Oklahoma State Football: Previewing UTSA

Sep 12, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; UTSA Roadrunners wide receiver Kenny Bias (81) runs with the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half at Alamodome. Kansas State won30-3. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Offense

UTSA’s offense started off 2015 in pretty solid fashion, putting up 525 yards on the road against Arizona, outgaining the Wildcats by 133 yards. Roadrunners quarterback Blake Bogenschutz, a redshirt freshman, set the school record in both passing yardage (332) and total yards (363.) The numbers were pretty impressive considering that Bogenschutz’s first-ever collegiate pass was picked off and returned for a score. Unfortunately, it ended up basically being the difference in the game, along with a fumble returned for a score. Still, the young QB showed plenty of poise against a ranked team on the road, moving the chains with ease.

The performance didn’t translate to last week’s loss at home to Kansas State, as Bogenschutz amassed just 156 yards on 20-of-33 passing. Senior tight end David Morgan II, after catching only 20 passes in 2014, is already emerging as the favorite target of Bogenschutz, as he comes to Stillwater with 13 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown so far on the year.

The Roadrunners’ running game is definitely their weakness offensively. Jarveon Williams has rushed for 131 yards as the starter so far this season, but needed 31 attempts to get there. Williams had 17 yards against the Cowboys last season in limited action. Jalen Rhodes, a 5-foot-9 freshman, has been more explosive than Williams so far this season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Rhodes was limited in action against Kansas State, so Coker will most likely try to utilize him more against the Cowboys on Saturday.

UTSA netted only 37 yards on the ground last week in San Antonio. Look for them to go with a pass-heavy attack, taking plenty of shots downfield to loosen up the Cowboys’ rush defense somewhat.

Next: UTSA Defense