Oklahoma State 69, UTSA 14: What We Learned

[caption id="attachment_18797" align="alignleft" width="300"]Photo by Jeff Huehn/UTSA Athletics Photo by Jeff Huehn/UTSA Athletics[/caption] The UTSA Roadrunners fell to 0-3 on the season after a 69-14 road loss to Oklahoma State. It was UTSA’s third Power 5 opponent in as many games, losing to Arizona and Kansas State in previous weeks. The loss stings the most, though, because UTSA looked out of place for the first time on the season. In losses against Arizona and Kansas State, UTSA was able to find bright spots. The offense scored 32 points and set a single-game passing record behind the right arm of redshirt freshmen Blake Bogenschutz in the loss to Arizona. The defense was very good in the loss to Kansas State. There are no bright spots to take from this loss from UTSA. The Roadrunners committed six turnovers, four of which came in the team’s first five drives of the game. Oklahoma State scored 45 points off of those seven turnovers, including a fumble return for a touchdown on the first possession of the game and another fumble return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Bogenschutz had two interceptions and two turnovers in five possessions before UTSA replaced him with little-known Dalton Sturm. Bogenschutz ended the game 8-of-13 for 58 yards, those four turnovers and a touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Kerry Thomas. Sturm, who wasn’t listed on the two-deep entering the game, was 7-of-13 for 109 yards for no touchdowns or interceptions. He was impressive in relief duty. He protected the football and pushed the ball down the field. The defense was eventually worn out with the amount of turnovers. Oklahoma State scored 14 defensive points and had great field position for much of the game. Starting linebacker Drew Douglas, one of the only multiple-year starters for UTSA, missed the game and his absence in the middle of the defense was felt immediately. Hawk linebacker Marcos Curry recorded two sacks and was the best performer on the UTSA defense. The Roadrunners may have more talent on the field than they’ve ever had, but the inexperience of the roster was once again obvious. UTSA made mistakes in the loss to Arizona, Kansas State and Oklahoma State that a disciplined football team doesn’t make. No one expects UTSA to beat P5 programs, but the last two performances leave a lot to be desired for a fan base that was energized after the first game of the season.