Roadrunners Nonconference Games Ranked by Importance

The UTSA Roadrunners have high hopes for the 2024 season following their historic first bowl win. ESPN has identified them as the Group of 5 team with the second-highest likelihood of making it to the College Football Playoffs.

Coach Jeff Traylor has the task of filling the void left by important players from the previous season, such as quarterback Frank Harris and defensive end Trey Moore, who were both named to the first team in the American Athletic Conference. Moore was also honored as the AAC Defensive Player of the Year. Now, we’ll evaluate their nonconference schedule for 2024 and prioritize the significance of each game.

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No. 4. Houston Christian Huskies (2023 6-5, 3-3 Southland Conference)

Since 1978, FBS teams have competed in 3,462 matches against FCS opponents, and the FCS has only emerged victorious 490 times, equating to a modest 14.2% win rate. Houston Christian begins their season on the road at SMU, offering UTSA plenty of material for scouting. Despite the Huskies’ successful record in 2023, this game is anticipated to be an easy win for the Roadrunners, potentially enabling them to give substantial playing time to their lesser-utilized players.

No. 3. Kennesaw State Owls (2023 3-6, FCS Independent)

Kennesaw State kicks off its first FBS season on Aug. 31, facing UTSA at the Alamodome. The Owls had significant achievements at the FCS level, achieving a 71-30 record with four playoff showings and three conference championships. UTSA’s defensive strategy will probably concentrate on limiting Kennesaw State’s running plays, particularly with the absence of last year’s quarterback, Jonathan Murphy. At the forefront is running back Michael Benefield, who gained 546 rushing yards with an impressive average of 6.3 yards per carry in the previous season.

Kennesaw State is confronted with defensive obstacles following the departure of their leading tacklers, defensive backs Deontre Morris and Markeith Montgomery. The team will require fresh talent to take on more responsibility. Due to expected lack of experience in tackling and possible initial performance struggles, UTSA’s offensive playmakers are poised to take advantage of missed tackles. They can transform what are expected to be modest gains into big plays against the Owls.

No. 2. Texas Longhorns (2023 12-2, 9-1 Big 12 Conference)

Last year, the Longhorns came agonizingly close to making it to the College Football Playoff National Championship game, as quarterback Quinn Ewers narrowly missed connecting with receiver Adonai Mitchell on the final play against the Washington Huskies. Texas presents a formidable obstacle for the Roadrunners, as they have strong talent on both offense and defense.

The atmosphere at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin is expected to be electrifying for this game. Ewers leads an offense that averaged 36 points per game last season, with support from a defense projected to be among the best in the Southeastern Conference, which includes former Roadrunner Moore, who transferred to Texas during the offseason.

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The two teams met for the first time in 2022 in Austin, where they were deadlocked at 17-17 at halftime. However, the Longhorns surged ahead in the second half, outscoring the Roadrunners 24-3 to clinch a 41-20 win. UTSA fans will deem it a victory if their team stays within 14 points or less by the start of the fourth quarter, as many expect a one-sided game. While Texas may not have any trouble focusing on their upcoming game against Louisiana-Monroe, they will be coming off a highly anticipated match at Michigan the previous week. The Roadrunners’ best chance is to take advantage if the Longhorns are emotionally drained from their intense game in Ann Arbor.

No. 1. Texas State Bobcats (2023 8-5, 4-4 Sun Belt Conference)

The Bobcats are coming off their most successful season to date, achieving a record eight wins and securing their first-ever bowl victory. Texas State gave UTSA a tough challenge in a 20-13 loss at the Alamodome and is aiming for payback in the upcoming rematch at Bobcat Stadium. Coach GJ Kinne’s goal is to enhance an offense that averaged 37 points per game last season by bringing in quarterback Jordan McCloud, who was the returning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, during the offseason. McCloud put up impressive numbers at James Madison (3,657 passing yards and 35 TDs) and is expected to thrive in the Texas State offense this year, likely surpassing his previous accomplishments in 2023.

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The Bobcats are determined to strengthen their defense following an average of 33 points conceded per game last season. Specifically, their pass defense, which allowed 246 yards per game, requires enhancement after finishing tied for 101st in the nation in this area. Texas State will heavily depend on its pass rush, with defensive end Ben Bell (second-team All-Sun Belt) expected to reproduce and surpass last year’s success, during which he achieved 10 sacks. Despite an 0-5 record against the Roadrunners, with four games decided by 7 points or less, Texas State is resolute in shedding its underdog label and establishing a true rivalry by clinching a long-awaited victory.

Roadrunners’ Nonconference Schedule Outlook

The Roadrunners have an intriguing nonconference schedule ahead, featuring two favorable matchups (Houston Christian and Kennesaw State), a challenging game (Texas State), and a very tough matchup (Texas). Attaining a 3-1 record before their initial AAC game on Sept. 28 against East Carolina is the ideal scenario for them. The crucial match that is likely to determine their early-season performance is the showdown in San Marcos against Texas State, anticipated to be fiercely contested right up to the final moments.