UTSA heads into the Jeff Traylor era with hopes of competing at the highest level. Traylor has established himself as one of the elite recruiters in Texas. 

However, few teams are hurt more by losing spring practice than the Roadrunners. The offensive staff comes from diverse backgrounds and should be able to create a fascinating product – that will take time. UTSA’s stars are still among the youngest in the conference. The development time could have helped dramatically. 

Regardless, UTSA will have multiple opportunities to practice and show off the future of the program. Here’s how we see UTSA handling the 2020 schedule. 

Sept. 5: at LSU

The Jeff Traylor era starts off against the defending national champions in Baton Rouge, a program that Traylor’s Razorbacks lost by a combined 80-37 in two seasons in Fayetteville. 

Prediction: Loss (0-1)

Sept. 12: at Texas State

The first rivalry game of the Traylor era comes just 30 minutes up I-35. The Bobcats head into year two under Jake Spavital and likely with new quarterback Brady McBride. UTSA will likely still be figuring things out under a new staff; this is where continuity pays off. 

Prediction: Loss (0-2)

Sept. 19: Grambling State

The home opener for Jeff Traylor comes against longtime HBCU power Grambling State. However, the Tigers – which have a similar Packers-like logo to Traylor’s original stomping grounds at Gilmer – aren’t quite up to their former glory. 

Prediction: Win (1-2)

Sept. 26: Memphis

Hot take: There’s a non-zero chance Memphis could be the best team on UTSA’s schedule. Yes, I know it also includes LSU. The Tigers of Tennessee feature one of the most dynamic set of triplets in America with Brady White (4,014 passing yards, 33 TDs), Kenneth Gainwell (2,069 all-purpose yards, 16 total TDs) and Damonte Coxie (1,276 receiving yards).

Prediction: Loss (1-3)

Oct. 3: at UAB

The Blazers took a small step back in 2019 after a conference championship, but now return among the most production in college football. Don’t be surprised to see Bill Clark’s squad in the conference title game. 

Prediction: Loss (1-4)

Oct. 17: Old Dominion

Halfway through the season, UTSA finally faces off against its first other rebuilding program. Old Dominion nabbed Penn State offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne to lead the program, and the Monarchs will have issues putting a strong product on the field. 

Prediction: Win (2-4)

Oct. 24: Louisiana Tech

Skip Holtz’s Bulldogs are fresh off the first 10-win season in decades. Although some of the top playmakers from 2019 are gone, Holtz has built a consistent C-USA power in Ruston. 

Prediction: Loss (2-5)

Oct. 31: at FAU

Lane Kiffin is gone, but the Owls are just turning to another highly-touted Power Five coach in Willie Taggart. The defending C-USA champions return star QB Chris Robison and other key contributors on offense and should be able to stay atop the pile. 

Prediction: Loss (2-6)

Nov. 7: at Rice

The Roadrunners are heading into year one of a rebuild. In two years, the program could start looking a little more like Rice, which we expect to take the step towards bowl contention in year three under Bloomgren with a hyper-experienced defense. 

Prediction: Loss (2-7)

Nov. 14: UTEP

UTSA’s matchup with UTEP a year ago served as the breakout moment for running back SIncere McCormick, who rushed for 189 yards and a TD against the Miners. The game moves back to the Alamodome, which should be a showcase opportunity for a developing offense. 

Prediction: Win (3-7)

Nov. 21: at Southern Miss

Southern Miss boasts one of the best quarterbacks in the conference. Jack Abraham has completed 70 percent of his passes through two seasons and should improve as a senior, even with star receiver Quez Watkins off to the NFL. 

Prediction: Loss (3-8)

Nov. 28: North Texas

The Mean Green have recruited at an elite C-USA level over the past several seasons and have a strong offensive identity that flows from head coach Seth Littrell. While it’ll take some time for the quarterback situation to settle, that won’t be an issue by the final game of the year. 

Prediction: Loss (3-9)

Record Prediction: 3-9, 2-6 Conference USA

Few programs are impacted more by the abbreviated spring and summer schedule than UTSA. The Roadrunners bring in a first-time head coach, along with a variety of coaches on both sides of the ball that have never worked with each other. There will be growing pains. 

What the final record doesn’t show is that there will be real growth. Young San Antonioans Frank Harris, Sincere McCormick, Spencer Burford and Rashad Wisdom are building the core of this program. Remote install will likely come with some complications, but the development from 2020 portends well for the future.