SAN ANTONIO, TX — UTSA turned Saturday’s season opener into a showcase of explosive football.
Behind more than 500 yards of total offense and a defense that delivered a touchdown of its own, the Roadrunners pulled away from UTRGV for a 45-16 victory before 33,403 fans at the Alamodome.
The win improved UTSA’s all-time record in season openers to 11-5 and gave the Roadrunners plenty of momentum heading into next week’s Battle for I-35 against Texas State.
UTSA generated 525 total yards, repeatedly producing chunk plays that kept UTRGV’s defense on its heels. The Roadrunners recorded five offensive plays of at least 30 yards while the defense added another when Ahamad Chapman turned an interception into a 49-yard touchdown.
McCown Leads Balanced Attack
Quarterback Owen McCown was efficient throughout the afternoon, completing 22 of 27 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns.
UTSA established its presence early.
AJ Wilson Jr. opened the scoring with a 36-yard touchdown reception from McCown with 6:51 remaining in the first quarter, putting the Roadrunners ahead 7-0.
The offense continued to find ways to stretch the field.
Early in the second quarter, McCown connected with Brandon Young Jr. on a 7-yard touchdown pass. Young made an impressive one-handed grab in the back of the end zone, and Michael Petro’s extra point pushed the lead to 14-0.
UTSA’s defense then joined the party.
Chapman intercepted a pass near the right sideline on UTRGV’s ensuing possession and raced 49 yards for a touchdown. It was his first interception return for a score as a Roadrunner and gave UTSA a commanding 21-0 advantage with 12:40 remaining in the first half.
Henderson Breaks Loose
UTRGV finally got on the scoreboard when Brysen Gardner connected on a 44-yard field goal with 7:11 left in the second quarter.
The Vaqueros’ brief momentum disappeared quickly.
Will Henderson III broke through the UTRGV defense and sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown, extending UTSA’s lead to 28-3.
Henderson finished just shy of 100 rushing yards, recording 99 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries.
Petro added a 30-yard field goal with 54 seconds remaining in the half, but UTRGV answered before halftime when Gardner converted from 24 yards.
UTSA entered the break leading 31-6.
Roadrunners Put It Away
Neither team scored during the third quarter, but UTSA quickly regained its offensive rhythm in the fourth.
McCown found DJ Allen Jr., who turned the reception into a 62-yard touchdown, giving Allen the first 100-yard receiving game of his career.
Allen finished with 116 yards on four catches, providing another major downfield weapon for the Roadrunners.
UTRGV’s Gardner later added his third field goal of the afternoon, this one from 40 yards, but the Vaqueros remained well behind.
A’Marion Peterson then delivered the final major offensive blow for UTSA.
Peterson broke down the left sideline for a 53-yard touchdown run, pushing the Roadrunners’ lead to 45-9.
UTRGV finally reached the end zone with four seconds remaining when Atzel Chavez Jr. scored on a 1-yard run. Gardner’s extra point completed the scoring.
Defense Creates Big Plays
UTSA’s offense received most of the attention, but the defense also made its presence felt.
Joel Rogers led the Roadrunners with seven tackles, while James Walley Jr. recorded six tackles and a sack.
Nate Robinson Jr. added an interception, his first as a member of the Roadrunners.
The defensive unit consistently pressured UTRGV and helped UTSA turn a handful of possessions into opportunities to build its lead.
UTRGV Looks for a Bounce-Back
Garrett Rangel completed 19 of 32 passes for 152 yards for the Vaqueros.
Broderick Taylor provided the most production on the ground with 73 yards on six carries, while Corey Holmes caught seven passes for 68 yards.
Spencer Rich led all players with 10 tackles.
UTRGV, now 1-1, is in its second season competing as an FCS member of the Southland Conference. The Vaqueros will have an opportunity to regroup after being overwhelmed by UTSA’s size and explosiveness.
What’s Next?
UTSA will hit the road next Saturday, Sept. 12, for the annual Battle for I-35 against Texas State in San Marcos.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at UFCU Stadium, with the game scheduled to air on The CW Network.
