A timely late-game score propelled UTSA football to a win in its season opener, defeating Kennesaw State 28-16 on Saturday afternoon at the Alamodome.
Coming into this game, coach Jeff Traylor refused to announce a starting quarterback. When the time came for the first snap to be taken, it was redshirt sophomore Owen McCown under center for the ‘Runners. While his performance was far from perfect, Traylor was pleased with McCown’s play, with the win being the only thing that mattered in the end.
“I think it was a good game for him,” Traylor said. “He got knocked around, had to run some, had to make some contested throws, they weren’t all easy.”
The McCown era began on a high note, with the left-handed signal caller executing a near-flawless drive, going 3-4 for 32 yards and capping off said drive with a two-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Devin McCuin.
The Kennesaw State offense responded with a six minute drive that resulted in a 48-yard field goal from kicker Austin Welch.
On the ensuing Roadrunner possession, McCown and McCuin continued to develop their synergy, connecting for 31 yards and marching down the field. McCown would call his own number for the score, escaping the pocket and diving into the end zone for a 5-yard rushing touchdown.
The UTSA offense continued their hot start into the second quarter, with running back Robert Henry Jr. breaking away for a 61-yard rush, the biggest play of the game for either side. A couple plays later McCown found McCuin in the end zone for the second time in the first half, this time a 4-yard pitch and catch for an easy touchdown.
“He’s a dude. I love him as my quarterback,” McCuin said. “We’re building chemistry as the season goes on.”
After seemingly firing on all cylinders for the first three drives, the UTSA offense proceeded to go the next seven drives without finding the end zone. In the meantime, Kennesaw State put together a couple field goal drives before eventually finding the end zone in the fourth quarter. A 21-3 UTSA advantage had shrunk to a one possession game with just over nine minutes remaining in the half.
With momentum now belonging to Kennesaw State, it was the defense that made a statement for UTSA.
With KSU driving down the field, UTSA defensive back Jimmy Wyrick punched the ball out of KSU wide receiver Gabriel Benyard’s hands and into the hands of senior corner Syrus Dumas.
McCown then led his fourth scoring drive of the day, marching down the field and eventually finding redshirt senior Oscar Cardenas for a 3-yard touchdown.
The UTSA defense held KSU scoreless for the final nine minutes of the game.
“Our defense was fantastic, they were just dominant,” Traylor said.
Next week the Roadrunners will head up I-35 to face the bitter rival Texas State Bobcats, with kickoff set for 3 p.m. Saturday at UFCU Stadium.
