19. Louisiana (9-1) vs. UTSA (7-4)
Game Time: 2:30
Location: Dallas, TX
TV: KATC-TV/ABC
Radio: ESPN 1420
Mic'd Up Preview with Cody Junot
Playing for Something: Louisiana football feels disrespected, and snubbed. A trip to the First Responders Bowl isn't exactly what the no. 19 team in the nation had in mind. What will be their motivation be Saturday? HEad coach Billy Napier has stressed proving themselves one more time. The Cajuns also play for a second-consecutive double-digit win season, just the second such season in program history.
Sincerely Good: UTSA running back Sincere McCormick rushed for 1.345 yards, second most in the nation this year. At 6.0 yards-per-attempt, the sophomore back provides a major spark for the Road Runners. He rushed for 251 yards, and two scores in the season finale against North Texas. Louisiana has struggled at times defending the run this year, the defense's lone weakness.
Apple Turnovers: Turnovers have been a major flex for both Louisiana and UTSA. Both teams led their conference in interceptions, UTSA with 11, Louisiana with 15. The Road Runners led Conference USA in turnover margin, finishing with eight more takeaways than giveaways. That's six better than anyone in the conference. But it's not better than Louisiana, who's plus-9 turnover margin ranked second in the Sun Belt.
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