Mental Mistakes Cost UTSA Program-Defining Upset Against Arizona Wildcats

I've spent my whole spring, summer, and fall yelling about the abilities of freshman quarterback Blake Bogenschutz to anyone who would listen.

My persistence paid off on Thursday night as the redshirt freshman broke program records en route to a near-upset of #22 Arizona as the contest ended with Arizona holding a 42-32 advantage.

Bogenschutz showed many flaws, including a pick-six on UTSA's second play from scrimmage.

Nonetheless, the east Texas product would recover and rewrite the UTSA history books by breaking program records for total passing yards and total offense.

Despite a record-setting effort on offense, UTSA still failed to pull a road upset against the Wildcats in a game which they outgained Arizona 525-392.

While UTSA's defense did enough to inhibit Arizona's high-octane offense, the Wildcats were able to take advantage of UTSA's youth by finding the secondary out of alignment.

On the offensive side, Bogenschutz was certainly feeling the pressure of the Zona Zoo as he floated his second pass of the night into the arms of the Arizona defense for six points. Bogie would make several other mental mistakes early as he took his time to ease into the pressure of playing in front of a rowdy Arizona crowd.

Down 7-0 to start the game, Bogenschutz wouldn't let the early deficit spoil his coming out party.

UTSA was in clear control throughout the rest of the game despite egregious special teams errors by the Roadrunners.

True freshman and Olympic qualifier Brett Winnegan returned a kick off for a touchdown, only to be called back by an iffy personal foul.

Sophomore place kicker Daniel Portillo missed an extra point as well as a field goal from the 33. Take away the early pick six and that's already enough dropped points for UTSA to pull off the road upset.

I've always maintained that the coaching staff size is a big reason why G5 programs lag behind P5 ones and this game serves as a great reminder.

UTSA was the better team on the field tonight but they only won in two of the three phases of the game.

UTSA's special teams were severely lacking tonight. Punts were decent but leaving points on the board in field goals and point after attempts is unacceptable.

Nonetheless, UTSA issued a heads up to CUSA on a night where WKU beat an SEC team and FIU upset a strong UCF squad.

Next up, UTSA will host a Kansas State team that is searching for its identity.

If UTSA is able to clean up special teams mistakes and Bogenschutz takes more chances downfield and in the run game the Roadrunners could draw up the biggest win in program history.

As I said in my game preview, this is a new era for UTSA. They have the athleticism to win every game on the schedule.

It's time for the Roadrunners to be recognized as a threat.