Texas State’s upset of Baylor boosts stakes for UTSA matchup

Texas State, meanwhile, came into 2023 with an overhauled roster and fresh coaching staff, looking to escape the doldrums of a run of eight straight seasons with four or fewer wins.  

Seeing the Bobcats on the slate as the Roadrunners’ home opener, many UTSA supporters penciled in a one-sided win against a rebuilding program.  

But in the span of a few hours Saturday afternoon, the tone of the matchup changed drastically. As UTSA was slogging through an array of uncharacteristic errors in a 17-14 loss at Big 12 opponent Houston, Texas State was charging toward the first win over a Power Five opponent in program history, knocking off Big 12 foe Baylor 42-31 in Waco.  

In a flash, Texas State established itself as a threat, changing the atmosphere around the meeting with UTSA at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Alamodome.  

“I’m sure our guys will be amped up, and their guys will be amped up, now,” Kinne said. “They probably wouldn’t have been if we wouldn’t have won. But they’ll be amped up now.”  

Jumping to the FBS level for the first time after leading Incarnate Word to the FCS semifinals in his lone season with the program, Kinne arrived at Texas State aiming to recreate the UIW offense that led Division I football with 51.5 points per game in 2022.  

READ MORE: As Roadrunners fall short, they’re still closing a gap

He rebuilt the roster with 53 total newcomers, ranking behind only the 70 fresh faces Deion Sanders brought to Colorado. Texas State welcomed 39 transfers, including nine from UIW.  

UTSA is still about an 11-point favorite in most listings — a much less daunting total than the 27½-point spread Texas State overcame to beat Baylor.  

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