Report: UTSA decides on starting quarterback for Saturday's game at No. 23 Tennessee
UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor said earlier this week that his team’s quarterback situation would be a game-time decision before the Roadrunners play at No. 23 Tennessee on Saturday afternoon (4 p.m. Eastern Time, SEC Network) at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
But that decision has reportedly already been made.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Friday night reported on social media that UTSA (1-2) will start sophomore Eddie Lee Marburger against the Vols (2-1).
Redshirt senior Frank Harris did not play in UTSA’s loss to Army last week due to a turf toe injury. It was initially reported that Harris would be a game-time decision against Army, before ultimately being held out.
Eddie Lee Marburger vs. Army: 17-25, 239 yards, 3 TDs
“It’ll either be Frank Harris or it’ll be Marburger,” Traylor said while meeting with reporters after practice on Tuesday. “So we’ll see.”
Marburger started at quarterback in place of Harris against Army, completing 17 of 25 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Owen McCown, the son of former NFL quarterback Josh McCown, is another option at quarterback for UTSA.
“We had planned on playing Owen on Friday (against Army),” Traylor said this week. “We didn’t know we were have the ball for 50 snaps, so it was hard to do that. But if Frank could go, he’ll be the quarterback. If he can’t, Eddie would probably start and you’ll see Owen some in the game. We hope.”
The injury for Harris dates back to last season. During the offseason he talked openly about possibly retiring from football due to injuries he had suffered. He’s had four surgeries on his left knee along during his playing career.
Harris over the first two games complete 44 of 73 passes (.603) for 423 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He has rushed 21 times for 95 yards.
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“It’ll be game decision,” Traylor said on Tuesday. “If (Harris) can go, we’re gonna let him go. If he can’t, we won’t.”
Kevorian Barnes leads the Roadrunners on the ground with 51 carries for 245 yards and a touchdown. Josh Cephus is the leading receiver with 24 catches for 247 yards and two touchdowns. UTSA started the season with a 17-14 loss at Houston and beat Texas State 20-13 on September 9, before the 37-29 loss to Army Friday night in San Antonio.
No. 23 Tennessee vs. UTSA, Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, SEC Network
The Roadrunners went 11-3 last season, starting with a triple-overtime loss to Houston then a 41-20 loss two weeks later at Texas, before wining 10 straight games.
Traylor on Tuesday described Tennessee as “a really, really tough opponent” with the Vols coming off the 29-16 loss at Florida Saturday night in Gainesville.
“A top-25 (team),” Traylor said. “What Coach Heup has done there has been really remarkable. Tennessee’s always had every single thing you need to win. They’re doing that now. So we know we’re gonna play a very angry, upset team. They’ve lost their conference opener on the road to a very good Florida team, so we know we’re gonna get their best.”
