Sep 192 min read

UTSA Targets a Blowout Victory vs. Houston Christian

Jeff Traylor | UTSA Head Coach — © Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The UTSA Roadrunners (1-2) will host the Houston Christian University Huskies (1-2) for their first-ever meeting at 3:30 p.m. EST on Sept. 21 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. After a 56-7 blowout loss to No. 1 Texas (3-0), the Roadrunners are a 35.5-point favorite against Houston Christian, who beat Louisiana Christian 70-7 last week.

What's at Stake?

With a tough American Athletic Conference opener at East Carolina (2-1) on Sept. 28, UTSA needs a strong performance to regain momentum. Despite the margin of defeat against Texas, head coach Jeff Traylor highlighted positives, including the defense's physicality and improved offensive line play. A decisive win over HCU would boost the Roadrunners heading into their conference schedule.

HCU, a member of the Southland Conference in the FCS, faces their second FBS opponent of the season after a 59-7 loss to the SMU Mustangs (2-1) on Aug. 31. The SMU game was over by the end of the first quarter as the Mustangs held a 28-0 lead. The Huskies, expected to be overmatched again, will be happy to stay competitive early and keep the score close at halftime.

Key Players: UTSA Roadrunners

CJ James, C (PFF Season Grade: 59.7)

The offensive line has struggled but showed signs of improvement against Texas. James, crucial to communication on the line at the center position, must ensure no breakdowns against a weaker opponent. The OL should have plenty of opportunities to dominate and exert their will in this matchup.

Jimmy Wyrick, S (PFF Season Grade: 54.5)

The Stanford transfer has been inconsistent this season in the first three games. Wyrick must elevate his play, especially with safety Ken Robinson's status uncertain. His performance will be key to stabilizing UTSA’s secondary as Traylor said Robinson's absence negatively impacted the play of the back-end defenders against Texas.

Jimmy Wyrick | UTSA Safety — © Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Key Players: HCU

Cutter Stewart, QB (PFF Season Grade: N/A)

Stewart, one of the top Texas high school quarterbacks all-time statistically, leads the Huskies in passing with 445 yards, 4 TDs and 4 INT. His completion percentage is 43.7 percent so he will need to be more accurate and consistent with his throws against a UTSA defense hungry for turnovers.

DJ Harris, LB (PFF Season Grade: N/A)

Harris, a defensive leader, is second on the team in tackles (19) and tackles for loss (2). He’ll need another strong performance like he had against Tarleton State (10 tackles) to contain a UTSA offense looking to dominate with its running game.

Trends to Watch

Since transitioning to FBS in 2012, the Roadrunners are 8-0 against FCS opponents, including 3-0 under Traylor. The Roadrunners have won 12 of their last 13 home games and are 24-3 (.889) at the Alamodome overall under Traylor.

Game Prediction

For the third week in a row UTSA will participate in a blowout but this time they will land on the right side of the scoreboard. Expect UTSA to control the game, dominate both lines of scrimmage and cruise to a comfortable victory.

Prediction: UTSA 48, HCU 17