UTSA’s 2024 season didn’t begin as hoped.
After a win over Kennesaw State, UTSA lost to in-state opponents Texas State and Texas by a collective score of 105-17. The Roadrunners also dropped three of their first four AAC contests.
But they bounced back with a three-game winning streak to earn bowl-eligibility. UTSA concluded the season with a Myrtle Beach Bowl victory, 44-15, over Coastal Carolina.
Will the Roadrunners manage to keep that momentum going into 2025? It won’t be easy, as they take on another in-state Power Four opponent in Week 1.
UTSA vs. Texas A&M Betting Odds
Texas A&M is a -23.5 college football betting odds favorite against UTSA, with the Over/Under being 56.5.
The moneyline for UTSA is +1100, while it’s -2500 for Texas A&M.
UTSA vs. Texas A&M On TV
The matchup between UTSA and Texas A&M will be televised on ESPN.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30. The contest is taking place at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.
UTSA vs. Texas A&M Prediction
I predict Texas A&M will win but UTSA will cover the 23.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Over 56.5 total points.
I do think Texas A&M is the better team, especially at home. But I believe UTSA is going to be one of the best teams in the American this year and has what it takes to make this matchup interesting.
For starters, Owen McCown is back at quarterback for the Roadrunners. The G5 Preseason All-American threw for 3,424 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 63% of his passes. He also ran for 340 yards and three touchdowns.
UTSA also brings back running back Robert Henry Jr., another G5 Preseason All-American. He led the Roadrunners with 706 rushing yards to go with seven touchdowns on the ground. He added 199 yards and a score on 21 receptions a season ago.
UTSA’s receiving corps is also loaded with experience. The Roadrunners return eight of their top nine receivers from a year ago. That includes Willie McCoy, who led the team with 536 yards through the air while scoring four touchdowns on 28 catches. G5 Preseason All-American tight end Houston Thomas is back after tallying 470 yards and three touchdowns on 34 catches. Wide receiver Devin McCuin led the team with 45 catches and five receiving touchdowns while recording 424 yards in eight games and is also back.
UTSA also returns four of five primary starters on the offensive line, including guard Cory Godinet, who made the All-AAC honorable mention list a season ago.
That’s a good amount of experience returning for an offense that was second in the AAC in total offense (452.5 yards per game) and fourth in scoring offense (33.2 points per game) a season ago.
The Roadrunners did prioritize defense in the transfer portal, but they lost quite a bit of talent from last season. That’s why I think this will end up being a high-scoring game.
Still, I think UTSA’s offense has enough firepower to keep up with Texas A&M into the fourth quarter.
