Texas have plenty of reason to be optimistic after their closer-than-expected 20-19 loss to Alabama last weekend, but the No. 21 Longhorns have little time to relax in a game of the Week 3 with UTSA, the favorite to win the Conference United States Championship, awaits Saturday. The Roadrunners head to Austin, TX and look more than ready to provide another tough non-conference challenge for Texas in front of their fans.

It’s not often that teams lose a game and jump up the AP Top 25 poll, but that’s exactly what happened in Texas this week. The Longhorns defense held then-No. 1 Alabama in check for most of the game, and if it hadn’t been for starting quarterback Quinn Ewers leaving the game with an injury and substitute Hudson Card dealing with a nagging injury, they could have created an upset surprising. With Ewers out for at least a few weeks, Card’s status is something to watch as kickoff draws closer to UTSA.

In the first two games of the season, the Roadrunners have done nothing but play white-knuckle thrillers. UTSA went to overtime with Houston and Army with a loss to the former and a win over the latter. The Roadrunners could potentially make things interesting in Austin this weekend.

Here’s how fans can tune into that intriguing in-state matchup between the Longhorns and Roadrunners on Saturday.

How to watch Texas vs. UTSA live

Date: Saturday September 17 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium — Austin, Texas
TV: Longhorn Network | Direct: ESPN app (cable subscription required)

Three players to watch

Hudson, Texas QB Card: Card replaced Ewers in Texas’ loss to Alabama, and he had to battle an ankle injury. He played well enough to keep the Longhorns in the contest, but he was clearly hampered. Considering Card plays well when he can move around, it will be interesting to see how well that ankle holds up in what will be a tricky test against UTSA. If the peg still limits Card, this game has the potential to get interesting.

Frank Harris, UTSA QB: Harris is the engine that drives this Roadrunners offense forward. In two games, Harris completed 68.2% of his passes for 696 yards, six touchdowns and just one interception. Harris also has the ability to impact the game with his legs, currently leading UTSA with 93 rushing yards. A dual-threat signalman like Harris could be a handful for the Texas defense, even after an impressive performance against the Crimson Tide.

DeMarvion Overshown, Texas LB: One of the players Texas will rely on to make sure Harris doesn’t do too much damage is Overshown. He recorded five tackles against Alabama and leads the team with 13 total. A fifth-year senior, Overshown is the leader of this Longhorns defense, and he’ll need to be all over the field in order to slow down a Roadrunners offense that is averaging 38 points per game early on.

Prediction Texas vs UTSA

It’s a potential trick game for the Longhorns, but I think they got the win. Card’s status makes me reluctant to consider Texas a 12.5-point favorite. Card is at his best when playing with his legs, and the ankle injury could limit that part of his game. Big 12. Texas takes the win but the Roadrunners cover. Prediction: UTSA +12.5

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