Coming off a triple-overtime loss to the 24th-ranked University of Houston, the UTSA Roadrunners hit the road for the first time this season, traveling to West Point, New York, to face Army. It will be the first time in program history that UTSA has played a game in the state of New York. Both teams are looking to get their first win of the season. UTSA and Army have met twice before, both times at the Alamodome. In 2019, Army beat UTSA 31-13. A year later, the Black Knights again came out on top, 28-16.
UTSA Roadrunners (0-1) vs. Army Black Knights (0-1):
Location: Michie Stadium, West Point, New York
Kickoff: 11 a.m.
How to watch: CBS Sports Network
Last week:
UTSA had a double-digit lead erased by Houston and then had to kick a field goal as time expired to force overtime. The Roadrunners and Cougars played three overtimes before Houston escaped with a 37-35 win. UTSA quarterback Frank Harris was named Conference USA’s offensive player of the week, and kicker Jared
Sackett was tapped as special teams player of the week.
Army traveled to Conway, South Carolina, to take on the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. The Black Knights tied the score at 14-14 before halftime and led 21-17 in the third quarter before Coastal outscored Army 21-7 to win 38-28.
What they’re saying:
UTSA defensive lineman Joe Evans on playing against the Army triple option: “Their offense is pretty good. Their line comes off low and hard. We need to be prepared for that. They do a lot of cut blocking.”
Army Head Coach Todd Monken: “Each time we’ve played them you can see how much better that program is becoming. Just look at the success they’ve had in the last two years. It’s really impressive. They have a talented football team.”
Key stats:
UTSA’s offense was effective last week, rolling up 441 yards against the Cougars, who had 344 yards. In UTSA’s two previous games against Army in 2019 and 2020 the Roadrunners have never held the lead. Getting in front of Army will be important because of the Black Knights’ unconventional offense, which is designed to use up the clock.
Army is one of the few teams that still run a triple-option offense. Last week the Black Knights ran the ball 39 times for 202 yards and attempted just eight passes, completing four passes for 142 yards. The Black Knights also like to hold onto the ball. Last season the Black Knights averaged 35 minutes and 22 seconds of possession.
Players to watch:
Keep on eye on UTSA’s defense. The Roadrunners rotated several players on defense on Saturday against Houston. Keeping fresh defensive players on the field could be a key to the game against the Army option offense.
Army running back Tyrell Robinson racked up 609 rushing yards last season, the highest of any returning Army Black Knight. Last week Robinson led the Black Knights with 135 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.
