UTSA got handed a 60-29 smackdown by Florida Atlantic last Thursday, ending their unbeaten run through the American Conference, but if you think that knocked the wind out of their sails, you haven’t been watching Coach Jeff Traylor’s squad. This team has a history of bouncing back, and with conference title hopes still on the line, Saturday’s clash with North Texas is shaping up to be a true test of their grit.
When Adversity Hits, The Roadrunners Rebound
That blowout loss to FAU was a tough pill to swallow, a 31-point drubbing that left a mark. Coach Traylor, now in his seventh year leading the program, wasn’t shying away from it on Tuesday’s practice field, turning to Philippians 3:13-14: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal.” He’s firm on his core beliefs, even if some players and longtime observers are used to his mantras by now, because Traylor truly believes real coaching kicks in when you’re staring adversity right in the face. And here’s why he’s got that confidence: UTSA is an incredible 17-6 after a loss since Traylor took over before the 2020 season, with a stellar 15-4 record since 2021. They’ve only dropped back-to-back matchups against Group of Six competition three times under his helm, and get this: never in consecutive weeks.
“Ubuntu” and a Dose of Humble Pie
The locker room isn’t wallowing. Receiver Mekhi Anderson, in his third year, said the team’s confidence hasn’t wavered one bit. He said it’s all about “fighting for your brothers, knowing just that you have guys that’s with you through everything. Through any challenging moments or any adversity, we just keep fighting. We don’t give up. You will never see us go away.” That’s the “Ubuntu” mindset they’ve been rallying behind this season, that old African phrase meaning “I am because we are.” Offensive lineman Luke Lapeze, the longest-tenured Roadrunner since joining in 2021, confirmed this culture of “grit” has always been there, even before they named it. He said, “Coach Traylor does a great job and really believes in us and treats us really, really well. So we want to do right by him, and play well for him and the staff. … It’s been a motto this year, but in years past, we’ve kind of always had that, where we play for each other and our coaches.” Lapeze admitted the team got “a good serving of humble pie” against FAU, but he’s seen a squad that looks “a lot more locked in” this week. Since January, Traylor has been pushing the team to understand their personal identity, even having players refashion the program’s “Triangle of Toughness” to fit their own goals, with those reminders now hanging in every locker.
So, get ready, because UTSA is set to host North Texas at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Alamodome. With those conference title hopes still hanging in the balance, this is exactly where we’ll see if that “locked in” grit delivers when it matters most.
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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