My name is Garrett Wright, and I’m a San Antonio native currently pursuing my master's in sports journalism. This introduction piece I’ve laid out for you is a quick preview of each week's opponent that UTSA will be facing. Looking forward to an interesting season!
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UIW Cardinals
A big season opener for both teams, and a hometown battle to stake a claim for the best football team in town. Last season, Incarnate Word finished 2nd place in their conference with a 6-5 record. This year, Head Coach Eric Morris looks to have a better season, even though the recent Southland Conference preseason poll has them doing about the same.
Be on the lookout for QB Jon Copeland. As a freshman, he showed the FCS conference he could throw up and down the field, regardless of the opponent.
Baylor Bears
The hype for Baylor Football is not what it once was. The last few seasons have included national scandals and disappointing records, including last year's 7-6 finish. Despite that, Baylor remains optimistic and expects to be a contender this season. It seems the focus and pride is on their deep offensive line. This season, they believe the impressive O-line will lead to one heck of a running game. Having a steady line will also allow the Bears to open up their pass game as well.
Be on the lookout for TE Christoph Henle, and Baylor’s big 3 returning rushers from last season
Army West Point
Lead by Head Coach Jeff Monken, (selected for the Dodd Trophy watch list) and QB / team captain Kelvin Hopkins, Army plans to run the ball up and down the field to wear out the defense. Army went an impressive 11-2 last season and they don’t plan on stopping this year.
This is the same group of players that almost stuck it to #4 Oklahoma last season. UTSA will need to be ready on both sides of the ball. This will be a special game in San Antonio this season. As San Antonio is a proud military city, the game will be presented by USAA and will air on the NFL Network.
North Texas Mean Green
Finishing last year with a solid 9-4 record, lead by senior QB and reigning C-USA Offensive Player of the Year Mason Fine, North Texas looks to repeat their success with a strong pass game this season. One of their biggest weapons is in TE Kelvin Smith. The offense seems to be prepping to run a lot of plays centered around their loaded receiving core.
This game will kick off the first of four C-USA games in row. It’ll be important for UTSA to knock this one out to get momentum into the season.
UTEP Miners
This season will be the first time in a while that the Miners will feature an experienced veteran QB leading the offense. QB Brandon Jones steps into his role ready to develop his leadership skills to rally his team. UTEP finished last place in C-USA last season with an appalling 1-11 record. There’s plenty of room for improvement.
UTEP seems confident this year that home games for their players will prove to be a huge advantage. This will be the Roadrunners second away game in a row.
UAB Blazers
The Blazers are the team to beat in C-USA finishing last year on top with an 11-3 record. The Blazers dominated the division last year with their stellar defense. They have a lot to fight for this year as each conference opponent has their game circled. Camp has been looking good for the Blazers, and Head Coach Bill Clark is confident in his team.
Other than a strong defense, be on the lookout for RB Spencer Brown. Brown is projected to become UAB all-time leading rusher by as early as the third game of the season.
Rice Owls
The Owls did not have their greatest season last year. They ended the season with a 2-11 record, finishing 6th, in C-USA. Despite the efforts of 2018, the Owls still have experience on their side riding into the 2019 season. Like a few other teams, the quarterback slot has not been filled just yet. Coach Bloomgren recently stated on media day that he has not found clarity between Wiley Green and Evan Marshman. The big decision is expected very soon.
Texas A&M Aggies
The Aggies are coming off their first season with Head Coach Jimbo Fisher with a 9-4 record. The Aggies have been stuck as a good football team in SEC ever since they joined in 2012. However, for the Aggies, good is not the goal. They look to be elite and they hope to climb that mountain this season. Kellen Mond, in his second year under Jimbo, is a huge threat. Mond holds the record for the highest rated QB in the red zone within the SEC. Although their star freshman TE Baylor Cupp is likely out for the season, the Aggies have three incredible returning wide receivers to add to their explosive offense.
This will probably be the biggest game of the season for UTSA. They have an opportunity to make a statement at College Station and get the nation’s attention.
Old Dominion Monarchs
The Monarchs are coming into 2019 with one goal: to prove they are not the team they were last year, ending with a tough 4-8 season. Coach Bobby Wilder has had his work cut out for him this off-season. Weeks away from the first game, QB Stone Smartt appears to be leading the pack for head QB. Expect to see Smartt, along with Messiah deWeaver playing QB this season with a good amount of designed runs implemented into the Monarchs offense.
Keeping the O-line together, Isaac Weaver will be operating at center this season, previously starting 24 games at left tackle.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Southern Miss finished 3 games ahead of the Roadrunners last season. Coming in to 2019, Head Coach Jay Hopson has high expectations for his team. One of the positives of the Golden Eagles is their defense. Specifically First-Team All-Conference USA Jacques Turner. He’s a stud on the line and the new guys plan to rally behind him.
Be looking out for WR Tim Jones this season as he looks to have success in the air, especially against C-USA rivals.
Florida Atlantic Owls
The Owls had an impressive season in 2017, going 11-3 and undefeated in all conference games. Unfortunately, the Owls hit a rough spot last season only coming up with 5 wins. Head Coach Lane Kiffin brings in a lot of attention and most importantly, the expectation that his football team is supposed to win games. Kiffin has a big decision to make when it comes to the quarterback position: the Owls currently have a three way battle in camp between Chris Robison, Nick Tronti, and Justin Agner. The Owls were inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball last season, an issue Kiffin looks to avoid this season.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
The Bulldogs had a moderately successful 8-5 season in 2018, finishing behind UAB and North Texas in C-USA West. The Bulldogs will continue to rely heavily on veteran QB J’Mar Smith to run the offense and put up numbers throughout the season. Head Coach Skip Holtz also has put in a lot of work with the running backs this season to add another dimension to their offense.
The Bulldogs don’t plan on ending this season towards the middle of the pack again. They have their eyes set on being the top in C-USA.
FORUMS: UTSA Boulevard | Roadrunner Way
