Crunching the numbers on Texas vs UTSA: Why Longhorns have opportunity to continue offensive line dominance
- UTSA quarterback Owen McCown's average target depth is 7.4 yards through two games, up from 6.9 last season but still 106th of 133 quarterbacks in the article's sample. The passing approach remains relatively short. UTSA has converted only 25% of third downs, so short throws have not yet translated into consistently extending drives.
- UTSA running back Will Henderson III is averaging 7.9 yards per carry. The Roadrunners average 10.9 on interior runs, including gains of 75 and 53 yards, after Robert Henry's departure. The explosive gains are an important part of that early average; the article does not establish that the same efficiency is sustainable against Texas.
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Everything UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor said about the No. 1 Texas Longhorns
- Jeff Traylor said UTSA's offensive tackles have struggled while playing through injuries and are well short of full health. He did not name the affected tackles or give recovery dates. The lack of sacks allowed against Texas State does not remove that concern: Traylor credited quick releases and acknowledged holds that prevented sacks.
- Traylor attributed UTSA's defensive problems against Texas State to linemen being out of position and linebackers and safeties fitting incorrectly, rather than simply being physically overpowered. He still wants better gap fits, tackling angles and technique before Texas; the earlier plan to limit explosives and force red-zone field goals was specific to Texas State.
- UTSA deliberately moved away from its usual defensive rotation against Texas State and kept its best players on the field for extended work in the heat. Traylor described a game-specific choice to win that matchup, not a confirmed rotation plan for Texas.
- Traylor said UTSA's poor third-down numbers need the context of plays sequenced to set up fourth down; the offense converted five of six fourth-down attempts. His decision against a late field goal also reflected strong directional wind and return risk, not a blanket policy to avoid kicks.
- UTSA's late scoring run reused an earlier unsuccessful concept with a different 12-personnel presentation. Traylor highlighted receiver Makai Anderson's block on a safety, leaving a corner to tackle the downhill runner. He credited execution and persistence rather than a wholesale run-scheme change.
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