As of Saturday afternoon, UTSA football has five games remaining to secure bowl eligibility for the fourth consecutive season. Before the Roadrunners can think about postseason games, they have to face the challenge in front of them this week: The Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
Matchup History
UTSA and Tulsa have only met once before, back in 2013, the Roadrunners bested the Golden Hurricane 34-15 on the road. Former UTSA runningback David Glasco II had 21 carries for 135 yards and quarterback Eric Soza tossed a singular touchdown. The Roadrunners notched two field goals, a pick-six and a punt return touchdown in the win.
X’s and O’s
Defense has been the strength of UTSA’s football team all season. They’re getting a favorable matchup against Tulsa quarterback Kirk Francis, who has a 58.5 overall grade from PFF through seven games. Francis ranks second in the American Athletic Conference with 12 turnover worthy plays, trailing behind East Carolina quarterback Jake Garcia who has 16.
The Roadrunners have an elite run defense, boasting a 90.4 team grade. Tulsa averages five yards per carry on the ground, which is good enough for eighth in the AAC. Facing a poor passing offense and a mediocre run offense, UTSA should have no problem handling business on Saturday, especially when you take into account that the ‘Runners lead the AAC in third down percentage with 30.9. Opponents are not extending drives against UTSA, providing the offense with more opportunities to score.
On offense, Owen McCown is continuing to develop as a quarterback. McCown ranks fourth in the conference in big-time throws with nine, while ranking second in passing touchdowns and third in passing yards. Opposing offenses are averaging 34.6 points per game against the Tulsa defense, gashing the Golden Hurricane through the air and the ground, averaging 150.3 rushing yards per game and 272.8 passing yards per game. Expect the UTSA offense to try and revive its stagnant run game against Tulsa, as well as incorporate play-action more to throw off the opposing front seven.
Injuries
UTSA has been decimated by injuries in 2024. Win or lose, key members of the team are dropping like flies.
Star wide receiver De’Corian Clark, who had been rehabbing a knee injury since 2022, tore his ACL on his first catch back in the lineup against Florida Atlantic. Senior tackle Makai Hart returned to action against the University of Texas, yet suffered a season-ending injury against the University of Rice. Sophomore stand out receiver Devin McCuin also suffered an injury against Rice. Coach Jeff Traylor said in his mid-week press conference that the team doesn’t have a timeline for him, but that he will not play against Tulsa.
Traylor says the team received good news on defensive lineman Ronald Triplette and safety Ken Robinson, both will be game-time decisions.
UTSA has rolled out seven different offensive line combinations this season due to injury, the latest addition to the starting five being sophomore Ben Rios. Traylor raved about Rios in his Monday press conference saying that his performance helped the team win the game. Rios’ 80.9 pass blocking grade reflects Traylor’s comments; expect to see him back in at guard against Tulsa.
Predictions
UTSA is an 8.5 point road favorite against Tulsa. Though they haven’t played up to expectations in 2024, the Roadrunners are still a tough and talented team. UTSA should win and cover the spread.
Paisano Pick: UTSA 28, Tulsa 17
