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Arizona vs. UTSA: Three keys for Wildcats to slay Roadrunners

How the Wildcats come out on top tonight

The Alamo
The Alamo
Jason Bartel

It appears that the UTSA Roadrunners will be the best challenge to date for the 2013 Arizona Wildcats.  Their very active offense has been the center of attention all week after they put 35 on Oklahoma State last week.

So what are they keys for Arizona to come out on top Saturday night at Arizona Stadium?  Here you go...

1. Running Down River(Walk)

Arizona's running game is what's going to win them a lot, if not all, of their games this season.  Today's no different.  UTSA Head coach Larry Coker talked about how containing Ka'Deem Carey will be key for them to succeed.  The Roadrunners DEs are sort of small (250 pounds each), so pounding the ball on the outside of the tackle box will probably happen early and often for the Wildcats.  I'm definitely expecting Carey and Daniel Jenkins to both have big games tonight.

2. Spur the Wide Receivers

Spur (I think Casteel calls it Spur safety just for a San Antonio-themed three keys) safety Tra'Mayne Bondurant is already having a big year, picking off three passes in the first two games, and taking two of those back to the house.  Look for QB Eric Soza to be challenging the Arizona secondary often tonight with his big weapons of Kam Jones, Kenny Bias, and Kenny Harrison.  Bondurant has been getting good reads on the QBs eyes so far against Kyren Poe of NAU and Nick Sherry of UNLV.  Look for Bondurant to have many tackles, and hopefully a pick or two tonight.

3. Rush the Alamo

UTSA is known for their outstanding quarterback protection.  The Roadrunners gave up the second-fewest sacks in the FBS last season, and return four offensive linemen from that squad.  If Arizona's athletic D-Line and LBs can get consistent pressure on Eric Soza, the UTSA offense may struggle to find the success they had late last week against OSU.