2021 Frisco Bowl Preview: UTSA vs. San Diego State

The Frisco Bowl is one of the better bowl matchups on the slate. Both teams made their conference championship game. Both teams notched double-digit wins this year. Both teams overachieved and gave themselves a lot of confidence for the future. Most of the pre-Christmas bowls have relatively uninspiring matchups, but this game on December 21 is a notable exception to that larger reality.

UTSA Roadrunners vs. San Diego State Aztecs
Date: Tuesday, December 21st, 7:30 PM ET

Location: Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX

CFB Odds: UTSA -2.5

UTSA Roadrunners

The city of San Antonio has the Spurs, and not many other main-event sports attractions. This year, UTSA football stole the show in the Alamo City. Texas-San Antonio, led by coach Jeff Traylor, burst out of nowhere to go 12-1 and win the Conference USA championship. The Roadrunners very nearly went unbeaten, but they lost to North Texas in Game 12 of their season, emotionally exhausted by trying to remain perfect.

One of the most special moments of the 2021 season was UTSA’s late comeback against UAB to remain unbeaten. UTSA made a third-down stop with just under two minutes left in regulation to get the ball back. Trailing in the game, UTSA drove inside the UAB 10-yard line and, on the final play of the game, scored on a slightly tipped pass which was caught in the end zone for a touchdown. UTSA generally demonstrated considerable command and control in its games, but that escape against UAB was one of the most thrilling moments in UTSA football history and a testament to this team’s refusal to accept defeat easily. UTSA withstood 577 passing yards from Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe to win the Conference USA Championship Game, 49-41. This team continuously found answers throughout the season, forging the most special campaign in UTSA’s football existence.

San Diego State Aztecs

The San Diego State Aztecs defeated the Utah Utes team which won the Pac-12 championship and earned a date in the Rose Bowl. San Diego State was also able to beat Boise State, Air Force, and Nevada, winning tough games against a series of opponents which made bowl games in 2021 and were not easy to play against. San Diego State finished its 12-game regular-season schedule with an 11-1 record, a tremendous achievement in its own right, but also in relationship to the fact that San Diego State had not been able to reach such a high ceiling in previous seasons. The last time the Aztecs won 11 games in a season was five years ago, in 2016. It’s true that San Diego State lost the Mountain West Championship Game to Utah State, but 11 wins and a division title still gave the Aztecs more than they reasonably could have hoped for this year.

Outlook

Both teams are really good, but San Diego State has a very tough and physical defense which might be too brawny and muscular for UTSA’s offensive line. San Diego State should be able to dictate this game in the trenches and ultimately win.

Roadrunners vs. Aztecs Prediction:

Aztecs 27, Roadrunners 19