Traylor wants ’Runners to stay focused against FCS opponent
If he wants to convince his players that UTSA’S matchup against FCS opponent Lamar could be a trap game, coach Jeff Traylor doesn’t have to look far for inspiration.
Just last week, UTSA was on the other end of the equation, knocking off an Illinois team that was riding high after a win against Nebraska. Traylor said the gap between the Power Five and Conference USA is similar to the difference between the Group of Five and the FCS, underscoring the importance of focus.
During the same weekend, six FCS teams around the nation toppled FBS competition, including Montana downing No. 20 Washington.
Traylor also points to last season, when UTSA carried momentum from an opening win against Texas State into a matchup against FCS program Stephen F. Austin, only to be locked in a one-score game in the fourth quarter before prevailing 2410.
“It’s the dreaded game after the game,” Traylor said.
How UTSA responds will be revealed at 5 p.m. Saturday in the Alamodome.
1. Does Lamar have the tools to give UTSA trouble?
The Cardinals employ a variation of the multiple option run game the Roadrunners contended with last year against Army. Traylor said facing something so different from the norm is always a source of concern, as diagnosing Lamar’s motion and finding the ball could prove frustrating for UTSA’S defense.
Linebacker Dadrian Taylor said the Roadrunners spent about 20 minutes after each practice reviewing the Cardinals’ different offensive sets, calling this week an important test of the defense’s mental toughness.
Linebacker Charles Wiley said Lamar’s attack forces UTSA to “change our whole mindset,” but he added that he’s confident the coaches and on-field leaders can keep the Roadrunners locked on their assignments.
2. Will the Roadrunners be sound enough to hold up?
Missed assignments were UTSA’S biggest issue defensively against Illinois. All three Illini touchdowns were hauled in by receivers who were left unguarded after switching sides of the formation before or at the snap. Traylor said he was “very disappointed” in the breakdowns, each of which could be traced to a different player.
UTSA will have a significant talent advantage against Lamar as about a 25-point favorite, but leaving players wide-open
would be just as problematic.
“It’s a lot of stuff to clean up,” Taylor said. “A lot of mistakes, but we can’t have that playing an offense like Lamar. It’s a trick offense. A unique offense.”
3. What are UTSA’S focuses on offense?
Traylor stressed a need to tighten up in the red zone. Though the Roadrunners were 6 for 6 against the Illini, they settled for field goals on three occasions.
“We got a little flustered down there,” Traylor said. “I told my coaching staff, when it’s fourth and 1, nobody wants to say a word but me and (offensive coordinator Barry) Lunney. It’s quiet as crickets. For some reason, when we get in the red zone, all the coaches want to start calling plays. It’s funny how that works. We have to do a better job of staying calm, look at our script and call the plays that we’ve got called.”
4. What happens if the Roadrunners build a lead?
If Saturday’s game turns into a blowout, fans could see their
first glimpses of some of the program’s young talent. Freshmen quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger and running back De’anthony
Lewis, from Judson, would generate the most buzz after earning strong reviews through practice.
5. Has UTSA kept a level head after last week’s win?
The Roadrunners spent the week stressing “don’t eat the cheese,” blocking out all the accolades that came with the second Power Five win in program history. Wiley said avoiding distractions and complacency was the “biggest thing” the Roadrunners focused on this week, and running back Brenden Brady said the Roadrunners talked about treating each game as a step toward their goals.
“I feel like we haven’t let it get to our heads,” Taylor said. “Last year, a win like this would’ve got us big-headed, but we’re a more mature team now. That helps a lot.”