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The New Mexico Lobos open up their 2013 season by hosting the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners on Saturday Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET, and at this time there is no word on if it will be on television.
Head Coach: Larry Coker (22-12, second year, 72-25 overall)
2012 season in review: The 2012 season was UTSA's first as a FBS member, and second year ever to be playing college football. They were in the WAC -- now in Conference USA -- where they went 8-4 and 3-3 in league play, but since they were technically in a transition year they were not able to go to a bowl game; plus four of those games are against non-FBS teams. The Roadrunners did finish the season strong with three straight wins, so they have some confidence heading into their second year of FBS football.
Returning Offensive Starters: 10
Returning Defensive Starters: 8
Key Returning Starters: TE Cole Hubble, DB Triston Wade, RB David Glasco II, WR Kam Jones, OL Cody Harris, OL Scott Inskeep, LB Stevn Kurfehs, QB Eric Soza
2013 Strengths: Their offense is the teams strength as they averaged 31.2 points per game last year, but that included four teams not of the FBS variety, so take that for what it is worth. However, they do return 10 of 11 starters and their two top rushers in running backs David Glasco II and Evans Okotcha, plus quarterback Eric Soza. The three players combined for 1,100 and 13 touchdowns. Soza also threw for over 1800 yards with 18 touchdowns to three interceptions.
2013 Weaknesses: The defense is the weak part and even though they are returning eight starters, it likely will struggle now that they are facing a complete FBS schedule. The pass defense is the real concern as they were middle of the pack -- again that is against only eight FBS teams last year -- where they allowed 240 yards per game. The one chance for improvement is that UTSA returns eight defensive starter including All-WAC defensive back Triston Wade.
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