Early Scouting Report: UTSA

The Tennessee Volunteers took a stumble after their loss to Florida, so here's a look ahead to UTSA and an early glimpse at how the Vols can get back on track.

The 2-1 and now No. 23 Tennessee Volunteers match up with the UTSA Roadrunners on Saturday in Neyland Stadium. UTSA comes into the matchup with a loss, just like the Vols. The Roadrunners lost to Army by a final score of 37-29. It is UTSA's second loss of the year, and they fell to 1-2 to begin the year. This is also the Roadrunners' first and only matchup with a power five opponent all year.

The Vols need to use this as a rebound game after falling to the Florida Gators in Gainesville last Saturday. There is a chance they do, as UTSA has not gotten off to a fast start. This team struggled to stop the Army Black Knights' run attack last weekend. They gave up 264 total rushing yards and allowed six conversions on six attempts on 4th down.

This same defense will face the Vols this Saturday and their run game that features a one-two punch of Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small. Both looked out of sync against Florida. But Wright had two 100+ yard games before that, and Small had a 96-yard outing two games ago against Austin Peay. The Tennessee run game will certainly be something to watch. Another part of the game is what is happening with UTSA quarterback Frank Harris. He was out against Army with an injury that will need work as the week leading up to the Tennessee game progresses.

Backup quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger took over and threw very well for the Roadrunners. He threw for 239 yards on 68% with three touchdowns. He also had no interceptions, which Harris has run into as he has three through 2 game appearances. There is a chance UTSA is without Harris again, and Marburger gets the start once again in Neyland. It will be a story to see if he can repeat a great game like he had last Saturday. The kickoff for UTSA and Tennessee will be at 4:00 p.m. ET, with the game on the SEC Network. 

UTSA Roadrunners RB Robert Henry after scoring a touchdown against Army on September 15th, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Danny Wild of USA Today Sports)

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