SAN ANTONIO (Interstat) — South Florida and Texas-San Antonio meet Thursday in an NCAA Football Bowl Division game at the Alamodome, with both programs carrying 4-1 records into a matchup that could shape the early conference race.

South Florida, the visiting Bulls, looks to bounce back from a 17-13 home loss to Temple. The Bulls opened the season with wins over Florida International, Army, Delaware State and Bowling Green. The offense has leaned on quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., who passed for 205 yards on 17-of-32 completions and ran for 16 yards in the Temple loss. Earlier this season, Van Buren threw for 300 yards and a touchdown against Delaware State and added 52 passing yards with 12 rushing yards against Bowling Green. Running back D.J. Crowther produced 68 rushing yards, seven receiving yards and a touchdown in the most recent game, while Jason Collins Jr. added 30 rushing yards and six receiving yards.

Texas-San Antonio, the home Roadrunners, enters after a 16-14 win at Rice. UTSA also has wins over UT Rio Grande Valley, Texas State and Colorado State, with its lone loss coming at Texas. Quarterback Owen McCown has guided the Roadrunners, throwing for 148 yards on 19-of-29 passing against Rice. He passed for 303 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 17 yards in a 59-45 win over Colorado State, and he had 70 passing yards and seven rushing yards at Texas. Will Henderson III ran for 90 yards and added 12 receiving yards with a touchdown against Rice. Brandon High Jr. contributed 29 rushing yards and two receiving yards.

The matchup features two quarterbacks capable of moving the offense through the air and on the ground. Van Buren’s mobility could test a UTSA defense that has allowed points in bunches at times, while McCown’s arm and UTSA’s backfield depth give the Roadrunners balance at home. South Florida’s defense will need to contain Henderson and High after allowing Temple to control key moments late. UTSA will aim to protect the football and capitalize on drives inside the Alamodome.

Both teams are 4-1, making the Thursday meeting important for positioning as the season moves deeper into its schedule. South Florida has shown the ability to win close games, including a four-point victory at Army and a 10-point home win over Florida International. UTSA has scored at least 31 points in three of its five games and will look to use the home crowd to pressure the Bulls.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Texas-San Antonio 42, South Florida 41. South Florida has been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of +7. The over/under for the game is 49.5.