image courtesy of baylorbears.com

Opponent: UTSA Roadrunners
ODB GAME HUB: Baylor Bears vs. UTSA Roadrunners 2017
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: UTSA Roadrunners
MEDIA GUIDE: 2017 UTSA Football Media Supplement (click here for depth chart)
LAST MEETING: No previous meetings
LAST GAME: N/A (UTSA’s game with Houston was postponed due to Harvey)
SB NATION BLOG: Underdog Dynasty
SPREAD: Baylor -17 (Open: Baylor -16.5)
MEET THE PRESS: Baylor vs. UTSA
WEATHER FORECAST: Sunny, high of 88° (Wunderground puts temp at 84° at game time)

SB Nation UTSA Preview
Baylorbears.com Gameday Central
Bears vs. Roadrunners Coverage

Roadrunners’ Season Opener

The Roadrunners head to Waco this weekend to open their season against the Bears due to the outside influence of Hurricane Harvey. UTSA was originally supposed to open the season last weekend at home against the University of Houston but the effects of Hurricane Harvey forced the Roadrunners and Cougars to postpone their matchup until an unspecified time. The Roadrunners will play their season opener at McLane Stadium instead of the Alamodome.

Injury Updates

Injuries continue to plague the early portions of this season for the Bears, with KJ Smith having been listed as doubtful for this week’s game. Some good news for the secondary, as it appears that both S Davion Hall and CB Jameson Houston are back at practice this week and should factor into the UTSA game. Jerry Hill reported yesterday that the Bears will add Rajah Preciado, Henry Black, and Timarcus Davis to the rotation in the secondary as each has recovered from injuries. That said, the youth movement continues apace in the secondary.

Advanced Stats Profile:

After a tough loss, Baylor remains 29th in S&P+. Bill Connelly touched on Baylor in his newest podcast today and offered some hope for the Bears. First, Baylor was plagued by a few bad breaks: seven passes defended but no picks. Second, Liberty recovered both of their fumbles. Third, the Bear’s achieved a yards per play total that almost always means victory. But if you’re a pessimist, you probably saw plenty to have you worried.

UTSA is 88th. They rank 111th on offense and 67th on defense. S&P+ has the Baylor 38, UTSA 20.

Players to Watch:

The Roadrunners have 6-foot-4 wide receiver Josh Stewart. He had 682 yards and five touchdowns last season. He’ll be a big challenge for Baylor’s injury depleted secondary.

Dalton Strum, the quarterback, and Jalen Rhodes, the running back, give the Roadrunners offensive potential. Strum had 20 touchdown passes and just six interceptions last year. Hopefully the Bears can nab their first interception this season.

UTSA has two senior corners, Austin Jupe and Devron Davis. They played in 19 combined games last season.

Prediction:

We’ll offer it during the Facebook Live tomorrow at 6:30. Sic ‘Em!