Cnelson203
1st String
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I Root For: Marshall; WVU
Location: Tampa
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First Week Discussion: Pre-Season Discussion #10: Alabama State @ UTSA
In another "ho-hum" FCS match-up, Alabama State @ UTSA is likely to be another "must win" but un-exciting match-up for C-USA in week one.
With no intended disrespect to the Hornets, they've been only slightly better than middling in the SWAC over the last several years (6-5 last year), but they do return a bunch of players on both sides of the ball AND this is the second year in Coach Brian Jenkins' tenure. So they MAY offer the Roadrunners a somewhat stiffer test than should be happening with this kind of FCS match-up.
UTSA is a hard team to predict. in 2015, the Roadrunners didn't beat the teams they had some chance against (read: North Texas, Old Dominion, and had to go into OT to beat Charlotte) and they beat Rice and UTEP...it just doesn't make sense. Who are these guys?
UTSA, who started C-USA with some real promise, has significantly under-performed the last two seasons. Although I like their hire of Frank Wilson, it's going to be tough for him this year, I fear. It's not hard to see UTSA finishing up at 3-9 again this year, with wins only over Alabama State, Charlotte, and North Texas. I'll put money on the Owls and Miners being MORE than ready for payback against the 'Runners. Paybacks can be hell!
It's hard to see much improvement on either side of the ball, but that may be too pessimistic. The Roadrunners' stud RB (Jarveon Williams) is back this year after some tough injuries last year...that will help, but not sure he has much support. The defense doesn't seem to be much improved either. I do think some of the questionable coaching decisions of last year will disappear (sorry, not a Larry Coker fan!) so that may help too...let's hope so.
C-USA needs a strong football presence in San Antonio and I believe that UTSA will develop in future years. I just don't think this is the year where we will see this kind of jump. The schedule is just too stacked against them so they'll likely remain in the bottom tier for at least one more year.
There isn't any line on this game, but I do think that the Roadrunners take care of business here. UTSA 30...Alabama State 17.
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08-13-2016 11:04 AM |
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ODU AGGIE
Heisman
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I Root For: Old Dominion
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RE: First Week Discussion: Pre-Season Discussion #10: Alabama State @ UTSA
ODU, Charlotte and UTSA share the singular distinction of being the league's neophytes, all with fledging football programs. Despite strong evidence to the contrary, I suspect that Monarchs fans, Forty-Niner fans, and Road Runner fans alike have higher expectations for the season than have been posited by the media, coaches or forum fanatics.
If UTSA is going to meet those expectations, winning this first game convincingly is mandatory. I think they can and will accomplish that goal. Unfortunately, a review of the Road Runner schedule dictates that I must agree with CNelson203. Even with a sterling win over Alabama State to get them off to a good start, the Road Runners are likely in for a long season, and I believe that UTSA fans should be pretty darn happy if the Runners manage to win more than three games. (Hey, just don't beat the Monarchs!)
Enjoy this one, Road Runners, and good luck this year.
UTSA to win -- 28-10
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08-13-2016 12:41 PM |
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CameramanJ
Heisman
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I Root For: ODU
Location: Tavern by the River
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RE: First Week Discussion: Pre-Season Discussion #10: Alabama State @ UTSA
Alabama State was 6-5 overall last season with a 5-4 SWAC record. My hope is that UTSA wins and does so in a decisive fashion.
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08-13-2016 03:03 PM |
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Bobcat2013
All American
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I Root For: Texas State
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RE: First Week Discussion: Pre-Season Discussion #10: Alabama State @ UTSA
As bad as TXST was last year we dominated PVAM and they had the 2nd best record in the SWAC. UTSA should have no issue putting 50 up on Bama State.
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08-13-2016 04:26 PM |
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