UTSA Faces Uphill Battle Against No. 2 Texas in Austin

Texas | Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers — © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The UTSA Roadrunners (1-1) will face the No. 2 Texas Longhorns (2-0) for the second time in series history at 7 p.m. EST on Sept. 14 in Austin, Texas. UTSA is coming off a humbling 49-10 loss to rival Texas State (2-0), which was decided by halftime. In contrast, Texas secured a dominant 31-12 victory over Michigan (1-1) in Ann Arbor, Mich. This matchup features two teams moving in opposite directions.

What's at Stake?

UTSA is coming off arguably the worst loss of head coach Jeff Traylor's era in his four-plus seasons with the school. At his weekly press conference, Traylor noted that the Roadrunners bounced back in their next game after three similar poor performances: against Florida Atlantic in 2020, North Texas in 2022 and Tennessee in 2023. However, this week presents a completely different challenge as UTSA faces one of the nation's top teams on the road.

Texas wants to build on the momentum from its win over Michigan and continue its push toward another appearance in the College Football Playoff. Head coach Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns are heavy favorites (-35.5, per Action Network) and will look to win decisively to maintain their high ranking.

Key Players: UTSA Roadrunners

Devin McCuin, WR (PFF Week 2 Grade: 58.1)

While McCuin leads the team in receptions (17), receiving touchdowns (2) and ranks second in receiving yards (108), most of those stats came in Week 1 against Kennesaw State (0-2).

UTSA's running game has struggled this season, and McCuin’s 42.1 run-blocking grade from PFF in the Texas State game contributed to the team's poor performance. UTSA rushed for only 82 yards. The Roadrunners need McCuin to be more productive in both catching the ball and blocking on the perimeter.

Ken Robinson, Safety (PFF Week 2 Grade: 63.1)

Robinson, who leads the team with 14 tackles, will face several one-on-one situations in space against the talented Longhorns' skill players. He’ll need his best-tackling performance of the year. A single missed tackle against Texas could quickly result in the crowd celebrating six more points for the Longhorns.

Key Players: Texas Longhorns

Quinn Ewers, QB (PFF Week 2 Grade: 79.5)

Ewers has started the season with consecutive games of 3 touchdown passes and he will look to keep that streak going. If the Longhorns’ offensive line can give Ewers time, then UTSA defenders will be in for a long day with passes sailing over their heads to open receivers. When protected with a clean pocket this season, Ewers has completed 74.5% of his passes for 413 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Trey Moore, Edge (PFF Week 2 Grade: 64.8)

Moore will be playing with mixed emotions as he faces his former team. A dominant player for UTSA last season, Moore earned the 2023 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award. His 2024 campaign, however, has been quiet with just 4 tackles and no sacks in the first two games. Expect Moore to make an impact in this game. An early Texas lead may force the Roadrunners into passing situations, giving him opportunities to pick up multiple sacks.

Trends to Watch

UTSA is 0-13 against ranked FBS teams, including a 41-20 loss to Texas in their first meeting in 2022. The Roadrunners hold a 35-21 record against Texas-based college teams. For the Longhorns, the second quarter has been their most productive, averaging 20.5 points in those 15 minutes alone.

Game Prediction

Traylor emphasized this week that his team needs to find its identity in all three phases—offense, defense, and special teams. Regardless of the outcome, the Roadrunners must focus on improving areas they have consistently struggled with, particularly mental toughness and the running game. This game isn’t about if Texas will win, but by how much, with a projected final score of Texas 52, UTSA 20.