It is finally football time for your UTSA Roadrunners. Below are our staff predictions for the week.
Jared Cole - Staff Writer - Record (0-0)
Although seemingly nothing went right in Matt Rhule's Baylor coaching debut, one positive was the play of QB Anu Solomon. Solomon gained a combined 375 yards and scored 3 times in a shootout week one loss to Liberty. While UTSA unquestionably has more talent on defense than Liberty, it would be hard for me to imagine their offense will be as successful against the Bears. I expect Sturm and company to come out ready to play, but ultimately Baylor will force some stops and Solomon will be too much to handle. The Roadrunners win this one in Vegas, but unfortunately not in Waco.
Baylor 34 - UTSA 27
Jared Kalmus - UnderdogDynasty.com - Record (0-0)
It's easy to run wild with upset predictions in this game. Really, really easy. But at the end of the day Baylor is the more talented team, injuries aside, and playing at home desperate for a rebound. I think UTSA plays a pretty strong game that puts C-USA on watch but Baylor's excellent receivers win the day with enough long completions to secure the win for the Bears.
Baylor 35 - UTSA 31
Burk Frey - Photog - Record (0-0)
I'm of the mind that the first game of a season is the hardest to predict. I do feel that if UTSA loses, it will be because of unforced errors and sloppiness on offense out of the gate.
Baylor can produce points, even with starters out. Can UTSA do the same, and can the Roadrunner defense limit big gains? I think we have a good chance to win, but it's going to take a complete game. That's a lot to ask Week 1.
Baylor 38 - UTSA 31
Stephen Whitaker - Staff Writer - Record (0-0)
It won't be easy but things seem to be aligning for this to be the first win over a power-five team for UTSA. It will be an exciting game but UTSA will come out firing early and hold on for the win.
UTSA 31 - Baylor 24
Javi Cardenas - Publisher - Record (0-0)
It is just nice to have football back isn't it? That being said UTSA finally opens their 2017 campaign this Saturday versus a wounded Baylor squad. Do not let the injuries fool you, Baylor is still a Power 5 team with 3 and 4 star players all up and down their roster. If UTSA can be physical on both lines and enforce their will against Baylor they will have a very good chance to win this game. The main area of concern will be the secondary. UTSA has Devron Davis and Austin Jupe, but behind them are guys who have not played big time college football. I can see Baylor hitting UTSA with some huge passing plays with their explosive receivers.
In the end I think UTSA puts up a helluva fight against Baylor, but the Bears will get one too many big plays.
Baylor 34 - UTSA 31
