Here are our staff predictions for the UTSA game with Charlotte.
Javi Cardenas (6-3)
UTSA 28, Charlotte 17
Nothing has really gone UTSA's way this year. Maybe it was expected. Maybe the performance against Arizona was just an anomaly. UTSA stands at 1-8 and one of the worst teams in the country. Luckily for them the only team that is worse happens to be Charlotte.
Sturm and the offense seem to be getting in a grove, albeit against pretty bad FBS defenses. Nonetheless Sturm seems to have settled in as UTSA starting QB. He has put UTSA in positions to win and that is really all you can ask of him. Kerry Thomas, JaBryce Taylor, and David Morgan have gotten the ball consistently and it's payed off. Grubb had a great game versus ODU, so expect him to do what he does best. Jarveon was hurt last week and should be close to 100% this week. Charlotte's defense is pretty bad. If UTSA can't put up points this week... Well you know.
Was had really surprised me is the regression of UTSA's defense. Although they seem to be getting relatively healthy they have been getting destroyed by inferior competition. Let's hope they figure it out or this could be like North Texas all over again.
Jared Kalmus (7-2)
UTSA 38, Charlotte 31
UTSA and Charlotte are two very bad teams but for different reasons. While the Roadrunners are decently talented, they are losing games due to correctable mistakes. Charlotte simply doesn't have the size or speed to compete at this level yet. A quality quarterback could help mask those issues like how Eric Soza did for UTSA in 2013 but that's not an option for Charlotte. Their three quarterbacks have put up some hideous numbers this season, posting 19 interceptions to just seven passing touchdowns.
UTSA still has their issues on offense but the unit looked much better against Old Dominion. Dalton Sturm is improving each week and his receivers should be able to generate some solid separation down field. As long as running back Kalif Phillips doesn't explode for 200+ yards then UTSA should be able to escape with a road win.
The Roadrunners have played down to their competition throughout the second half of the season so I don't predict a blowout but Charlotte shouldn't pose too much of a challenge for UTSA.
Mike Craven (7-2)
UTSA 30, Charlotte 21
The bad news is UTSA isn't very good at football. The good news, however, is Charlotte may be worse. The Roadrunners have the talent to win this game, but they'll need to do the little things right to pull off a road-victory and build as much momentum as possible heading into the final couple of home games for the season.
The offensive game plan was solid in the past two weeks, ,but the lack of depth on defense is killing this team late in games. The way UTSA wins this game is to finish. The Roadrunners need to finish plays, drives, quarters and the game.
Both teams will enjoy success, but give me UTSA's talent to win out Saturday.
Javi Cardenas (6-3)
UTSA 28, Charlotte 17
Nothing has really gone UTSA's way this year. Maybe it was expected. Maybe the performance against Arizona was just an anomaly. UTSA stands at 1-8 and one of the worst teams in the country. Luckily for them the only team that is worse happens to be Charlotte.
Sturm and the offense seem to be getting in a grove, albeit against pretty bad FBS defenses. Nonetheless Sturm seems to have settled in as UTSA starting QB. He has put UTSA in positions to win and that is really all you can ask of him. Kerry Thomas, JaBryce Taylor, and David Morgan have gotten the ball consistently and it's payed off. Grubb had a great game versus ODU, so expect him to do what he does best. Jarveon was hurt last week and should be close to 100% this week. Charlotte's defense is pretty bad. If UTSA can't put up points this week... Well you know.
Was had really surprised me is the regression of UTSA's defense. Although they seem to be getting relatively healthy they have been getting destroyed by inferior competition. Let's hope they figure it out or this could be like North Texas all over again.
Jared Kalmus (7-2)
UTSA 38, Charlotte 31
UTSA and Charlotte are two very bad teams but for different reasons. While the Roadrunners are decently talented, they are losing games due to correctable mistakes. Charlotte simply doesn't have the size or speed to compete at this level yet. A quality quarterback could help mask those issues like how Eric Soza did for UTSA in 2013 but that's not an option for Charlotte. Their three quarterbacks have put up some hideous numbers this season, posting 19 interceptions to just seven passing touchdowns.
UTSA still has their issues on offense but the unit looked much better against Old Dominion. Dalton Sturm is improving each week and his receivers should be able to generate some solid separation down field. As long as running back Kalif Phillips doesn't explode for 200+ yards then UTSA should be able to escape with a road win.
The Roadrunners have played down to their competition throughout the second half of the season so I don't predict a blowout but Charlotte shouldn't pose too much of a challenge for UTSA.
Mike Craven (7-2)
UTSA 30, Charlotte 21
The bad news is UTSA isn't very good at football. The good news, however, is Charlotte may be worse. The Roadrunners have the talent to win this game, but they'll need to do the little things right to pull off a road-victory and build as much momentum as possible heading into the final couple of home games for the season.
The offensive game plan was solid in the past two weeks, ,but the lack of depth on defense is killing this team late in games. The way UTSA wins this game is to finish. The Roadrunners need to finish plays, drives, quarters and the game.
Both teams will enjoy success, but give me UTSA's talent to win out Saturday.
