UTSA 30, Charlotte 27: What We Learned

[caption id="attachment_19274" align="alignright" width="300"]Photo by Mary Scott McNabb Photo by Mary Scott McNabb[/caption] Nate Gaines’ third interception of the season came at the perfect time for UTSA. The Roadrunners won their second game of the season with a 30-27 road-victory over Charlotte in overtime. Gaines intercepted a Charlotte pass at the goal line on the first possession of overtime, giving the UTSA offense a chance to win the game. Jarveon Williams is the catalyst. For the most part, UTSA goes as running back Jarveon Williams goes. The junior running back from Converse Judson already set the UTSA single-season record for rushing yards and he added to that total in a big way in the win over Charlotte. Williams was a ghost in the first half, but he came alive with some touches in the second half. He ended the game with 181 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Much of the talk surrounding UTSA this season centered on the play at quarterback due to injuries, but Williams and the running game remain the catalysts to offensive success. The Roadrunners are playing backup quarterback Dalton Sturm, who entered summer as the fourth-string option and a walk-on. He’s played best when given less of a burden. In the first half, UTSA put a lot on his shoulders and the Roadrunners went into halftime trailing 7-0. Williams was given more carries to start the second half and that allowed UTSA’s offense to come alive and score 20 points in the third quarter and, eventually, seal a victory. UTSA’s front seven is a strength. The Roadrunners held Charlotte to 2.5 yards per rushing attempt in the win. UTSA is known for stopping the run, and the 4-2-5 system of defensive coordinator Neal Neathery was once again successful. Charlotte caught a tough break when its best running back was injured early in the game, but the defensive line and linebackers of UTSA did a great job during the game. Defensive tackle Jonathan Tuiolosega had nine tackles, leading the way. Redemption for Portillo. It is unfair for kicker Daniel Portillo to get all the blame for the UTSA special team woes because the Roadrunners are struggling in all facets, but a field goal kicker usually gets the blame. Portillo missed an extra point and a field goal in regulation and was then benched as time ended in the fourth quarter on a long field goal attempt that was a potential game-winner. Portillo remained focused and hit the game-winner in overtime.