Orlando, Fla. – No. 25 UTSA was unable to preserve an early 12-0 lead, falling to No. 24 Troy 18-12 in the Cure Bowl on Friday evening at Exploria Stadium.

The matchup in Orlando is the only bowl game this season featuring two conference champions. Both teams also entered Friday on a 10-game win streak, with UTSA winning Conference USA and Troy winning the Sun Belt Conference.

In coach Jeff Traylor’s three seasons at UTSA, the Roadrunners have gone 30-10, qualifying for a bowl game each season. The ‘Runners are still seeking the program’s first bowl victory, now falling 0-3 in the postseason in the Traylor era.

The teams combined for seven turnovers, with UTSA having five along with nine penalties to the Trojan’s two.

An offensive blunder between Troy’s center and quarterback on the Trojan 7-yard line gave UTSA the first points of the game with a safety.

Frank Harris extended the Roadrunner lead with a touchdown pass to Zakhari Franklin on the UTSA 2-yard line.

The Roadrunners closed their next drive with a 42-yard field goal from Jared Sackett. 

UTSA was held scoreless for the next two and a half quarters.

Kimani Vidal reeled in a 2-yard touchdown run to give Troy its first points. 

Harris threw an interception to Trojan defensive back KJ Robertson who had a 60-yard return. Troy capped off the turnover with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Watson to RaJae’ Johnson.

A 27-yard field goal from Brooks Buce gave Troy the 18-12 lead.

UTSA had a final chance to score with 2:38 left in the fourth. On fourth and 9, Harris took a deep shot to Franklin, which fell incomplete. 

Harris ended his historic season going 23 of 42 for 194 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Freshman Kevorian Barnes led both teams in rushing with 22 carries for 138 yards.