TXST FOOTBALL
The Countdown to Kickoff series takes a look at the upcoming 2025 for the Texas State Bobcats as they prepare to hit the field this season.
This week will preview the Bobcats Week 2 game as Texas State heads to the Alamodome for the annual I-35 Rivalry with the rival UTSA Roadrunners.
The Roadrunners are coming off a seasonopening loss to Texas A&M where UTSA fell to the Aggies 42-24. Running back Robert Henry Jr. rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns - including a 75-yard touchdown - with the Roadrunners out rushing the Aggies 203-110.
UTSA is coming off a 6-6 regular season where the Roadrunners finished tied for sixth place in the American Athletic Conference standings.
In UTSA’s showdown with Texas State last year, the Bobcats pummeled the Roadrunners 49-10 for the ‘Cats first ever win over the I-35 rivals.
UTSA became bowl eligible after defeating Temple and was invited to the Mytrle Beach Bowl where the Roadrunners went up against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. The Roadrunners prevailed and defeated the Chanticleers 44-15 for the program’s second ever bowl victory.
UTSA will look to contend for the AAC conference title, returning the majority of their offensive starters.
Leading the offense is quarterback Owen McCown. McCown finished the season passing for 3,424 yards and 25 touchdowns for the Roadrunners while rushing for 340 yards and three touchdowns.
In the passing game, wide receiver Willie McCoy also returns, having caught 28 passes for 536 yards and four touchdowns. Also returning is tight end Houston Thomas, who caught 34 passes for 470 yards and three touchdowns. The Roadrunners’ leading receiver in touchdowns also returns in Devin McCuin, who caught 45 passes for 424 yards and five touchdowns.
UTSA’s rushing attack will be led by running back Robert Henry. Henry led the team in rushing with 706 yards on 130 carries and seven touchdowns.
On defense, the Roadrunners are replacing their top five tacklers from last season. UTSA’s returning lead tackler is linebacker Owen Pewee with 42 total tackles and 25 solo tackles along with two interceptions. Also returning is safety Jermarius Lewis, who made 28 total tackles and 19 solo tackles.
The history of the I-35 rivalry dates back to 1991 when UTSA joined the Southland Conference. Despite the Roadrunners not having a football program until 2011, Texas State and UTSA waged war in baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball, with many conference titles being determined by the results of their clashes.
Both Texas State and UTSA made the jump to the FBS in 2012 where they became members of the Western Athletic Conference, meeting on the gridiron for the first time over Thanksgiving Weekend.
The Roadrunners prevailed, winning 38-31. UTSA then won five straight games over the Bobcats. In their clash during the 2023 season, more than 49,000 fans packed the Alamodome as the Roadrunners came away with the win 20-13.
Texas State ended their Roadrunner curse during the 2024 season in a highly anticipated showdown between what was considered to be the two best Group of Five programs.
In front of a sold-out crowd at UFCU Stadium, the Bobcats defeated the Roadrunners 49-10 in the biggest blowout win in the history of the football series.
Kickoff for Texas State-UTSA is set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday Sep. 6 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
