UTSA has wrapped up fall camp and will now patiently wait to open their season September 12th on ESPN2! Here’s a quick rundown of this weeks schedule updates.
While UTSA will have to wait until week 2 to begin the 2020 college football season, this week the Runners found out that their season-opener against I-35 Rival Texas State will be nationally televised on ESPN2! The programs’ original week 1 matchup against reigning CFP Champions LSU was cancelled, after the SEC elected to follow a “conference only” schedule amid the COVID-19 pandemic, The Runners were unable to find a week 1 replacement in time. However, they were able to fill out their 12 game schedule; adding home games against SFA & Army, as well as a trip to Provo, UT to face BYU. We may not know who’s starting at QB this year, but at least we finally know who the Runners’ will play!
After finishing fall camp last week, the Runners are stuck in a kind of limbo without a week 1 opponent. Often referred to as “idle” week the main goal is to remaining healthy while also simulating next weeks’ competitive schedule to prepare for Texas State. Coach Taylor was able to confirm that UTSA will open its season September 12th against their I-35 Rival. The university also announced a September 19th home opener against Stephen F Austin in the Alamodome. In his post-practice media availability, Coach Taylor refrained from commenting on scheduling matters “until the ink dries” on game contracts. Unable to contain his excitement he did tip off reporters to the fact that discussions with multiple teams were taking place.
Days later, it was Army and not UTSA who first announced the October 17th matchup in the Alamodome. This will be the second meeting between the two programs. It should also be noted that this game agreement is separate from the 3 year contract the universities amended last fall.
The Runners also announced a road game in Provo, Utah against FBS Independent BYU. The Cougars lost 5 separate opponents after cancelations from Big 10 & Pac 12 conferences. Athletic Director Tom Holmoe has done his best to rebuild a fall schedule, adding UTSA and I-35 Rival Texas State in the same week. This will be the very first time the Runners & Cougars will meet on the field.
UTSA also announced a few more scheduling addendums. The Runners’ Week 3 matchup against Memphis has been moved up to Friday September 25th. The home game will air 7pm primetime on CBS Sports Networks. Two more games, Week 4 @ UAB and Week 12 against UNT will air on Stadium Sports. According to the Conference USA 2020 TV schedule, all but one UTSA game this fall will be televised on either CBSN, Stadium, or ESPN+
Still the news of the week has to be the national television audience for the I-35 Rivalry. This will be UTSAs’ 2nd time playing on ESPN2; their first since a 2016 loss to Arizona State. The Runners are undefeated against their I-35 Rival and 7-2 in season-openers.
