Still Perfect: UTRGV wraps up non-conference schedule undefeated
EDINBURG — Since 2008, only one other FCS program has started its inaugural campaign 4-0. The Vaqueros added their name to that list Saturday, joining South Alabama (2009) after a 61-13 rout of Texas Wesleyan at Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg.
The win closes out UTRGV’s inaugural non-conference slate with a perfect 4-0 record, including 3-0 at home. The Vaqueros are also one of 15 unbeaten programs at the FCS level this year.
“Proud of our guys and the way we’ve played,” UTRGV head coach Travis Bush said. “Shoutout to Texas Wesleyan. We knew they were a good football team. They’re well-coached and sound. They gave us some fits early. Guys did a good job in the first half. … Hats off to our guys. Proud of the way they finished. We want to go 1-0 every week. We did that. It is time to move on to some conference games now.”
UTRGV deployed a balanced offensive attack during its non-conference finale, throwing for 247 yards and adding 294 on the ground.
Senior quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger commanded the aerial assault, completing 17 of 23 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown. The Sharyland Pioneer alum also chipped in with his legs, rushing for 55 yards and a score.
The Vaqueros’ ground game was powered by a stable of running backs, with five different players reaching the end zone, including four freshmen.
Junior Djouvensky Schlenbaker, along with freshmen Brennan Carroll, TJ Dement, Fabian Garcia and Broderick Taylor, each scored once. Taylor led all rushers with 80 yards.
“I thought it was a great team effort, honestly,” Marburger said. “We ran the ball really well and the pass was there when we needed it. The O-line did its job as well. And that defense, a pick-six, man, we got some ballers.”
Defensively, the Vaqueros put together another stout effort, coming away with five takeaways while limiting Texas Wesleyan to 325 total yards and three points.
Defensive back Alijah Prosser delivered the night’s biggest defensive play, returning an interception 52 yards for UTRGV’s second defensive touchdown in as many weeks. Andrew Earls added another interception, while Percy Jackson III and Dorian Blackwell combined for three forced fumbles.
“Our defense did good,” Bush said. “The big thing early was Texas Wesleyan moved the ball, but the biggest thing on defense is points per game. They’re a good football team. We did a good job keeping them out of the end zone. … They just did a good job. We got some young guys in at the end, but you see all the guys being physical and flying to the ball all night.”
UTRGV now turns its attention to its first Southland Conference contest, taking on Southeastern at 6 p.m. Saturday at Strawberry Stadium in Hammond, Louisiana.
The Vaqueros enter that contest averaging 58.5 points per game while allowing just 8.5.
“Our mindset will be the same as it is every week,” Bush said. “We’re going to see how we stack up. It is our first conference game on the road at Strawberry Stadium. They’re one of the top teams in the conference. … They’re playing some good football. We’re going to go and give them heck and see how we stack up.”
