By Ahfaaz Merchant | Sports Writer, Video by Drake Toll | Broadcast Reporter
Baylor football prepares to face the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners at home on Saturday by looking to build off a successful 56-17 opening victory over Stephen F. Austin last weekend.
This is the third time the Bears will face the Roadrunners in the past three years, dropping the first matchup 17-10 at McLane Stadium in 2017, but defeating UTSA 37-20 in the Alamodome last season.
With the heat forecast to be over 100 degrees, head coach Matt Rhule will have to take some precautions to ensure the safety of his players and staff.
“We practice in the afternoon most days,” Rhule said. “We make sure the guys hydrate and do a good job of having the things on the sidelines, but at the end of the day, the game comes down to blocking and tackling.”
The Roadrunners are coming off a 35-7 win over the University of Incarnate World Cardinals.
Some UTSA players set to challenge the Bears include sophomore quarterback Jon Copeland, who threw for 181 yards, completed 15 out of 31 passes and had one touchdown. The Roadrunners’ frequent utilization of their tight ends will present a challenge to the Bears’ defense.
“They present some unique challenges. I talked about the quarterback — so going back and studying them some more. They use two tight ends a lot,” Rhule said. “At the end of the day they’re a tough, physical football team, so we are prepared. It’s going to be four-quarter game.”
The Bears also have some breakout players who showed their toughness on Saturday against the Lumberjacks. The main player was quarterback Charlie Brewer, who had 199 passing yards, a 68% completion rate and three touchdowns.
Junior running back Tresten Ebner was also a key player with 32 yards and two touchdowns. Only carrying the ball twice, Ebner scored on both attempts.
Sophomore receiver R.J. Sneed stepped up on Saturday as well. Sneed recorded 57 yards on five receptions, scoring two touchdowns.
Baylor will take on the UTSA Roadrunners 3:30 p.m. Saturday at McLane Stadium.
