As childhood friends Jackson Gutierrez and Elijah Baldwin were keeping tabs on each other through the offseason, months before they were set to meet as opponents this fall, they realized their teams had much in common.
Growing up together since about age 6, Gutierrez and Baldwin both starred at Jay before splitting off for college. Gutierrez spent two years as the backup quarterback at Navy before stepping into the starting job this year, while Baldwin played outside linebacker at UTEP for two years before landing at UTSA this season.
Despite the divergent paths, Gutierrez and Baldwin discovered through their conversations that they ended up in similar places. A first-time matchup between UTSA and Navy at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Alamodome will be a meeting of two teams rooted in grit and culture rather than flash and ego.
"Those are the type of programs that you look forward to playing, because you really get put to the test," Gutierrez said. "We feel like we're the same way, and those are always the best football games, and the most exciting ones."
READ MORE:Navy's Jackson Gutierrez set for San Antonio homecoming against UTSA
When UTSA coach Jeff Traylor talks to other coaches about what they see in the Roadrunners, he hears many of the same themes. The 2026 team may not be Traylor's most talented unit, but this group is among the most mature and cohesive of his tenure, Traylor said.
Traylor also understands the Roadrunners are meeting their equal in those areas this week, as the service academies have long stood as the prime examples of a team-first approach.
"Is anybody more unselfish than the Navy?" Traylor said. "Their teams just exemplify culture, toughness and character at all times."
So far, those qualities have carried UTSA to a 5-1 start, but Traylor admits he's "still not sure how good we really are."
The Roadrunners have two wins on last-minute touchdowns and are 3-0 in games decided by one-score margins. Suggesting that UTSA is just a handful of plays from being 1-5, Traylor said the Roadrunners still have "a lot of things we've got to clean up."
"We're chipping away at it," Traylor said. "Historically here, we just get better every week. When's that magic time going to come?"
Navy (2-3, 1-2 American Conference) at UTSA (5-1, 2-0)
TV: ESPNU
All-time series: First meeting
MORE UTSA: 5 key players to watch as Roadrunners set new single digits
Navy at UTSA betting info
Spread: UTSA –6.5
What to know about Navy
Players to watch: Gutierrez has taken command of the Navy offense, highlighted by a standout showing with 41 carries for 232 yards and three touchdowns in last week's win against Tulsa. Traylor said the 6-foot, 207-pound Gutierrez is "strong as a bull," combining high-end speed and balance to grind out tough yards after contact. But the X-factor will be the possible return of Week 1 starter Braxton Woodson, who was regarded as perhaps Navy's most talented and athletic player before suffering an ankle injury that has hampered him in recent weeks. The Midshipmen also have a veteran offensive line, as all five pieces started games last season.
When UTSA has the ball
Facing a talented South Florida defense last week, UTSA still produced its best rushing game of the season, picking up 277 yards and three scores on the ground. Running backs Will Henderson, A'Marion Peterson and Brandon High have all been potent, quarterback Owen McCown added a season-high 52 rushing yards, and the Roadrunners are committed to blocking at every level.
"UTSA, they'll be the best team we've played so far," said Navy safety Giuseppe Sessi, a Reagan grad. "I've actually been impressed with their receivers, not just in the pass game but in the run game, too. A lot of times we'll play teams and receivers don't really want to block. These guys are interested in winning the game and it seems like they're pretty unselfish on film."
When Navy has the ball
UTSA's defense is used to contending with the option running game after slowing down Rice two weeks ago, but Traylor said Navy is "a lot more exotic" in its approach, presenting fresh challenges. The Roadrunners used a formation with two starting nose tackles to slow the Owls, but the Midshipmen might require a separate look.
"Every team's different," UTSA corner RJ Lester said. "Every team has different ways of getting to their option stuff. And so just reading your keys and being assignment sound, I feel like we'll have a good game."
Key matchup
The Roadrunners' O-line has been under the microscope this season as the group battled injuries and a shuffling tackle rotation, but Traylor said the improving unit delivered its best performance against South Florida. Navy will present another stiff test, entering Saturday ranked atop the American Conference by allowing just 96.6 rushing yards per game.
Prediction
The Roadrunners proved against Rice that they finally have the answers to an option offense, and Traylor's 26-1 record in the Alamodome against conference opponents is too much to ignore. Expect yet another tight game in the fourth quarter, but UTSA will find a way to win.
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There’s more to San Antonio with the Express-News. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at UTSA vs. Navy football: Preview, scouting report, betting info and prediction.