UTSA coach Frank Wilson sat down with the media Monday as he and his team began to prepare for a big game this weekend.
First, he spoke about what frustrations his team is facing. The Roadrunners have been stuck at five wins for two weeks. After a 3-0 start, many fans had high expectations. It seemed, bowl eligibility was certain. But a 2-4 stretch has dampened spirits in San Antonio.
That’s not to say the Roadrunners aren’t being competitive. The four games lost have been by a combined 17 points, none by more than a touchdown. It’s something impressive that UTSA has built in such a short time and coach Wilson says all it needs is some depth and that comes from recruiting.
But to say there is frustration would be wrong.
“They’re searching. They want resolution. They want to be better,” Wilson said at his weekly media roundtable. “They want to play better. They’re together. There’s no lone wolf, guys walking off by themselves. No one’s pointing their finger at the others. They’re really coming closer together and trying to find a way. You know, it’s Senior Day this upcoming Saturday. We want to play well as a team for our seniors, for our team, for our university, so I think there’s a push to allow these guys to have their rightful moment as seniors for their last game in the Alamodome as players.”
In the way of those wins have been penalties and uncharacteristic turnovers. On the second play of the loss to UAB, quarterback Dalton Sturm threw a pass into coverage that was intercepted. It ended up giving UAB its first score in what would end up being a 24-19 win.
This week, turnovers like that will need to not happen. Marshall has a deep team on defense, led by the front line. The defensive ends and tackles will look to get pressure in the Marshall zone blitz scheme. If they get pressure and force Sturm into some poor decisions, the impressive secondary can take advantage.
Coach Wilson doesn’t says he doesn’t think that’s going to become a habit.
“He’s a fierce warrior. He made plays, but it was uncanny of him in some of the things,” Wilson said. “We were off target. The accuracy wasn’t there. He didn’t have to be (on the run) all the time. There were times he could have settled his feet and threw the ball.”
This will be the last game at the Alamodome for the season. This group of seniors want to go out with a win, especially because that would grant UTSA bowl eligibility.
“They’re wonderful young men,” Wilson said of his seniors. “They’ve done everything that we’ve asked of them. They’ve worked extremely hard. They’ve been great ambassadors and representatives of our university. They’ve set a tone, a trend that will allow this university, this football program to always hold its head high. I’m very proud and fortunate of the opportunity to coach these young men and be a part of their lives.”
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