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The "I-35 Showdown" between the UTSA Roadrunners (1-0) and Texas State Bobcats (1-0) kicks off at 4 p.m. EST on Sept. 7 in San Marcos, Texas. Both teams struggled last week, with each being outscored in the second half and accumulating more than 100 yards in penalties (UTSA: 10-109, Texas State: 16-156).
With both teams facing Power Four conference opponents the following week, this game is a must to likely enter conference play with a winning record. Familiarity runs deep between the coaches: Texas State’s GJ Kinne was quarterback at Gilmer High School (east of Dallas) in 2006 when UTSA’s Jeff Traylor was the head coach. They also coached together at SMU (2017) and Arkansas (2018).
What's at Stake?
The Bobcats are 0-5 in the series, and their fans are eager for that first win to shed the “little brother” label in this rivalry. In his first season in 2023, Kinne led the Bobcats to a school-record eight wins, their first bowl appearance, and their first bowl victory. A first-ever win over UTSA would set the stage for another big nonconference game against Arizona State (1-0) at home just five days later.
Traylor has a proven track record, boasting a 40-14 overall record and a 15-4 mark against Texas teams, while as the Roadrunners head coach. With a road game against No. 3 Texas Longhorns (1-0) the following weekend, the Roadrunners must win to avoid a potential 1-2 start. After the win over Kennesaw State (0-1), Traylor expressed frustration with his offensive line's performance, citing pressure allowed on the quarterback. Looking ahead to Texas State, he said, “That next team coming, they like to come after the quarterback,” signaling the need for his OL to step up.
Both teams have their sights set on a College Football Playoff spot, but the loser of this game will be eliminated from contention.
Key Players: UTSA Roadrunners
Owen McCown, QB (PFF Week 1 Grade: 83.5)
McCown answered many questions in Week 1, throwing for 340 yards, accounting for 4 touchdowns (3 passing, 1 rushing), and committing no turnovers. While those numbers are impressive, they’re even more remarkable considering the Roadrunners rushed for just 76 yards, making the offense largely one-dimensional. Texas State, which ranked third in the Sun Belt Conference with 40 sacks last season, recorded 7 sacks in their opener against Lamar (0-1). McCown will need to stay calm under pressure and make quick reads to avoid drive-killing sacks.
Brandon Brown, DL (PFF Week 1 Grade: 66.1)
Brown had a quiet game statistically against Kennesaw State, finishing with 2 tackles, but he was a key factor in holding the Owls to just 51 rushing yards and 253 yards of total offense. With Texas State’s talent at quarterback and running back, Brown will need to eat up blocks on run plays and generate interior pressure on passing downs to disrupt the Bobcats' offense.
Key Players: Texas State Bobcats
Ismail Mahdi, RB (PFF Week 1 Grade: 65.1)
Lamar made Mahdi work in the opener, as he rushed 28 times for 156 yards and a touchdown. While quarterback Jordan McCloud, the reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year, poses a threat to defenses, Mahdi is the engine of the Bobcat offense and also serves as their kick returner.
Expect Texas State to lean on Mahdi early and often, especially with the Roadrunners likely focusing more attention on McCloud.
Ben Bell, DL (PFF Week 1 Grade: 66.3 overall, 86.8 pass rush)
Bell was nearly unblockable at times last season, finishing with 57 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and a forced fumble. He carried that momentum into the Lamar game, recording 3 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Bell will aim to exploit a UTSA offensive line that struggled against the pass rush in Week 1, allowing 5 sacks to Kennesaw State. The Bobcats will look to force the Roadrunners into obvious passing situations and unleash Bell to hunt down McCown.
Trends to Watch
UTSA is 7-6 all-time in road openers, including a 51-48 double-overtime win over Texas State in 2020. The Roadrunners have won nine of their last 10 games dating back to the 2023 season. For Texas State, the only trend to watch is whether they can finally snap their 0-5 winless streak against UTSA.
Broadcast Information
Date: Sept. 7
Time: 4 p.m. EST
Where: UFCU Stadium, San Marcos, Texas
TV: ESPNU
Game Prediction
Before the season, Texas State appeared to be the favorite in this matchup due to their talent advantage at QB with McCloud. However, McCown’s Week 1 performance closed the gap, and he’s poised for another strong showing in San Marcos on Saturday. Expect both teams to light up the scoreboard, but the Roadrunners' defense will make just enough plays to secure a 38-34 victory.
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