The Owls head to the Alamo Dome on Saturday for a matchup with UTSA as they embark on their journey into the Football Bowl Subdivision.
The Owls begin their time in Conference USA on against a strong opponent in UTSA. The Roadrunners have won nine, 11, and 12 games in each of the last three seasons and won the first bowl game in program history in 2023.
Owls coach Brian Bohannon said the game will be a test.
“We’re going to play a team that’s in the group of five, but their personnel is power four,” Bohannon said. “They won Conference USA two years in a row before going to the AAC and they were one game away from playing for that title last year, so we know this is a very good football team we’re going up against.”
On Offense, UTSA will be lead by running back Robert Henry who averaged almost five yards per carry last season, as well as an offensive line that averages 325 pounds up front. On defense, the Roadrunners had 46 sacks last season and are solid at getting to the quarterback.
Coach Bohannon said they’re not just dynamic in those areas, but everywhere.
“They got dynamic running back, dynamic receivers, defensive line is stout and I think they’re super athletic and talented,” he said. “They’re well coached, have a good culture, and I think they’re like 32-9 or something like that in the last three years so while it’s going to be a challenge, we’re excited to compete.”
As for the Owls, they’ll roll with redshirt sophomore Davis Bryson at quarterback. The 5-foot-9 Bryson played in three games, preserving his redshirt. He went 2-for-5 for 53 yards throwing and also had 13 rushing attempts for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
Bohannon said consistency was something they hope to see from Bryson going in week one.
“He’s definitely the starter going into the game,” he said. “I think the big thing with him coming in is to be more consistent with throwing the ball and running the offense. Obviously, he’s got to move the ball down field and lead the offense and we have all the belief in him to do that. He has all the tools and he’s the guy right now.”
As for the play calling on the offensive side, it’ll be former Owls quarterback and now co-offensive coordinator Chandler Burks carrying out the duties.
“Coach Stuart Cook and Coach Burks will both work together on game planning, but coach Burks is going to call the plays on game day,” Bohannon said. “The offense is going to look a little different and we’re going to need to take some of things we’ve been doing for years offensively and merge it with what we’re doing now, and both coach Cook and Burks will help us get there.”
Bohannon said he’s excited for week one, and he wants the team to go out there with a chip on their shoulders.
“We better have a chip on our shoulders,” Bohannon said. “It’s go time. It’s time to go out there and cut it loose, compete, and not worry about tomorrow. We just need to cut it loose and have some fun, because what do we got to lose, man? Let’s go play and I hope our kids have the same mindset I do. We’re ready to go.”
The game will start at 3:30 and will be on ESPN+.
