.png)
_edited_edited.png)
The UTSA Roadrunners (5-5, 3-3 American Athletic Conference) will host the Temple Owls (3-7, 2-4 AAC) at 7 p.m. EST on Nov. 22 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Both teams are coming off wins as Temple edged Florida Atlantic (2-8, 0-6 AAC) 18-15 in overtime, while UTSA cruised past North Texas (5-5, 2-4 AAC) 48-27. Can UTSA secure bowl eligibility for the fifth straight year or will the Roadrunners suffer another disappointing loss to an underdog opponent?
The Stakes
After UTSA’s second-half collapse in a 46-45 loss to Tulsa (3-7, 1-5 AAC) on Oct. 26, few Roadrunners fans were planning on a bowl game. With upcoming games against tough opponents like Memphis (9-2, 5-2 AAC), North Texas and No. 19 Army (9-0, 7-0 AAC) ahead, bowl eligibility seemed like a long shot. However, back-to-back wins over Memphis and North Texas have UTSA on the brink of bowl eligibility for the fifth straight season under head coach Jeff Traylor.
Temple fired head coach Stan Drayton on Nov. 17, just one day after the team's win over FAU. In nearly three seasons leading the Owls, Drayton posted a 9-25 record, including a 4-18 mark in AAC play. Defensive coordinator Everett Withers will serve as interim coach for the final two games as Temple plays primarily for pride.
Key Players: UTSA Roadrunners
Owen McCown, Quarterback
McCown delivered another standout performance in the win over North Texas, amassing 467 yards of total offense (379 passing, 88 rushing). According to Pro Football Focus, he has thrown 19 of his 22 TDs and completed 65.7 percent of his passes when given a clean pocket. With Temple's defense managing just 13 sacks this season (13th in the AAC), McCown appears poised for another big game, potentially torching the Owls’ defense and lighting up the scoreboard.
Zah Frazier, Cornerback
Frazier recorded his second two-INT game of the season against North Texas, picking off QB Chandler Morris twice. Earlier in the year, he also notched two INTs in a 30-20 loss to East Carolina (6-4, 4-2 AAC).
Beyond his ball-hawking abilities, Frazier has excelled as a shutdown corner, allowing just 14 receptions for 188 yards on 32 targets, per PFF. While Temple QB Evan Simon has thrown only six INTs this season, avoiding Frazier will be crucial to keeping that number low.
Key Players: Temple Owls
Dante Wright, Wide Receiver
Wright has been a rare bright spot in another tough season for the Owls. He leads the AAC in receiving yards per game (83) with 56 catches for 664 yards and four TDs. Wright is coming off his best game of the year, hauling in 14 receptions for 147 yards against FAU. UTSA will need to monitor him closely, particularly in the 10-to-19-yard route depth, where PFF has awarded him an elite grade of 97.6 for his production.
Tyquan King, Linebacker
King leads the Owls with 88 tackles, ranking second in the AAC behind Navy (7-3, 5-2 AAC) LB Colin Ramos (102). While UTSA has struggled with its run game for most of the season, the Roadrunners erupted for 302 rushing yards against North Texas, led by a season-high 168 yards from RB Robert Henry. For Temple to contain UTSA’s offense, they must keep it one-dimensional, making King’s role in stopping the run game crucial.
Trends To Watch
UTSA has won nine straight home games and 16 of its last 17 at the Alamodome. The Roadrunners are 8-4 all-time in Friday matchups, including a 7-3 record under Traylor. They also boast a streak of 20 consecutive games with both a takeaway and a sack.
Game Prediction
UTSA has hit its stride late in the season and aims to close out Senior Night with a dominating win in its final home game. The Roadrunners are expected to start strong and maintain control, covering the spread (UTSA -16.5, per Action Network) as they secure a decisive victory over the Owls and complete an undefeated season at home.
Prediction: UTSA 45, Temple 24
Broadcast Information
Time: 7 p.m. EST
Date: Nov. 22
Where: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
TV: ESPN2
.png)
.png)
Comments