UTSA moved one step closer towards a bowl berth with an upset victory on the road. It was arguably the most impressive road win in program history. The 45-25 win makes Frank Wilson’s squad 5-4 on the season with a big game against Louisiana Tech in Ruston looming for a possible division championship. Here are some initial thoughts from the game.
1. The game changed when Brent Stockstill left due to injury. He’s the best quarterback in the conference and MTSU plays better with him in the game. He was 8-for-11 with a touchdown in his limited snaps. His backup threw for three interceptions. That said, Stockstill doesn’t play offensive or defensive line and that’s where this game was won. UTSA outrushed MTSU 270-110, sacked the quarterback five times and didn’t allow a sack. Jarveon and Jalen combined for 190 yards and four touchdowns. UTSA won this with physicality. How many times have we said that in the past two years?
2. The offensive line deserves recognition. Those guys take a lot of heat and have for a few years. Today was growth. That group lined up and whipped MTSU in the trenches, and that’s a good defensive line. Both UTSA running backs had time to build momentum before the first cut and Sturm consistently had time to work in the limited snaps he was asked to pass. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was an encouraging performance. The best part was it required more than five players. UTSA substituted up front throughout the game without missing a beat. That type of depth wasn’t developed until this season and it is one of the biggest positives from the win.
3. The passing game is still out of sorts. UTSA is winning in spite of its quarterback, which is okay when the rushing attack and defense can show up and make plays. Sturm completed less than 50 percent of his passes and threw two interceptions. He still offers a threat with his legs and that’s invaluable to this offense. He’ll grow from it, but he’ll need to improve as teams stack the box.
4. The defense created four turnovers and recorded as many sacks today (5) as MTSU had given up going into the game. Pete Golding was cooking. Five different players recorded sacks. Jordan Moore held on to an interception. The defense also held its opponent to 110 yards rushing. Can’t ask for more than that on the road against that type of offense. That’s two straight four turnover performances since the five-overtime loss to UTEP at home.
5. All of a sudden UTSA in great shape to reach a bowl and even threaten for a division title. UTSA is playing fantastic football right now and six wins virtually guarantees a bowl bid due to San Antonio’s television market and potential fan travel for the historic event. A road win against Louisiana Tech next week would not only put UTSA at six wins, it would give the Roadrunners a shot at a division title with a home game against Charlotte the only thing remaining on the conference schedule. Now, UTSA could go 0-3 to finish, but there is an excitement around the program that hasn’t existed since the first year as an FBS program.
1. The game changed when Brent Stockstill left due to injury. He’s the best quarterback in the conference and MTSU plays better with him in the game. He was 8-for-11 with a touchdown in his limited snaps. His backup threw for three interceptions. That said, Stockstill doesn’t play offensive or defensive line and that’s where this game was won. UTSA outrushed MTSU 270-110, sacked the quarterback five times and didn’t allow a sack. Jarveon and Jalen combined for 190 yards and four touchdowns. UTSA won this with physicality. How many times have we said that in the past two years?
2. The offensive line deserves recognition. Those guys take a lot of heat and have for a few years. Today was growth. That group lined up and whipped MTSU in the trenches, and that’s a good defensive line. Both UTSA running backs had time to build momentum before the first cut and Sturm consistently had time to work in the limited snaps he was asked to pass. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it was an encouraging performance. The best part was it required more than five players. UTSA substituted up front throughout the game without missing a beat. That type of depth wasn’t developed until this season and it is one of the biggest positives from the win.
3. The passing game is still out of sorts. UTSA is winning in spite of its quarterback, which is okay when the rushing attack and defense can show up and make plays. Sturm completed less than 50 percent of his passes and threw two interceptions. He still offers a threat with his legs and that’s invaluable to this offense. He’ll grow from it, but he’ll need to improve as teams stack the box.
4. The defense created four turnovers and recorded as many sacks today (5) as MTSU had given up going into the game. Pete Golding was cooking. Five different players recorded sacks. Jordan Moore held on to an interception. The defense also held its opponent to 110 yards rushing. Can’t ask for more than that on the road against that type of offense. That’s two straight four turnover performances since the five-overtime loss to UTEP at home.
5. All of a sudden UTSA in great shape to reach a bowl and even threaten for a division title. UTSA is playing fantastic football right now and six wins virtually guarantees a bowl bid due to San Antonio’s television market and potential fan travel for the historic event. A road win against Louisiana Tech next week would not only put UTSA at six wins, it would give the Roadrunners a shot at a division title with a home game against Charlotte the only thing remaining on the conference schedule. Now, UTSA could go 0-3 to finish, but there is an excitement around the program that hasn’t existed since the first year as an FBS program.
