UTSA opens their 2017 season this weekend against Baylor. These are some key matchups to keep an eye on.

DT K.J. Smith (6-1, 260) / C Austin Pratt (6-2, 290)

***K.J. Smith is listed as doubtful for the game versus UTSA.***

K.J Smith is Baylor’s best defensive lineman and although the Baylor defensive line did not seem to have much success versus Liberty they will look to bounce back this weekend against UTSA. The key to this Roadrunner offense will be the running game, especially this week. Luckily for UTSA the interior of the offensive line seems to be the biggest strength.

Austin Pratt will hold down the center position and will go head-to-head with Smith for control of the line of scrimmage. If Pratt and the interior of the offensive line can win the majority of the battles UTSA should be able to run the ball with Jalen Rhodes. If Smith and Ira Lewis are constantly getting penetration on Pratt and the rest of the interior, it might be a long day for Roadrunner fans.

WR Denzel Mims (6-3, 197) / CB Devron Davis (6-0, 210)

They always say players that come via. JUCO tend to reach their full potential during their second year at a program. You could see flashes of what Davis was capable during the biggest games in 2016. This year he will likely be tasked with shadowing the other teams best receiver.

First up is Denzel Mims. He only caught two passes versus Liberty, but he ended up with 85 yards and a touchdown. Baylor is full of explosive player makers the likes of Chris Platt, and Tony Nicholson, both Davis and Austin Jupe will have their work cut out on Saturday. The big emphasis for UTSA has to be to limit Baylor’s big play ability. If the UTSA secondary can keep everything in front of them they might be able to hold Baylor to less than 30 points.

RB John Lovett (6-2, 195) / LB Josiah Tauaefa (6-1, 240)

Baylor lost starting running back JaMycal Hasty (knee) for at least 3 to 4 weeks. That opened the door for true freshman running back John Lovett who ran for 89 yards and two touchdowns last weekend. Baylor racked up 254 rushing yards behind what seemed to be a very solid offensive line. Despite some youth and inexperience the Baylor offensive line created rushing lanes and prevented Anu Solomon from getting sacked. The Bears will look to replicate that kind of performance again this Saturday.

Tasked with stopping some of these big running plays is sophomore linebacker Josiah Tauaefa. Arguably UTSA best player on defense Tauaefa is now an anchor of this UTSA defense. Both he and La’Kel Bass will be the ones tasked with stopping