There’s a special electricity in the air when Texas State and UTSA meet—their I-35 rivalry is as geographic as it gets, and while UTSA leads the all-time series 5–1, last year’s milestone win by the Bobcats has reignited the series. For the first time in program history, Texas State toppled the Roadrunners, setting the stage for this next chapter.
At the center of it are two head coaches who have quickly defined the identity of their programs. Texas State’s G.J. Kinne is building on that breakthrough. A former quarterback with a modern offensive vision, Kinne has turned the Bobcats into a balanced, attack-first outfit. His Week 1 game plan unfolded perfectly: going on the ground in heavy doses while opening lanes for a sharp passing display. On the other sideline, UTSA’s Jeff Traylor is in his sixth year at the helm, continuing the discipline-and-hustle identity he has cultivated. Although his Roadrunners fell in Week 1 at Texas A&M, their performance—especially early on—demonstrated that UTSA now belongs in conversations with the state’s upper tier.
The Bobcats opened the season in dominant fashion against Eastern Michigan, rolling up 606 total yards—392 of them on the ground—in a 52–27 win. Quarterback Brad Jackson, in his first collegiate start, delivered 214 yards and four passing touchdowns. All four went to Beau Sparks, who tied a Texas State record dating back to 2007. Sparks’ electric night, with seven grabs for 82 yards and four scores, instantly put him on the radar as one of the nation’s top playmakers. The rushing attack, led by Lincoln Pare’s 167 yards, was equally dominant and gave Kinne’s offense a balanced look that will be hard for opposing defenses to contain.
UTSA, meanwhile, didn’t back down in College Station. Despite a 42–24 loss, the Roadrunners hung tough with an SEC power. A highlight came from Robert Henry Jr., who rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns, including a 75-yard dart on the first play of the second half. Traylor praised his team’s execution and toughness, noting they played “about as good as we could have” against a top 20 opponent. Even in defeat, UTSA proved it had the speed and physicality to match high-caliber competition.
This week’s clash in San Antonio has all the makings of another memorable battle. If Sparks and Jackson click again, the Bobcats could put up points in bunches. The ground game opens up the field, and Kinne will likely lean into that dual-threat approach. For UTSA, the key is bringing the same intensity from Week 1 and transferring it into a rivalry setting. The Roadrunners have a veteran core, and their ability to pressure Jackson and contain Sparks will go a long way in determining the outcome.
In many ways, this game isn’t just Week 2—it’s another chapter in a rivalry that feels more contemporary than historic. Texas State has the edge of momentum while UTSA has the resolve and confidence earned by standing tall against elite competition. Expect a fast start, physical battles in the trenches, and perhaps another highlight night for Beau Sparks. The Bobcats will aim to extend their momentum and further prove that they’re no longer the underdog in this I-35 clash.
