UTSA quickly and quietly built an impressive defensive culture in two seasons under defensive coordinator Pete Golding. Having a future first round NFL draft pick on the defensive line didn’t hurt. But just a year after Marcus Davenport and Golding left, the defense took a big step back.
A year after finishing top 10 nationally in several categories, the Roadrunners fell to bottom third nationally in total and scoring defense. Granted, the numbers are slightly misleading. UTSA played three Power Five opponents in the nonconference slate and had to cover up for a struggling offense. But regardless, the performance wasn’t good enough.