Five Burning Questions Heading into UTSA
Which J’Mar Smith shows up? The sophomore signal caller for the Bulldogs has had an up and down season to say the least. Smith played a good game against UTEP Saturday finishing with 252 total yards and four touchdowns. Tech will need the best version of Smith on display Saturday in order to pile up points against a good UTSA defense. If Smith plays similarly to how he played against Southern Miss when he completed only 11-28 passes, the Bulldogs will struggle. J’Mar Smith has the keys to the car and will need to ignite the Bulldog offense Saturday.
What will the atmosphere be like at Joe Aillet Stadium? It is no secret that the 2017 version of Bulldog football has not been as exciting as years past. The crowds at Joe Aillet Stadium have reflected that, but now Tech fans have an opportunity to show their support. With a bowl game on the line, the Bulldog faithful should be out in full force Saturday night. Tech has averaged only 17,508 fans in their last two games. This number must improve, and a hostile environment is a must in order for Tech to beat UTSA.
Is this the final time we see Jaylon Ferguson? Entering the 2017 season hype surrounded the Tech defensive end more than any player in Conference USA. Ferguson piled up 14.5 sacks in 2016 and was poised for a monster 2017. Ferguson has not produced the numbers he did a year ago only accumulating 4.5 sacks to go along with 33 total tackles. Ferguson has all the ability in the world and is certainly a NFL talent. Will he jump to the NFL after the season, or will he return to Ruston for his final year of eligibility? This could perhaps be the last time Tech fans have an opportunity to watch the star defensive end.
Will Tech finally figure out the third quarter woes? Tech has been outscored 101-31 in the third quarter of games so far this year. It is astounding to think Tech is scoring less than a field goal per game coming out of the half. The problems continued to rear their ugly heads Saturday when UTEP outscored the ‘Dogs 14-0 in the third period. How Tech plays in the third quarter Saturday against UTSA could determine whether or not the Bulldogs reach a bowl game for the fourth consecutive season.
How will Tech stop Dalton Sturm? UTSA is led by their senior signal caller Dalton Sturm, and Sturm has put together a terrific season. He has accounted for over 2,600 yards of offense, 17 touchdown, and only 3 interceptions. The dual-threat quarterback has given Tech fits in recent years and will be dangerous once against this weekend. Tech linebackers Dae’Von Washington and Russell Farris will have the responsibility of spying the dynamic quarterback in order to keep him in check.