By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
UTSA (0-2) looks to get on track in the 2025 season when it hosts FCS No. 9 Incarnate Word (1-1) in the “Hometown Showdown” at the Alamodome.
It’s only the second meeting between these San Antonio programs, but the local bragging rights and national implications add extra spice.
Game info
FCS No. 9 Incarnate Word vs. UTSA
When: 2:30 p.m., Saturday
Where: Alamodome, San Antonio
TV/radio: ESPN+, 760 AM The Ticket
Key players to watch
UTSA
Robert Henry Jr., RB: Featured back and top playmaker; UTSA leans on his explosiveness.
Owen McCown, QB: The redshirt junior has thrown for 340 yards and two TDs through two games. He’s a steady leader with NFL pedigree.
Devin McCuin, WR: The go-to target with 11 catches for 116 yards so far. His quickness in space makes him a reliable option.
Shad Banks Jr., LB: A TCU transfer wearing UTSA’s coveted No. 0 jersey, he leads the defense with 16 tackles and an interception.
Incarnate Word
Richard Torres, QB: Efficient passer with 507 yards on 50-of-73 throws. His ability to sustain drives is critical.
Chedon James, WR: Team leader with 13 catches for 115 yards. The short-game chain mover.
Harlan Dixon, RB: Paces the run game with 75 yards and two scores. Gives UIW balance offensively.
Kendrick Stone, LB: Defensive anchor with 18 tackles and 2.5 TFLs. The Cardinals will need his physicality to contain Henry.
Keys to victory
UTSA
Lean on Henry: The Roadrunners’ offense runs through their star back. He must get 20+ touches.
Win the trenches: UTSA’s veteran offensive line has more than 150 combined starts. They must impose their size advantage.
Limit mistakes: Costly turnovers haunted them against Texas State. A clean game is critical.
UIW
Slow down Henry: No team has stopped him yet. Forcing UTSA into obvious passing downs is the Cardinals’ path.
Torres in rhythm: Sustaining drives will keep UTSA’s playmakers off the field.
Match intensity: The Alamodome crowd will be loud. UIW must withstand early surges.
Last meeting in 2019
The only other time these two met, UTSA rolled 35-7 behind QB Frank Harris in his first start. Harris threw for three touchdowns and ran for 123 yards, while the Roadrunners held UIW to just 209 yards of total offense. That day set the tone for UTSA’s startup program success. This year, the Cardinals arrive as a nationally ranked FCS program aiming for payback.
Prediction
UTSA has been tested by two tough opponents already, and despite being winless, the Roadrunners are battle-ready. UIW is talented and ranked for a reason, but this feels like a game where Robert Henry’s explosiveness and UTSA’s size up front take over.
Prediction: UTSA 31, UIW 20
