Texas just snatched that No. 1 spot in the Associated Press poll after a wild 24-23 win against Ohio State, but don’t think for a second the Longhorns get to coast. Saturday night at 7 p.m., they’re back at Royal-Memorial Stadium to face a UTSA program that’s proven it won’t just roll over, despite what the betting lines might tell you.
The Longhorns Are On Top, But Is This a Trap Game?
Coming off that thrilling victory over Ohio State, Texas is sitting pretty at 2-0. This nonconference game against UTSA is being framed as their “final warm-up” before heading to Tennessee on September 26 for their SEC opener. Coach Steve Sarkisian even said the team can improve, which is wild to hear from the No. 1 squad in the nation. It’s gonna be another sweltering night in Austin, too, with temperatures pushing 100 degrees and that stifling humidity, plus a slight chance of scattered showers. Maybe that heat will keep things interesting? Historically, Texas has a 2-0 record against UTSA, including a dominant 56-7 win just two years ago in 2024. But go back to 2022, and the 41-20 win saw the Longhorns needing serious heroics from Bijan Robinson and Jahdae Barron to pull away after a 17-17 halftime tie. This UTSA team, under Jeff Traylor, doesn’t see themselves as an opening act.
UTSA’s Not Here to Be a Warm-Up Act
Don’t let that whopping 30½-point spread fool you. UTSA, also 2-0, has been quietly racking up wins under Coach Jeff Traylor since 2020. They’re tied with SMU for the second-most wins among state colleges over that span with 55 victories, just behind Texas’s 57. They took down Texas State last week 31-26 and are bringing some serious talent to Austin. Senior QB Owen McCown has been a steady force, starting 28 straight for the Roadrunners and throwing for 489 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions this season. On the ground, junior RB Will Henderson III leads the team with 181 rushing yards on 23 carries, averaging a ridiculous 7.9 yards per carry this season. And on defense, senior LB Brandon Tucker just dropped 13 tackles against Texas State. This squad has swagger, and they’ve shown they can hang tough, even in Austin.
So, Saturday night’s game on SEC Network+ is more than just a tune-up for Texas. It’s a chance for UTSA to prove that their 2-0 start is legit and that the Roadrunners aren’t to be trifled with. For the Longhorns, it’s about holding onto that coveted No. 1 ranking before their huge SEC debut. You know everyone will be watching to see if Texas can keep their momentum or if UTSA can pull off the shocker that no one is expecting.
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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