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Where: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
When: 7 pm CST
TV: Fox Sports 1
Vegas says: Arizona -7, O/U 56 points
Hot off a huge win at Houston, UTSA seeks to build on their early success with a program-defining win. Meanwhile, Arizona aims to learn what they have in freshman quarterback Anu Solomon who made his debut at home against UNLV last week to great success. The Wildcats would nearly reach the 800 yard milestone and broke several school records on their path to a 58-13 victory. The two teams met in Tucson last season where the Wildcats rolled to a smooth 38-13 win.
What to Watch:
UTSA Defensive Line: The strongest unit on UTSA's team, the defensive line terrorized Houston quarterback John O'Korn last week. A deep and talented collection of athletes, the defensive line had 4 sacks and an unbelievable 22 quarterback hits in Houston. Arizona's offensive line returns four starters from last season so the Roadrunner defensive line will face a much more stout challenge this week. We'll soon find out just how good these guys are.
Arizona Running Backs: Rich Rodriguez will look to replace All-American Ka'Deem Carey this season as the do-it-all back works his way up the Chicago Bears' depth chart. Terris Jones-Grigsby and true freshman Nick Wilson both rushed for over 100 yards against UNLV. Unfortunately, Jones-Grigsby is listed as questionable for today's game after sustaining an ankle injury in practice. With an 85 yard touchdown run under his belt, Wilson looked electric against UNLV but asking for 20 carries might be a lot to ask for the freshman.
Prediction:
An energized crowd and a relentless pass rush from UTSA causes Solomon to face his first real adversity at the college level. The Roadrunners come out gunning with some downhill power running to establish themselves on offense before letting Tucker Carter start to air out his arm. Arizona will adjust their game plan to their depth at running back and throw the ball with more frequency than usual. Ball control and long drives keep the Roadrunners' upset bid alive in front of a national audience.