UTSA vs. Charlotte Prediction, Game Preview

UTSA vs. Charlotte prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins between the Roadrunners and 49ers on Saturday in San Antonio, TX.

UTSA vs. Charlotte Game Preview

When: Saturday, Nov. 26 – 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
TV Broadcast: Campus Insiders

The Roadrunners (5-6, 4-3 Conference USA) are coming off of a 23-10 non-conference loss to Texas A&M in College Station, as star Aggies defender Myles Garrett finished with a career-high 4.5 sacks and Jake Hubenak threw for 248 yards and a touchdown. The Roadrunners need a victory this week to become eligible for a bowl for the first time.

Meanwhile, quarterback Hasaan Klugh had 285 total yards and four touchdowns for the 49ers (4-7, 3-4) in a 38-31 home loss to Middle Tennessee. Klugh was just 22-of-49 passing for 239 yards and one touchdown, but he added 46 yards and three scores on the ground.

In last year’s contest between these teams in Charlotte, Nate Gaines’ interception in overtime set up Daniel Portillo’s 22-yard field goal in the Roadrunners’ 30-27 win. Jarveon Williams rushed for 181 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, while Dalton Sturm threw for 133 yards and two scores but had three interceptions. Two 49ers quarterbacks combined to throw for three touchdowns and two interceptions.

What To Know About UTSA

One week after the Roadrunners gave up 63 points to high-powered Louisiana Tech, Frank Wilson’s squad put forth a very strong road effort against an SEC team—a stellar performance for a program that has had a football team since just 2011. It’s obvious that a lot of progress has been made in a short amount of time, and it’s been a really solid season for Wilson in his first head-coaching gig despite the share of ups and downs his team has experienced. The Roadrunners have shown great fight coming back from tough losses, and this is a team that has shown it is postseason-worthy, especially in its upset win over Southern Miss earlier this season.

What to Know About Charlotte

A week after Brad Lambert’s squad dropped a very tough home game to Rice, blowing a 21-0 lead only to lose 22-21, the 49ers converted just 4 of 20 third-down opportunities in a loss to the Blue Raiders. For the most part, though, this has been a different-looking offense since Klugh took over under center. Charlotte is an improved bunch from the first half of the year despite the tough loss to Rice, which is one of the worst teams in the FBS. Klugh is able to create something out of nothing on broken plays, so the North Carolina A&T transfer has been able to give the offense a different dimension because of his ability to run. But while he has not thrown a pick in the last three weeks, he has not completed more than 46 percent of his throws either. So the aerial attack still leaves a lot to be desired.

Advantages

Offense: Even. Both units have similar offensive numbers, with UTSA able to do a little more damage through the air while Charlotte is more run-oriented.

Defense: UTSA. Charlotte is giving up a shade over 300 yards per game through the air.

Special Teams: UTSA. The 49ers have missed five extra points this year.

Coaching: Even. Lambert has helped transition Charlotte from FCS to C-USA, while Wilson is having a nice first season in San Antonio.

Intangibles: UTSA. The Roadrunners are looking to be on the road for the holidays and enjoy a bowl berth.

Matchup To Watch

Klugh vs. Himself

The 49ers quarterback has thrown for 1,210 yards while completing a shade under 56 percent of his throws, but his accuracy has decreased since he took over the starting job. His running ability remains the key to this offense, and he is coming off of a three-score game on the ground. But he needs to be able to be more productive through the air if Charlotte wants to spoil UTSA’s postseason aspirations.

Betting Odds

Spread: UTSA -9.5
Over/Under: 55.5