Louisiana Tech Dominates UTSA 31-3

The UTSA Roadrunners were no match for the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on Saturday night, as the Dawgs spoiled homecoming in San Antonio.

Michael Sam returned the opening kickoff to the La Tech 47 yard line, and Tech would go on to score on that opening drive. Kam McKnight took it in from two yards out to make it 7-0 early.

After that, however, the game turned into the expected defensive slugfest. Nine of the next 11 drives ended in punts, with a Tech field goal and a UTSA interception mixed in.

Tech would find the end zone right before halftime, however, and took a 17-0 lead into the break.

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After some offensive miscues from both teams to open the second half, J’Mar Smith found George Scott for a 67 yard touchdown that ended any doubt there may have been about the outcome.

UTSA would manage to score a field goal on the next drive, but that would be all for the Roadrunner offense. After a turnover on downs, Tech executed a 15-play drive that took 8:02 off the clock and resulted in Kam McKnight’s second score of the day. With only a minute left, UTSA was unable to put much together and the game came to a close.

It was clearly a far better offensive performance from the Bulldogs than a week ago against UAB. UTSA’s defense is pretty good in its own right, so that’s a positive sign for Tech. J’Mar Smith threw for over 300 yards, a touchdown and a pick. The Bulldogs had trouble running the ball for most of the game, although they did have some success on the final drive. They were held to just 75 rushing yards, which is something they’ll need to address.

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UTSA’s offense showed few signs of life, however. They had a couple of good drives, but could only reach the red zone once. Jared Sackett attempted two field goals, making only one. UTSA also turned the ball over twice, although the interception by L’Jarius Sneed was off of a tipped pass. UTSA remains perfect on the year when in the red zone thanks to the made field goal, but that of course was their only trip all game.

Cordale Grundy did okay at quarterback for the Roadrunners, but was held to just under 200 yards. He led UTSA in rushing with 60 yards, but the Roadrunners only had 25 yards from their running backs.

Louisiana Tech should feel pretty good about winning like this on the road after their dismal outing last week. The Bulldogs have their own homecoming game next week against UTEP, but two big road tests against Florida Atlantic and Mississippi State follow. The Dawgs are 4-2 now, and are in a very good position to make it five straight years in the postseason.

As for UTSA, tonight could not have gone much worse. Give credit to Tech’s defense, but the Roadrunners have to figure something out on offense. They have not scored a touchdown against Louisiana Tech since 2016. UTSA is 3-4 now, but it’s going to be tough to find three more wins on the schedule. A bowl game may be out of reach if the offense can’t get it going.