The matchup might have looked slightly more level a few years ago.
The University of Texas was scuffling a bit, and Jeff Traylor had turned UTSA into an immediate winner, with a seven-win debut campaign followed by 23 combined wins in 2021-22.
But Steve Sarkisian has restored the flagship Longhorns to national powerhouse status; most recently evidenced in their 31-12 evisceration of defending national champion Michigan on the road.
Sarkisian, however, has embraced this intrastate affair -- and said it's part of his overall philosophy to welcome onto the schedule similar contests, even though this game was set prior to Sarkisian's hiring at Texas prior to the '21 season.
"Well, I think first of all it’s good for the state. I think it's great we do play teams in our own state," Sarkisian said Wednesday on the SEC's teleconference. "I think it's great for their brand, good for our brand and creates a really good environment at DKR (Darrell K. Royal Stadium)."
Sarkisian praised the various Group of Five programs around the state, not limiting his take to just Traylor's UTSA Roadrunners. There was reference as well to Texas State and UTEP, among others.
"One thing I’d say about all those teams, they’re all dangerous," Sarkisian said. "Coach Traylor has done a good job, they’re dangerous. We see what Texas State is doing now, what Sam Houston has done, UTEP is doing now with a new coach and will start to build.
"I tell our team, if you start to prepare based on the helmet or uniform the other team wears, that’s how you get beat. We have to prepare to our standard.
"I do, I think it is good for the state of the Texas that we play an in-state team every year."
He will remain open to more in-state games in the future, Sarkisian said, and will discuss the matter with Texas Athletics Director Chris Del Conte.
But a factor also will be Texas's new conference home: the SEC. The league is expected to move to an nine-game conference slate.
"As we look down the road, things will come across my desk, [and I will say] 'Dounds like a good idea or not a good idea,'" Sarkisian said. "That’s where Chris Del Conte and I work really well together, what does our future schedule look like and what could potentially happen with the SEC, eight games or nine games."