.png)
_edited_edited.png)
The UTSA Roadrunners (2-2) will face the East Carolina Pirates (2-2) on Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. EST at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C. Both teams seek a 1-0 start in their American Athletic Conference opener. UTSA is coming off a 45-7 win over Houston Christian University, while ECU fell 35-24 to Liberty in a weather-delayed game.
What's at Stake?
After back-to-back losses totaling 105-17, UTSA rebounded with a dominant win over Houston Christian. Coach Jeff Traylor has consistently emphasized the importance of conference play, and his 4-0 record in conference openers reflects that focus. While the Roadrunners have been inconsistent through their first four games, they appear to be trending in the right direction for the first time. However, UTSA must overcome what Traylor calls the "face mask disease," having committed eight or more penalties in three of their four games.
Despite starting 2-0, the Pirates aim to avoid having a losing record with a potential third straight loss. After facing UTSA, ECU heads into two consecutive road games, making it crucial to protect their home field. The Pirates will rely on their defense to accomplish that. The Pirates' defense, ranked second in the AAC in points allowed (18.3), is also fourth in sacks (9), interceptions (5) and forced fumbles (4).
Key Players: UTSA Roadrunners
Devin McCuin, Wide Receiver (PFF Season Grade: 70.5)
McCuin leads the AAC in receptions (27) and tops the Roadrunners in touchdown catches (3), becoming quarterback Owen McCown's go-to receiver. He excels on short and intermediate routes, with all 33 targets coming under 20 yards. McCuin is expected to continue to be McCown's primary option in this game, especially in the red zone.
Jimmori Robinson, Edge (PFF Season Grade: 74.1 )
Robinson is coming off an impressive game against HCU, where he recorded 7 tackles, 1 sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His performance earned him an honorable mention for the AAC Defensive Player of the Week award. With ECU's turnover struggles in the passing game, UTSA will aim to force them into throwing more often. Robinson will be key in stopping the run from being an option. He earned a 91.1 PFF grade for his rush defense in the win over HCU.
Key Players: ECU Pirates
Jake Garcia, Quarterback (PFF Season Grade: 68.7)
Garcia needs to protect the ball in this game as he leads the AAC with 9 interceptions, 7 of which came in the first two games. Surprisingly, 5 of his interceptions have occurred off play-action, where the offense should have an advantage if the fake is executed well.
Expect the Roadrunners to apply pressure as Garcia has completed only 40 percent of his passes with no touchdowns and four interceptions when under duress this season.
Zakye Barker, Linebacker (PFF Season Grade: 77.8)
Barker is tied for second in the AAC with 38 tackles and will play a key role in containing a UTSA rushing attack that has struggled this season. The Roadrunners rank 10th in the conference, averaging 139.3 rushing yards per game—down more than 30 yards from last season's average of 171.9.
Trends to Watch
The Roadrunners will begin conference play on the road for the third straight season and the ninth time overall. UTSA has won 15 of its last 16 regular-season conference games, spanning both the AAC and Conference USA.
Game Prediction
ECU enters as the betting favorite (ECU -4, per Action Network), largely due to home-field advantage. UTSA's defense will aim to pressure Garcia into turnovers, creating short-field opportunities for the offense to capitalize and secure a victory.
Prediction: UTSA 30, ECU 24
Broadcast Information
Date: Sept. 28
Time: 4:00 p.m. EST
Where Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Greenville, N.C
TV: ESPN+
.png)
.png)
Comments