After Texas played Louisiana-Monroe and Alabama to open the season. Texas vs UTSA is the last chance for the Longhorns to work out any kinks before conference play starts. With Texas gaining game experience and chemistry offensively. Texas will be looking to flex some muscles for the second time this year.
On the other side, UTSA got started with a heartbreaking 37-35 loss triple overtime loss to Houston. And played Army this past Saturday. They’re looking to gain some momentum after winning Conference USA and going 12-2 in 2021.
Texas vs UTSA Offensive Comparison
For the time the first string offense spent playing together, the Texas offense looked electric. Unfortunately, with injuries to Quinn Ewers and Bijan Robinson this past Saturday. That won’t be the case when Texas vs UTSA kicks off this Saturday night. On the other hand, the UTSA offense has put up 35 points in a loss to Houston and 41 points in a win against Army. Both games went into overtime.
Texas Offense In Week 2
If you watched the first quarter of Texas vs Alabama then you know the Texas offense was humming with Quinn Ewers. In the Nick Saban era, Quinn Ewers had the 4th most passing yards in the first quarter. He was 9/12 for 134 yards before being sidelined with an injury. In a gutsy effort, Hudson Card was able to play turnover free football and have Texas a 19-17 lead late in the fourth quarter. An opportunity to work out kinks has turned into a dangerous game for Texas. Quinn Ewers is out 4-6 weeks, and Hudson Card has an ankle injury. Bijan Robinson could potentially be on a carry count. He had an MRI on a shoulder injury. A good thing for the offense is left tackle, Kelvin Banks. He kept Will Anderson Jr.’s impact minimal as he had 1 sack, not against Banks, and no quarterback hurry.
UTSA Offense In Week 2
UTSA senior quarterback threw for 359 yards in week 2. And has 696 total passing yards in 2022 on a 68.2 completion percentage. After not scoring in the first quarter, the UTSA offense scored 35 in the last three quarters. On the ground, UTSA had 153 yards with 4.3 yards per carry. They have been able to put up big numbers the first two weeks, so the Texas defense to be focused and communicating to find success.
Texas vs UTSA Defensive Comparison
Defensively, Texas has given up 15 points per game this year. In a game of “what ifs”, Texas has to be concerned with Big 12 play coming up about an injury to D’Shawn Jamison. He suffered an injury on a play that could’ve given him his second week in a row of taking an interception for a touchdown. The positive is that the replacements did a great job in the second half of controlling the production of Alabama wide receivers. With a offense coming to town scoring 38 points per game, the defense knows what to expect. Without so much offensive weaponry. The defense has a chance of reclaiming the mystique it once had.
Texas Defense In Week 2
When the offense sputtered with Quinn Ewers leaving with an injury. This defense had every reason to check out and give up what many believed that they would anyway. Through 2 weeks they’ve already got 25% of their 2021 sack production. Gary Patterson and Pete Kwiatkowski had a game plan that Alabama couldn’t figure out for three quarters. Another “what if” is if not for the 81 yard touchdown run. Could Texas force a punt or field goal instead? After that run, the Longhorns forced five three and outs. Keeping Alabama scoreless for over 39 minutes.
UTSA Defense In Week 2
As much as the offense has scored, the defense has given up. They’ve allowed 37.5 points per game and the Roadrunners are +1 in point differential. UTSA does have two linebackers leading the team in tackles, junior Jamal Ligon and senior Trevor Harmanson. The Texas offense has to be sure to take care of the ball. The defense can be taken advantage as they have no interceptions, but have recovered 3 fumbles. So they can knock the ball out if Texas is being sloppy and careless.
Texas vs UTSA Conclusion
I expect Texas vs UTSA to be a little more of game 1 vs ULM for the Longhorns. They will be looking to ride high into conference play vs Texas Tech. Jeff Traylor will have his team ready early but a second punch from Texas ends this one. I think Texas struggles a bit offensively but wins big off of a strong defensive performance. Texas wins 28-10 this week.
Texas Longhorns Game By Game Win/Loss Predictions – Texas Talk (texas-talk.com)
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