Five Keys to #SicUTSA
9/8/2017 12:00:00 AM | Football
BAYLOR vs. UTSA:
FIVE KEYS TO SATURDAY'S GAME
1. FORGET LIBERTY: As coach Matt Rhule said, last week's 48-45 loss to Liberty "was not what we wanted." But, the Bears have to quickly put that in their rear-view mirror. Yes, take what you learned from that game and use it this week, but don't dwell on the mistakes. There's not anything you can do about that one.
2. HOUSTON & HALL: Sophomore cornerback Jameson Houston and senior safety Davion Hall, two players that were out last week, should make a big impact in the secondary. At times last week, the defensive backs were in position to make plays and just didn't make them. Having two bigger, physical guys in coverage will make all the difference in the world.
3. RUN, JOHNATHAN, RUN: True freshman John Lovett gets his first start after spelling JaMycal Hasty last week and rushing for 89 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. With freshman center Ryan Miller and the rest of the line having a game under their belts, Lovett is poised for a breakout performance. Behind him are fellow true freshmen Trestan Ebner and Dru Dixon, a walk-on from Air Force Prep.
4. SLOW THE PASS RUSH: Throughout fall camp, all the scouts that stopped over in Waco were heading down to San Antonio to check out Marcus Davenport, UTSA's 6-7, 255-pound defensive end. A preseason All-Conference USA pick, Davenport had 6 ½ sacks, 10 tackles for loss and eight QB hurries last season for a Roadrunner defense that returns seven starters. Tackles Mo Porter and Patrick Lawrence will have their hands full with Davenport.
5. FROM HOOPS TO GRIDIRON: Just a few months after lacing it up for the Baylor men's Sweet 16 matchup, Ishmail Wainright will start Saturday's game at tight end. Jordan Feurbacher suffered a hand injury during practice this week and will likely miss a few weeks. Wainright is not a novelty or circus act, he's a legitimate threat at tight end who can be a go-to receiver on the goal line and also block in run situations.
