Two years to the day after a truly brutal loss, UTSA coach Jeff Traylor just dropped the ultimate truth bomb: the sting from Texas State “never goes away” until he’s “in heaven.” That kind of deep-seated agony isn’t common, even in heated rivalries, but it tells you everything about the absolute redemption mission UTSA is on this Saturday in San Marcos. After two straight losses to the Bobcats, this game isn’t just another matchup; it’s a chance to finally punch back and silence the noise.
The Pain is Real, And It’s Been Lingering
When UTSA suffered a massive 49-10 rout at the hands of Texas State in San Marcos back in 2024, Traylor was in uncharted territory. The Roadrunners had never lost to the Bobcats in five previous meetings, meaning that I-35 Series Trophy had been planted firmly in San Antonio since Traylor took the job in December 2019. That 2024 beatdown, where Texas State was up 35-3 by halftime, was a “physical beating” and “one of the most embarrassing days of our time here at UTSA” according to Traylor. He said a young offense was “big-eyed and bushy tailed” and the veteran defense offered little resistance. Ouch.
The Bobcats then kept hold of the trophy last year, with a 43-36 win in San Antonio. So now, the Roadrunners haven’t even needed a big speech this week. Defensive tackle Jameian Buxton put it perfectly, saying, “I’m pretty sure everyone in the building has a bad taste in their mouth from those last two years. If you don’t know about it, your eyes and your ears must have been closed for the last two years.” Receiver Mekhi Anderson summed up the locker room’s feeling with pure fire: “I didn’t like how my guys were after that game. I will never get that out of my head. This game right here means a lot to us, and we’re going to figure it out, and we’re going to get to it.” You can practically feel the steam coming off that quote.
How Texas State Flipped The Script
Texas State coach G.J. Kinne knew exactly what beating UTSA meant. After their 20-13 loss to UTSA during Kinne’s first season in 2023, his coaching staff went all in. They analyzed video of that matchup more than any other opponent, specifically setting out to build a roster that could finally knock off the Roadrunners. The 2024 win was “a huge win for the program,” according to Kinne, and it clearly shifted the dynamic of this rivalry. Now, it’s Texas State with the bragging rights, and UTSA desperate to take them back.
Saturday’s Showdown: Bragging Rights, Recruiting, and Redemption
This Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. clash in San Marcos has massive stakes beyond just the I-35 Series Trophy. For UTSA, it’s about bragging rights, sure, but it’s also a crucial shot at recruiting momentum, a chance to claim the title of the top Group of Six program in Texas, and an opportunity to rally their entire city and fanbase around what could be possible in 2026. Both programs dreamed of punching a ticket to the first expanded College Football Playoff back in 2024, and while this game doesn’t seal that, it’s a foundational piece for this season’s aspirations. Ultimately, this game is about pure, unadulterated redemption. UTSA isn’t just looking for a win; they’re looking to wash away two years of a sour taste that, for Coach Traylor, might not leave until he’s “in heaven.” You know they’ll be ready.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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