Quinn Ewers and No. 2 Texas host UTSA in Lone Star matchup after big win at Michigan
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers throws against Michigan in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. Credit: AP/Paul Sancya
UTSA (1-1) ta No. 2 Texas (2-0), Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Texas by 33 1/2.
Series record: Texas 1-0.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Texas' dominant win at Michigan elevated the Longhorns to their highest ranking since ending the 2009 season at No. 2. The Longhorns definitely don't want to blow that and coach Steve Sarkisian was urging his team to avoid any kind of letdown between now and the start of the SEC season in two weeks. The Roadrunners should be overmatched across the field but also sense their chance at a historic upset for the program.
KEY MATCHUP
UTSA linebackers vs Texas tight end Gunnar Helm. Much has been made of Texas elite group of wide receivers, but Helm was Quinn Ewers' favorite target at Michigan with seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. Look for Helm to be a big part of the Longhorns offense the rest of the season.
UTSA quarterback Owen McCown (2) attempts to evade Kennesaw State's Donelius Johnson during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in San Antonio. Credit: AP/Darren Abate
PLAYERS TO WATCH
UTSA: The Roadrunners used both Owen McCown and Eddie Lee Marburger at quarterback last week's blowout loss to rival Texas State. McCown started, but UTSA trailed 35-3 by halftime. Marburger took over in the second half and passed for 147 yards.
Texas: Edge rusher Trey Moore transferred from UTSA, where he holds the program's single-season sack record of 14 set in 2023. He was the American Athletic Conference defensive player of the year. He does not have a sack yet in Texas' first two games but has a chance for a breakout performance against his former team.
FACTS & FIGURES
Texas has four interceptions by four players. The Longhorns forced three Michigan turnovers last week. Each time, the ball gets impaled on a sideline sword “Texcalibur" ... UTSA has a streak of 12 consecutive games with a forced turnover ... Texas kicker Bert Auburn has made a school record 125 consecutive extra points, making him perfect for his career. He is eight field goals shy of the school record of 60.
