UTSA vs Houston: Preview
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Updated: September 2, 2014
The University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners face off against the Houston Cougars at Houston Football Stadium. UTSA had a 7-5 record last season but they were unable to win a bowl game bid. The Roadrunners won their season-opener in 2013 against New Mexico 21-13. After struggling most of the season, UTSA was able to win its final five games. Houston was also able to win 5 games in a row during 2013, their first 5 games of the season, including their season opener against Southern. However they stumbled throughout the rest of their season and eventually lost their bowl game to Vanderbilt. Houston has a stout defense and a passing style offense that has the potential to score a lot of points.
–Keys for UTSA:
- UTSA was able to pass and run the ball equally while on offense. Averaging 242 yards per game passing and 175 yards per game rushing, the Roadrunners can do either.
- Senior wide receiver Kam Jones wants to add to his 96 receptions for UTSA, a school record, and 1,246 yards. If the Roadrunners can find a way to get him the ball he has the potential to make a big play.
–Keys for Houston:
- Sophomore QB John O’korn had an outstanding freshman season for the cougars with over 3000 yards passing and 28 touchdowns, while only having 10 interceptions. Wide receiver Deontay Greenberry was O’korn’s favorite target last season with 82 receptions for over 1,200 yards.
- Houston is returning many of its best defenders in 2013 including Adrian McDonald, who had 6 interceptions on the year, and DB Trevon Stewart, who had 4 interceptions. Most of this same defense was able to hold opponents to only 21 points a game, 20th best defense in the nation.
–NO KEY INJURIES TO DATE
–Favorite/Odds: Houston by 11 points.
–This in-state rivalry will be a tense matchup for both sides. While Houston seems to have the edge in this contest, you certainly can’t count UTSA out just yet. The Roadrunners will no doubt be giving it their all in their effort to get to a bowl game. On the other hand, Houston will be looking to rebound from their devastating bowl game loss.
