UTSA football finally notched its first victory of the season on Saturday, beating the University of Incarnate Word 48-20. For the Roadrunners, it was a much-needed reset, but it does little to erase the sting of the losses to Texas A&M University and Texas State University. Beating a Football Championship Subdivision opponent is expected. The question that lingers is whether UTSA’s staff — particularly the coordinators — can correct the problems that showed up in the first two weeks and still surfaced in flashes against Incarnate Word.
Coach Jeff Traylor, who is 4-7 in September since 2022, has navigated slow starts before, and once again had his team ready to handle an inferior opponent. Junior quarterback Owen McCown was sharp, completing 29 of 35 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns, while senior running back Robert Henry Jr. ripped off 144 yards on 14 carries, including a 74-yard score. UTSA looked composed and efficient. But the focus going forward cannot be about putting away the Cardinals, it must be about whether offensive coordinator Justin Burke, defensive coordinator Jess Loepp and special teams coordinator Zach Brown can elevate their units to the standard required in American Conference play.
On the surface, Burke’s offense looked the part. The Roadrunners have averaged 36 points across three games, yet situational play calling remains a worry. Against Texas State, deep shots on low-percentage routes and conservative fourth-quarter sequences doomed chances to rally. Against Incarnate Word, those same tendencies did not matter because of the talent gap. The challenge now is whether Burke will lean on Henry Jr. more consistently and pair the run with short, efficient throws when opponents adjust. He also needs to open the playbook with route concepts that keep defenses guessing and get more receivers involved.
The defense is where the heat is highest. Loepp’s group forced four turnovers and collected four sacks against UIW which showed progress, but even in a blowout, the unit gave up three touchdowns to quarterback EJ Colson and wideout Chedon James. Add that to the 43 points Texas State hung with repeated deep strikes, and the concerns remain obvious. Through three games, UTSA has allowed an average of 35 points while generating only five sacks. Quarterbacks are too comfortable, and explosive plays continue to decide games. If this persists against Colorado State University and into conference play, calls for change on that side of the ball will grow louder.
Special teams steadied under Zach Brown after last weekend’s disastrous outing. Coverage units held firm, sophomore place kicker Michael Petro went perfect on kicks and the punt team even pinned Incarnate Word inside the 20-yard line twice. That stability is encouraging, but two clean games won’t erase the fact that Texas State gashed UTSA for 323 return yards. Like the other phases, special teams must prove that consistency can carry into league play.
If any coordinator’s job is in the most jeopardy, it is Loepp’s. A bowl berth, let alone an American Conference championship, is impossible if his unit cannot find a way to generate pressure and remains vulnerable in coverage. Still, calling for a firing now is premature. The Roadrunners showed they can regroup, but accountability is essential. Simplifying coverage rules, diversifying pressure packages and leaning on Henry Jr. to control tempo are the adjustments this staff must make.
Beating Incarnate Word was necessary. It calmed nerves and allowed the Roadrunners to regroup, but the real test is whether this coaching staff can show growth against Colorado State and the conference slate. If the same issues reappear, staff changes will be on the table by season’s end.
