Good morning Folks!

Hopefully, you’re enjoying this from a pre-kickoff activity and not regretting your decisions from the square last night.

UTSA Hate Week is finally here! I’m supposed to write an article at the end of the game for Dave Campbell’s and feed some video back to KENS 5 and I’m sure they expect it all to be good, so I’m going to use this newsletter as sort of pre-writing work.

Let’s talk narratives.

Storylines Of Today:

• Rivalry - Whatever you think of it. UTSA is a perfect 5-0. Both teams, on paper at least go into this matchup probably as close as they ever have.

• Great Offense Vs a Great Defense - This game may be won in the trenches. UTSA does not have the mythical Frank Harris any more, what does their offense really look like? Their defense is really where they shine. On the other side, Texas State, when everything clicks, can score with the best of them. And what does our defense really look like with first-year DC Dexter McCoil?

• Make-believe QB battle Vs. A Legitimate Contest For The Starting Spot Behind Center - Texas State has the Sun Belt Player of the Year, Jordan McCloud. Rest assured, regardless of what you think of the RJ Martinez sub from last week. McCloud is the guy for the Bobcats. For the Birds, it’s Owen McCown, son of 18-year NFL vet Josh McCown. His back up Is a legitimate contender, if things get dicey, do they make a switch? Honestly, do we make a switch?

• Penalties - Honestly, this is what I am most interested in and may be what I focus on in a coffee shop in San Marcos after the game. Texas State had 16 for 156 yards last week. How much can we clean up and how quickly? UTSA played ugly in their opener as well, Traylor said they’d have to jump on a trampoline to get as high as they can for this week. How much of that was just smoke up our ass? Hard to tell with these East Texas boys on either side.

• Kole Wilson - Now in his second year at Texas State but third year in this offense under Kinne at UIW, he’s a safety valve for McCloud. Last year though, you’ll remember a huge catch for him nearly won the Bobcats the game. A PENALTY is what had us settle for a field goal. If there is any player to watch with actually some real skin in the game on this one, I think it’s Kole. The King of San Antonio! (there is a Fiesta Joke in here somewhere)

• Special Teams - Special players, special plays, last week Texas State played great on special teams. UTSA, kinda looked lost, very uncharacteristic of a Traylor team. This could prove to be a difference maker easily, look for explosiveness, I personally will be looking for post-play whistles, smh.

• Heat? - Idk I thought this would be a bigger deal. High: Low 90s, could be low 80s. Far from true Texas heat, still probably uncomfy.

• Family - This thing is driven by two East Texas boys who love each other. Up and down the roster you can find different coaching ties, a lot of these guys coached for, coached with or were coached by each other on both sides. This is like the most athletic family reunion field game event of the century. Very cool, very feel good for rivalry week though.

• Running Back Play - Yes! Ismael Mahdi is amazing, this one really is not about him. I expect him to have a good day. Our entire room is great actually. This is mostly about UTSA. Their lead guy, Kevorian Barnes had one fumble last week, last year he had three. Online, people were furious. What we see from their room will be a solid test for Texas State’s defense and a true look at their game plan on the ground.

• Much To Be Desired In Week One - Both teams kind of won ugly in their home openers. UTSA played Kennesaw State, Texas State played Lamar. Meh for both. A lot of this week will be both sides reacting to last week versus this week. How much can each change from one week to the next ahead of two big non-conference games. Texas State plays Arizona State, UTSA plays Texas. Who’s got the gas to win down the stretch?

• CFP Implications - Whoever wins today is getting a national headline out of this. College Football Playoff contention is on the line. Neither can afford to lose in week two ahead of what is set to become a very successful season for both clubs.

• Environment - Prior to today’s contest, this game has only ever been played in San Marcos twice in 2017 and 2020. Texas State, as we know it, has been transformed into a great place to play at home for football. How much of an impact does that play? Fear the student section.

That’s 12 things off the top of my head before I do my own pre-game prep. I’ll see you all out there and more narratives are sure to form after today.

Thanks for Squarin’

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