Nov 273 min read

UTSA Looks to Stun Army, End Road Woes

The UTSA Roadrunners (6-5, 4-3 American Athletic Conference) will take on the No. 19 Army Black Knights (9-1, 7-0 AAC) on Nov. 30 at noon EST at Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y. UTSA enters the matchup riding a season-high three-game winning streak after a dominant 51-27 victory over Temple (3-8, 2-5 AAC). Meanwhile, Army looks to bounce back from its first loss of the season, a 49-14 setback against No. 6 Notre Dame (10-1, Independent). Can UTSA keep its win streak alive or will Army cap off an undefeated conference campaign?

The Stakes

UTSA’s victory over Temple secured bowl eligibility for the fifth consecutive season under coach Jeff Traylor. The Roadrunners, a touchdown underdog against Army according to Action Network, aim to solidify their postseason fate with a win over the Black Knights. A victory should guarantee UTSA is not overlooked for a bowl game and mark Traylor’s fifth straight winning season at the helm.

Army's aspirations for a College Football Playoff berth were likely dashed following its 49-14 loss to No. 6 Notre Dame. However, in their inaugural season in the AAC, the Black Knights have secured a spot in the AAC Championship Game on Dec. 6 against No. 20 Tulane (9-2, 7-0 AAC). The host for the championship game remains undecided. A victory over UTSA gives Army an 8-0 conference record and improves its chances of hosting the title game.

Key Players: UTSA Roadrunners

Owen McCown, Quarterback

McCown demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities in the win over Temple. His 75-yard TD run in the second quarter set a school record for the longest rush by a quarterback in program history, surpassing the achievements of former UTSA great Frank Harris. UTSA faces an Army defense ranked sixth in the FBS for points allowed (14.2 per game), 10th for rushing yards allowed (101.6 per game), and first in red-zone efficiency (56 percent). UTSA will need McCown to continue to be a multi-dimensional threat in passing (13th in FBS with 23 TD passes) and rushing to put up points against a stingy Army defense.

Martavius French, Linebacker

Linebackers often relish the challenge of facing triple-option offenses. They harken back to football of the past before the prevalence of spread and air raid approaches. Army leads FBS in rushing yards per game, averaging 322.1 yards. This presents a significant test for UTSA's defense, which has been stout against the run, allowing just 100.5 rushing yards per game. French, from his middle LB position, leads the Roadrunners with 68 tackles and will be crucial in countering the Black Knights' ground game.

Key Players: Army Black Knights

Bryson Daily, QB

Daily, who leads the AAC in rushing TDs (23) and rushing yards per game (134.1), is the engine of the Army's offense. In typical triple-option fashion, more than half of his carries have come outside the tackles (135 of 210), according to Pro Football Focus. UTSA’s front seven will need to play disciplined, assignment-sound football to contain him. If they falter, then Daily could exploit the edges and produce explosive plays on the ground.

Max DiDomenico, Safety

DiDomenico is a Swiss Army knife-type of playmaker for the Black Knights’ defense, excelling in multiple areas. He leads the team in solo tackles (32), ranks third in total tackles (42), is first in passes deflected (4) and is tied for third in interceptions (2). His versatility will be key against a UTSA offense that has scored 38 or more points in five straight games and posted over 300 rushing yards in back-to-back contests for the first time in program history.

Trends to Watch

UTSA and Army will face off for the fifth time on Nov. 30 with the Black Knights leading the all-time series 3-1. Under Traylor, the Roadrunners boast a 16-2 (.889) record in November. UTSA also enters the game riding a streak of 21 consecutive games with both a takeaway and a sack.

Game Prediction

Can UTSA win its first road game of the season as it has struggled mightily away from the friendly confines of the Alamodome? Will penalties play a pivotal role as the Roadrunners rank 133rd in FBS with 9.2 penalties per game, while Army sits ninth with just 4.3? Despite those negative headwinds, look for the Roadrunners to ride the strength of their rushing defense and the play of McCown to a victory.

Prediction: UTSA 30, Army 27.