Roadrunners cruise past Panthers in Miami winning 30-10

Luke Lawhorn, Sports Editor

In a short week, UTSA (5-3, 3-0 C-USA) traveled to Miami, Fl., to play Florida International University (FIU) (2-4, 0-2 C-USA). To no one’s surprise, the Roadrunners surpassed their opponent in receiving yards, tallying 303 to the Panther’s 186. The Panthers did rush for 137-yards to UTSA’s 130; however, this did not affect the ‘Runners in their 30-10 victory.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Roadrunners got on the scoreboard first with a 44-yard field goal from Jared Sackett. UTSA scored a touchdown four minutes later with a five-yard pass from Frank Harris to Zakhari Franklin. Then, Chase Gabriel kicked a 41-yard field goal for the Panthers to go on the scoreboard 10-3. Harris responded for the ‘Runners by getting tight end Dan Dishman involved with a 42-yard touchdown. UTSA came out of halftime with a steady drive, ending with a 9-yard touchdown run from Kevorian Barnes to extend the lead 24-3. Barnes scored again early in the fourth quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run. The red-shirt freshman’s two touchdowns were the first in his career. The Roadrunners would miss the extra point; however, they remained dominant. FIU held on to the ball late in the fourth quarter, getting a touchdown off of a 15-yard run from Kejon Owens to make the score 30-10.

Harris ended the game with 303 passing yards and two touchdowns. This game is Harris’ fifth game this season passing over 300-yards. Harris also threw to seven different receivers, with Franklin leading the ‘Runners with 68-yards and a touchdown and De’Corian Clark with 60-yards. Barnes led the game in rushing yards with 128-yards. Corey Mayfield Jr. had an interception for the UTSA defense. The UTSA defense held FIU’s quarterback Grayson James to 174-yards passing while allowing zero touchdowns and managing four sacks.

The Roadrunners are now 2-2 all-time against the Panthers. UTSA has outscored opponents 199-130 in their wins, showing their dominant offense. UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor is now 15-3 in Conference USA play.

The Roadrunners will now host North Texas in the Alamodome at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22.