San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Converted tackle Baty holds up for patchwork O-line
MIAMI — UTSA stepped onto the field for warmups Friday with just four available offensive tackles.
Two of them were freshmen: Ben Rios and Deandre Marshall from Central Catholic. The others were walk-on Frankie Martinez, who started at right tackle, and converted defensive lineman Walker Baty, who earned the nod at left tackle just three weeks after moving into the position group.
Roadrunners coach Jeff Traylor said Baty’s age, time in the program and athleticism helped him claim the spot, and quarterback Frank Harris said veteran left guard Terrell Haynes helped Baty settle in.
Even with five offensive tackles unavailable due to injury, UTSA’s offense churned out 433 yards in a 30-10 win at FIU.
“Walker is willing to learn. He’s a great athlete,” Harris said. “He’s going to keep growing and keep learning, and I’m definitely excited for him.”
Five takeaways as UTSA remained unbeaten in Conference USA:
Dishman comes through
After tight end Dan Dishman was stopped short on a thirdand-6 screen late in the third quarter of last week’s win against Western Kentucky, Traylor said he “smoked Dan all week,” feeling the tight end should’ve reached the end zone.
“I challenged him like, ‘Dan, do you know why I’ve been going at you so hard?’ ” Traylor said. “Because I know you can.”
On a third-and-3 play late in the second quarter Friday, Harris saw Dishman break free behind the defense on a corner route. Harris dropped the pass over his shoulder, and Dishman hauled it in, sprinting up the left sideline for a 42-yard touchdown — the first of his career.
“We had that play dialed up for him tonight on third-and-short,” Traylor said. “When I called it, I said, ‘I know this. He will get in that end zone.’ And he did.”
Harris hangs tough
Absorbing a huge hit as he unleashed a Hail Mary pass on the final play of the first half, Harris remained down on the field for a few extra seconds before heading to the locker room.
He said the play gave him only “a little stinger” and that he felt “good” going forward.
Harris finished with 303 passing yards and two touchdowns before behind pulled early in the fourth quarter with UTSA leading 30-3.
Traylor said Harris will “be mad at himself ” for turning the ball over on a fumble during the first quarter, but otherwise Traylor recalled just two misfires.
“That’s pretty good, when you’re grading your quarterback and you can remember three plays he didn’t make, which means he made about 47 plays correct,” Traylor said.
Slow start on offense
The Roadrunners had scored in every quarter the past three games before being shut out during Friday’s first 15 minutes, coming up empty on both possessions.
Traylor said FIU was “making a move call” on defense that hampered UTSA’s offensive rhythm, and the Roadrunners were also impacted by the humid conditions in Miami.
“It’s hard,” Traylor said. “We made some mistakes, but it’s slippery, wet and humid, and I’m very proud of my kids.”
Searching for turnovers
Seeing his receiver cut on a 5-yard in pattern, UTSA cornerback Corey Mayfield broke toward the ball. FIU’s pass was tipped at the line by linebacker Trevor Harmanson, defensive back Nicktroy Fortune overran the play and the ball “fell right into my lap,” Mayfield said.
“I just started taking off running,” Mayfield said. “Thank God I got that thing.”
The third-quarter interception was just the third of the year for UTSA, which has managed only six takeaways in seven games.
“It’s a good start, but we have to keep building on it,” Mayfield said. “If we’re being honest, today wasn’t enough. We just had one. That’s not enough. But it’s a good start. Hopefully we can build on it as the season goes.”
Playing for preservation
With another week to go before the open date on UTSA’s calendar, Traylor tried to sub as many players as possible down the stretch, keeping the group fresh for a pivotal matchup against North Texas at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Alamodome.
FIU scored its only touchdown in the final minute. For the game, UTSA’s defense allowed a season-low 4.3 yards per play.
“It was great. They were great,” Traylor said. “We subbed a lot of kids, and our ones and twos gave up three points. … I told my guys, ‘Just take care of kids tonight.’ We’re not about stats.”