Are the UTSA Roadrunners afraid of the Texas Longhorns
AUSTIN, Texas — To fully appreciate what is about to happen, fans should understand that the Texas Longhorns and the UTSA Roadrunners consider themselves equals and will play as such.
Sarkisian’s Longhorns do not think too highly of themselves as to not prepare and respect their opponents regardless of record, players, or ranking. To do so against UTSA may prove embarrassing as the Roadrunners are a team, like Texas, with some serious ‘Texas Fight’ in them; two-point loss to Houston in triple overtime and three point win over Army in overtime to start the 2022 season. In 2021, UTSA went 12-2 outscoring their opponents 516 to 345 averaging 36.9 points a game.
One dynamic behind the scenes that could give UTSA some competitive advantage, Will Stein, UTSA co-offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, was the QB coach for Hudson Card in high school at Lake Travis. Stein knows Card just like Sarkisian knew Bryce Young.
The one key piece of information missing is who will be playing quarterback for Texas? You have to wonder if by not releasing who will be starting quarterback is coaching genius on Sarkisian’s part so that your opponent has a harder time game planning. Just a thought.
If Hudson Card is too injured to play, then UTSA has another potential advantage, Texas will not have the same quarterback(s) they did when they played so well against Alabama, though they do have all the other elements that stopped Alabama last week: offensive line, SEC ready defense, and special teams that can and will block a bunt or put the ball on the one yard line, if needed.
Though, Texas has a ‘next man up’ mentality so count on Charles Wright being ready with the full support of his teammates, and don’t forget Roschon Johnson who is a quarterback turned running back and has not forgotten how to play under center.
Speaking of quarterbacks, Texas respects Frank Harris, quarterback for UTSA, who has 5,989 passing yards, 48 touchdowns, and 548 pass completions in his college career. Last season Harris averaged 226 yards passing per game, this season in the first two games, 348 per game. Harris has also proved he can run the ball effectively with 1,313 career yards rushing, averaging 5.8 yards per carry this season.
Playing at DKR may prove to be too much for UTSA. Last season playing at the Alamodome they averaged 24,830 fans per game, while DKR can, and does, hold 105,213 fans who can, and will, be a force of nature against any opponent, family or not.
If you have never lived in Texas, attended a football game in Texas, or at DKR, it is everything your mind would imagine it being. One of the most epic experiences you will have in your entire life. Just ask a Texas Longhorns fan who has been there and then watch their eyes open wide and light up.
Hook’Em Horns!
