The 2021 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl features the 11-2 San Diego State Aztecs against the 12-1 UTSA Roadrunners. Here is the 2021 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl Preview.
San Diego State Aztecs (11-2)
Brady Hoke has led the Aztecs to an 11-win season for the team to make their 11th bowl game since 2010. They were able to defeat five bowl-eligible teams on the season. Both of their losses came to teams who qualified for a bowl game in Utah State (in the Mountain West Championship Game) and Fresno State.
The Aztecs score 26.6 points per game, ranking them 80th in the country. They rush for 175.7 yards (ranked 55th) and pass for 155.2 yards per game (ranked 121st).
Lucas Johnson and Jordon Brookshire have both lined up under center for the Aztecs this season. Johnson has 1,091 passing yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions on 61 percent completion. When Brookshire has been in, he has passed for 830 yards, three touchdowns and one interception on 50.8 percent completion. Four receivers have over 200 yards for the Aztecs. Jesse Matthews leads the team with 47 receptions for 482 yards and seven touchdowns.
The focal point of the offensive attack is the running game. Greg Bell leads the way for San Diego State with 999 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Chance Bell, Kaegun Williams and Jordan Byrd have all been successful with their carries as well with over 200 rushing yards each.
Their defense has been a strength, allowing just 19.5 points per game, which is good enough for 17th in the FBS. They give up 77.5 rushing yards (ranked second) and 242 passing yards per game (ranked 90th). Safety Patrick McMorris has led the team with 83 total tackles on the season. Their best player on defense though has been Cameron Thomas, who has registered 10.5 sacks.
It is worth mentioning that the Aztecs have an absolute weapon at punter. Matt Araiza won the Ray Guy Award as the country’s best punter after averaging 51.4 yards per punt.
UTSA Roadrunners (12-1)
Jeff Traylor had a historic season for the program, leading the Roadrunners to 12 wins and a C-USA Championship. They were able to win six games against bowl-eligible teams this year. Their only loss came to North Texas, who clinched a spot in a bowl game via that win.
The Roadrunners score 37.8 points per game, ranking 12th in the country. They pass for 254.3 yards (ranked 46th) and rush for 188.6 yards per game (ranked 36th).
Frank Harris has been in control of the Roadrunners’ offense at quarterback this season. He has passed for 2,906 yards, 25 touchdowns and five interceptions on 66 percent completion. Four pass-catchers have over 200 receiving yards on the season. Zakhari Franklin leads the team with 73 receptions for 938 yards and 11 touchdowns. Joshua Cephus and De’Corian Clark are tied for second on the team with six touchdown catches and each have over 650 receiving yards on the season.
Sincere McCormick has cemented himself as one of the best players in UTSA history at the running back position. This season, he rushed for 1,479 yards and 15 touchdowns. Harris is second on the team in rushing from his quarterback position with 562 yards and six touchdowns. Brendan Brady and B.J. Daniels have each played a little bit and have over 150 rushing yards.
The defense allows 23.6 points per game this season, ranking 44th. They concede 111.5 rushing yards (ranked 14th) and 252.2 passing yards per game (ranked 105th). Safety Rashod Wisdom leads the team in tackles with 86 tackles. Linebacker Clarence Hicks has led the team with 10 sacks.
Prediction
It will be tough for UTSA to move the ball against a good San Diego State defense. Add in the fact that Araiza will help them in the field position battle and the Aztecs should win a low-scoring game.
San Diego State Aztecs 21 UTSA Roadrunners 18
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