following this loss, UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor reflects on what this means for his team, and looks forward to the remainder of the season.
“I’m very proud of how our kids fought in the end. We were down 10 in the fourth and rallied back, just couldn’t put them away on that last drive,” Traylor said regarding the loss to the Owls. “Congratulations to Rice.”
This loss to Rice hit the Roadrunners hard. UTSA is now 2-4 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
“They’re really disheartened,” Traylor said. “I just know that was a devastating loss. I’ve seen that splinter a lot of teams before, and it’ll be important that our leaders handle this thing correctly.”
Regarding the sideline fight following Rice’s win over UTSA, Traylor stated that, “some of our kids handled it well, and some of them didn’t.”
Cornerback Syrus Dumas was seen on video throwing a punch at a Rice player during the fight.
“Very disappointed,” Traylor stated. “It’ll be handled in-house.”
UTSA has been struggling with penalties. False starts from the offense, along with emotional penalties like late hits, roughing the passer and unsportsmanlike conduct have plagued the team in recent weeks.
“I think you have to say that. We hit the quarterback late twice in this game, which has been something we’ve done all season,” Traylor said on whether he thinks the team is combatting discipline issues. “Those are things that have happened periodically when you’re coaching, but not with the consistency that we’ve done here in these first six games. We’re extremely disappointed about it, and it will continue to be a focus on our team.”
Owen McCown has been a strong point of contention among the UTSA fanbase. However, McCown has shown consistent improvement regardless of the losses UTSA has endured.
“Six games, kid gets better every week,” Traylor said. “I’d say that you’re getting to watch a young quarterback grow up right in front of your eyes. It’s gonna be a lot of fun watching that kid for the next two-and-a-half seasons.”
Injuries have continued to plague the UTSA offense this season, particularly in the receivers and the offensive line. Redshirt Senior Makai Hart suffered a season-ending knee injury against Rice.
“He’s pretty devastated, he’s as low as I’ve ever seen him,” Traylor said of Hart playing through his injuries. “He’s been an amazing football player for us his entire career, all conference football player, two-time conference champion, single digit guy for years, I hurt for him.”
Traylor confirmed that this will be Hart’s last season playing for UTSA, and alluded to a possible position on the coaching staff for the former offensive tackle.
Traylor also confirmed that offensive lineman Joe Evens, who suffered a knee injury in UTSA’s game against East Carolina, will also be out for the remainder of the season. Evans will undergo surgery, and will begin preparation for the upcoming NFL recruiting season.
“He has a real potential to play in the National Football League,” Traylor said. “I think he’ll be a draft pick and we got to start getting working towards that goal for him.”
Regarding UTSA’s state for the remainder of the season, injuries have hit key players for both the offense and the defense.
“Defensively we still have enough pieces left, we could still be good there,” Traylor said. “Offensively we got to figure out what we have left, what can we do to give our guys the best chance to win the game.”
UTSA will face Florida Atlantic University at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Alamodome.
