UTSA is back in the Alamodome on Saturday to take on Conference USA rival North Texas in the Roadrunners’ homecoming game. First place in C-USA is on the line as both teams enter with 3-0 conference records. The winner will grab the inside track to not only making the conference championship game but also hosting it. North Texas leads the overall series 5-4.
UTSA Roadrunners (5-2, 3-0 C-USA) vs. North Texas Mean Green (4-3, 3-0 C-USA):
Location: Alamodome
Kickoff: Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
How to watch: Stadium (CW35)
Last week:
UTSA traveled to Miami and won a comfortable 30-10 victory over Florida International. The Roadrunners, who won their fourth consecutive game, got a big night from running back Kevorian Barnes and another 300-yard passing game from Frank Harris. The Roadrunners’ first-string defense limited FIU to three points before the second string gave up a late touchdown.
North Texas also had a relatively easy win last week at home against Louisiana Tech. The Mean Green beat the Bulldogs 47-27 after racking up four touchdowns and 475 yards on the ground.
What they’re saying:
UTSA running back Kevorian Barnes: “The energy is high this week. We know how big the game is — two 3-0 teams in a conference game. Winning games in college isn’t easy. We want to prepare hard and play hard on Saturday.”
North Texas linebacker Kevin Wood, who attended Judson: “I know a lot of those guys, being from down there. Rashad Wisdom is one of my best friends. I played against [UTSA quarterback] Frank Harris a lot. I love a lot of those guys. But come Saturday it’s different.”
Key stats:
The Roadrunners have the nation’s seventh best passing offense, averaging 343.6 yards per game. UTSA has won 12 of its last 13 home games and are 14-2 at home under Head Coach Jeff Traylor. The Roadrunners are 9-0 at home in conference games in the Traylor era.
North Texas has an eight-game winning streak in Conference USA dating back to last season. The Mean Green has started 3-0 this season and went 5-0 in their final five conference games last season, including beating UTSA in the regular season finale.
Players to watch:
UTSA’s wide receivers continue to push toward breaking school records, including some they set just last season. De’Corian Clark, Zakhari Franklin and Joshua Cephus each have over 600 yards receiving this season. Nationally, they are 11th, 13th and 20th respectively in receiving yards. The trio has combined for 143 catches for 1,936 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.
North Texas has a pair of running backs who have reached 500 yards rushing this season. Oscar Adaway III has 528 yards and five touchdowns. Ayo Adeyi has 557 yards and two touchdowns.
