By Kelly Marshall
Austin Sports Journal
UTSA hits the road Saturday night looking to build momentum after a 48–20 win over UIW when it travels to Fort Collins to face Colorado State. The Roadrunners (1–2) and Rams (1–1) meet for the third time, with CSU holding a 2–0 series advantage after narrow wins in 2015 and 2016. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. CT on FS1.
Key players to watch
UTSA
Robert Henry Jr. (RB): The nation’s leading rusher with 480 yards (160.0 per game) and seven touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 10.2 yards per carry. Henry has ripped off runs of 74 yards or longer in each of the last three games.
Owen McCown (QB): A Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Award watch-list quarterback, McCown is completing nearly 65% of his passes with six TDs through three games. He threw for 243 yards and four scores last week.
Devin McCuin (WR): A dynamic playmaker with seven catches and two TDs against UIW. He was a preseason Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch list selection.
Shad Banks Jr. (LB): The defensive catalyst who recorded two takeaways last week and has emerged as a turnover machine for Jeff Traylor’s defense.
Colorado State
Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (QB): The sophomore starter has thrown for 312 yards and one TD through two games.
Jalen Dupree (RB): Leads the Rams with 150 yards and a touchdown, providing balance on the ground.
Jaxxon Warren (WR): CSU’s leading receiver with seven catches for 99 yards and a score.
Owen Long (LB): The Rams’ tackling machine with 24 total stops already this season.
Keys to victory
UTSA: Establish Henry early behind a veteran offensive line and allow McCown to work play-action opportunities. Defensively, the Roadrunners must prevent CSU from sustaining long drives and avoid giving up explosive plays that have plagued them in recent years.
Colorado State: Control time of possession with Dupree’s running game while keeping McCown and Henry off the field. Defensively, the Rams need to force turnovers and pressure McCown into mistakes.
On mountain time
UTSA is no stranger to trips west, having played 14 games in the Mountain time zone with a 7–7 record. Their last such game was a 44–23 win over UTEP in 2021. This will be the program’s first visit to Colorado State since a 23–14 loss in 2016.
Familiar faces
There are several connections between these programs. UTSA athletic director Lisa Campos is a Colorado State alumna. Rams head coach Jay Norvell worked with UTSA’s Jeff Traylor on the Texas staff in 2015, and multiple current CSU assistants previously held roles at UTSA.
Prediction
The Rams are fresh off a bye, but UTSA’s offense is beginning to hit stride with Henry’s explosive runs and McCown’s efficiency. CSU has struggled to generate explosive plays offensively, and that could spell trouble against a Roadrunner team hungry to climb back to .500 before conference play.
Prediction: UTSA 31, Colorado State 20
Game info
UTSA (1–2, 0–0 AAC) vs. Colorado State (1–1, 0–0 Mountain West)
When: 8:30 p.m., Saturday
Where: Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins, Colorado
TV & Radio: FS1, Sports Radio AM 760 The Ticket
