CSJ 2022 Game Preview: UTSA at Army West Point

UTSA at Army West Point
When: Saturday, September 10, 12:00 PM EDT
Where: Michie Stadium, West Point, N.Y.
TV/Streaming: CBS Sports Network / CBS Sports Network

Two teams that lost in Week 1 will try to get their first win in this game. Army lost on the road to Coastal Carolina 38-28, while UTSA lost at home to Houston 37-35 in three overtimes.

The two teams have met twice previously with both contests taking place in San Antonio. Army won both of these prior meetings. The last meeting was two seasons ago at the Black Knights won 28-16.

This game will feel a lot like the newcomers playing the old guard. UTSA is now in their 12th season of play. By comparison, Army has been playing football since 1890 and owns three national championships in its history.

UTSA was picked to win the C-USA crown this fall by the media, while Army is an independent but has picked up some Top 25 votes in the preseason.

Here is a look at how the two teams stack up against each other statistically each through one game:

And here are some highlights from these two team’s most recent meeting in 2020:

UTSA Roadrunners (0-1, 0-0 C-USA)

LOCATION: San Antonio, Tex.

HEAD COACH: Jeff Traylor (4th Season, 19-8 @ UTSA & Overall)

UTSA was undoubtedly disappointed with the result of its game against Top 25 nationally ranked Houston last week, but the Roadrunners held a 21-7 lead in that game. Houston stormed back with 17 fourth quarter points. In overtime, each team shared the points, but UTSA failed to score the two point conversion in triple overtime that gave Houston the win.

Senior QB Frank Harris completed 28 of 43 pass attempts for 330 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 63 yards and a score on eight carries. Senior WRs Joshua Cephus and Zakhari Franklin both went over 100 yards in the loss.

The Roadrunners defense held Houston to 346 of total offense whereas the Roadrunners produced 441 yards. The Roadrunners picked up one turnover in the game as they were able to scoop up a fumble. The killer for UTSA was allowing Houston to go 13-21 on third downs.

UTSA has won six of its last seven road games so they do know how to play away from the Alamodome.

Key Player: QB Frank Harris

As mentioned earlier, Harris was a highlight real against a very tough Houston team last week. He actually scored all four of the UTSA touchdowns (3 passing, 1 rushing). He will need to keep the passing attack and likely try not to score too quickly every possession to give his defense some time to rest against the Army option attack. Turnovers will also need to be avoided in this road contest.

Army West Point Black Knights (0-1, Independent)

LOCATION: West Point, N.Y.

HEAD COACH: Jeff Monken (3rd Season, 58-44 @ Army, 96-60 Overall)

Army was unable to match Coastal Carolina’s high-powered offense last week, but it will not face the same challenge this week. The Black Knights are going to control the tempo with their rushing attack, which led the country in rushing touchdowns last season. Sophomore RB Tyrell Robinson had nine carries for 135 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Coastal Carolina.

Army was a big play machine though in this game as three of their touchdowns were longer than 50-yards. The opening score of the game came from Robinson who ran straight up the middle for a 70-yard run. Two deep passes for Army went for touchdowns as Ay’Juan Marshall caught a pass from RB Tyhier Tyler for the 54-yard score on a trick play. In the fourth quarter, Braheam Murphy caught a 74-yard dime from QB Cade Ballard for the touchdown as Army closed the gap on CCU 28-31, but a drive of almost six minutes ended in a short rushing touchdown for the Chanticleers to ice the game.

But the Amy defense was not as steller as the offense. CCU gave the Black Knights a big ground game. They ran for 263 yards and two touchdowns on 53 carries. One interception by Army was the lone turnover in the game as CCU was perfect on fourth down conversions. CCU went 4-for-4 on fourth down attempts, they also went 4-for-11 on third down attempts. The Black Knights’ inability to get off the field on defense was a huge thorn in their side when it came to the outcome of the game.

The Black Knights have been dominant at home, winning 14 of their last 15 games but will be tested in this home owner.

Key Player: LB Andre Carter II

Carter was not very dominating in the Coastal Carolina game as his preseason All-American status would make him. He finished with just one tackle with two assists The Black Knights defense will need to have a much stronger game against another powerful offense in UTSA.

Fearless Forecast:

On paper, the more talented team is UTSA especially with all of their offensive weapons. However, there is something different playing in West Point. I think this will help the Black Knights keep a perfect historical record against the Roadrunners and will notch their first win. However, this game will likely come down to the end when the Army defense will need to make some key stops to secure the win. I think Army will be able to learn from their mistakes in the Coastal Carolina game and use those in this game. Army 31 UTSA 28