By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

The annual I-35 showdown takes center stage this weekend at the Alamodome in San Antonio, as Texas State travels down the interstate to face rival UTSA. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+ in what promises to be another charged installment of this budding rivalry.

Texas State enters the game riding high after a decisive 52-27 win over Eastern Michigan, while UTSA looks to bounce back from a respectable season-opening 42-24 loss at No. 19 Texas A&M.

With both teams aiming to establish momentum early in the season, the Alamodome atmosphere should be electric, especially with UTSA hosting its annual Orange Out game.

Series history and rivalry stakes

UTSA leads the all-time series 5-1, though Texas State made a statement last year with a dominant 49-10 victory in San Marcos. That result snapped a five-game Roadrunner winning streak and gave the Bobcats their first win in the rivalry.

The Alamodome has historically been unkind to Texas State. UTSA is 3-0 against the Bobcats in San Antonio, with the average margin of victory in those matchups just six points. The Roadrunners also ride a school-record-tying 10-game home winning streak under Jeff Traylor, who has built UTSA into one of the toughest home teams in college football.

Players to watch: Texas State

Brad Jackson, QB: The San Antonio native made a big statement in the opener, throwing four touchdown passes to Beau Sparks while efficiently directing an offense that racked up 606 total yards.

Lincoln Pare, RB: The senior running back exploded for 167 yards and a touchdown against Eastern Michigan, averaging nearly 14 yards per carry. His balance of speed and vision makes him the focal point of the Bobcats’ rushing attack.

Beau Sparks, WR: Sparks tied a program record with four touchdown catches in the opener. His ability to win matchups in the red zone and stretch the field makes him Jackson’s go-to target.

Treylin Payne, LB: Voted a team captain, Payne had nine tackles in Week 1 and sets the tone for a defense that will be tested against UTSA’s power run game.

Players to watch: UTSA

Robert Henry Jr., RB: The senior tailback is the centerpiece of the UTSA offense. He ran for 177 yards and two touchdowns against Texas A&M, including a 75-yard score on the first play of the second half. He’s on multiple national watch lists, including the Doak Walker Award.

Owen McCown, QB: McCown, a preseason All-AAC selection, threw for 121 yards against Texas A&M. He’ll need to be sharp to stretch the field against a Texas State defense that gave up nearly 400 yards last week.

Devin McCuin, WR: A reliable target who led UTSA in receptions in last year’s meeting with Texas State. His ability to work underneath routes is key to sustaining drives.

Houston Thomas, TE: On the John Mackey Award watch list, Thomas is a matchup problem in the middle of the field and could be a safety valve for McCown under pressure.

Keys to victory

Texas State Bobcats

1. Run the football effectively: With Pare and a deep backfield, TXST must control tempo and keep UTSA’s offense off the field.

2. Limit turnovers: The Bobcats rolled up 504 yards in last year’s win but also benefited from a mistake-free outing. Protecting the ball will be vital again.

3. Generate pressure: Making McCown uncomfortable and forcing quick throws could swing momentum.

UTSA Roadrunners

1. Feed Robert Henry Jr.: When UTSA’s ground game is rolling, their offense is at its best. Expect a heavy dose of Henry.

2. Win at home: The Alamodome has been a fortress under Traylor. A strong start will get the crowd into the game and help UTSA seize momentum.

3. Defensive adjustments: After giving up over 600 yards to Texas State last year, the Roadrunners must contain explosive plays, especially Sparks in the passing game.

Game notes

Coaching connections: UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor coached Texas State’s G.J. Kinne during his senior year at Gilmer High School in 2006, and the two later worked together on staffs at SMU and Arkansas. Their personal history adds another layer to the rivalry.

Attendance expectations: UTSA is aiming to break its all-time home game attendance record of 56,743 set in its inaugural 2011 game. The last time these teams met in San Antonio, more than 49,000 fans filled the dome.

Prediction

Both teams bring contrasting momentum into this year’s Battle for I-35. Texas State’s offense is humming after a 600-yard performance, while UTSA is looking to steady itself after a tough trip to College Station. The Bobcats’ dynamic rushing attack and Sparks’ playmaking ability will challenge UTSA’s defense, but the Roadrunners’ home dominance and Henry’s explosive running can’t be overlooked.

Expect a competitive game, closer than last year’s lopsided score. UTSA’s home field edge and Henry’s ability to carry the load tilt the scales slightly in their favor.

Prediction: UTSA 34, Texas State 31