FIU football preparing to face loaded UTSA Roadrunners squad

Somehow, a 33-point betting line doesn’t seem big enough.

The favored Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners (4-2, 2-0) are the reigning Conference USA champions, and they are led by quarterback Frank Harris, who ranks fourth in the nation with 1,997 yards.

FIU, which will play host to the Roadrunners on Friday night, is 2-3 overall and 0-1 in the league. The Panthers have lost 20 of their past 21 games against FBS teams.

Moreover, FIU lost 73-0 to Western Kentucky last month. For context, UTSA beat Western Kentucky 31-28 last week.

In addition, UTSA – which produced a program-best 12-2 record last season -- beat Middle Tennessee State, 45-30, just two weeks ago. Yes, that’s the same Middle Tennessee squad that whipped the Miami Hurricanes, 45-31, last month.

“(UTSA) is the best team in our league,” MacIntyre said.

The Roadrunners are not just good – they are also highly experienced.

Harris, for example, is a fifth-year player with 35 games of experience. UTSA running back Brenden Brady, who is seventh in the league in rushing, is also in his fifth year.

Wide receiver De’Corian Clark, Zakhari Franklin and Joshua Cephus – all in their fourth years at UTSA – are each on pace for 1,000-yard seasons.

“They have the best receivers in our conference,” FIU safety Demetrius Hill said. “They have guys with height and speed.”

To Hill’s point on size, Clark is 6-3 and 225 pounds; Franklin is 6-1 and 185; and Cephus is 6-3 and 185.

Clark leads the league with 103 receiving yards per game. Franklin, who ranks second in the league in catches and third in yards per game (97.7), has the best hands in the league and is C-USA’s top deep threat, according to Lindy’s magazine. Cephus, who ranks first in the league with 44 catches, is third in yards per game (91.5).

“They are the top three receivers in the league,” said MacIntyre, referencing Pro Football Focus’ rankings. “They all have a great connection with (Harris).”

MacIntyre also praised Harris – a lefty passer – for his ability to escape pressure.

“When things break down, he will still make a fantastic play,” MacIntyre said. “He can also sit in the pocket. I’ve been impressed every time I’ve seen him play.”

THIS AND THAT

▪ UTSA also returns four starting offensive linemen, including three who made first- or second-team All-C-USA in the preseason.

▪ FIU baseball coach Rich Witten and his wife, Natalie, welcomed their first child – his name is James Richard -- into the world on Saturday night.

▪ Grayson James on Friday is set to make his fifth straight start as FIU’s quarterback. Gunnar Holmberg, who started the opener, has a shoulder injury and may not be ready, even for backup duty, according to MacIntyre.

▪ FIU’s best player, wide receiver Tyrese Chambers, appears doubtful to play this week due to injury. MacIntyre said he was able only to “walk around” in practices this week.

▪ MacIntyre announced that offensive tackle Rey Burnett, who started two games for FIU last season, has quit the team.