Running back Robert Henry Jr. had a career night as UTSA defeated the University of North Texas 41-27 on Friday at the Alamodome.
Facing the fourth -worst run defense in the American Athletic Conference, Henry Jr. stepped up and played a significant role in helping the Roadrunners (5-5, 3-3 AAC) take down the Mean Green (5-5, 2-4 AAC). Henry Jr., who had never recorded a 100-yard rushing game in his career at UTSA, gashed the North Texas defense for 168 yards and two touchdowns to help UTSA maintain its undefeated home record.
“The running game this year hasn’t been what we wanted it to be, so what happened tonight was just the cherry on top,” sophomore quarterback Owen McCown said post game.
The UTSA offense came out aggressive in the first quarter, quickly jumping out to a 14-0 lead off a 1-yard rushing touchdown from junior running back Kevorian Barnes and 51-yard screen pass touchdown from sophomore wide receiver David Amador II.
North Texas responded at the top of the second quarter with a 79-yard rushing touchdown from running back Shane Porter.
Shortly after, UTSA extended its lead when McCown found junior tight end Dan Dishman in the back of the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown.
The Roadrunners tacked on two field goals from kicker Tate Sandell to head into half time with a 27-7 lead.
In the third quarter, the Mean Green outscored the ‘Runners 14-3 off a pair of long rushing touchdowns from Porter.
Eagles’ quarterback Chandler Morris connected with wide receiver Blair Conwright for a 14-yard passing touchdown to bring the score to 33-27 with 12:27 remaining in the game.
Trying to fend off the comeback, Henry Jr. put the Roadrunners on his back and slammed the door shut on the Mean Green. The Jones College transfer scored the final two touchdowns for the ‘Runners; Capping off a six play 82-yard drive, Henry Jr. found the end zone from two yards out. On the ensuing Roadrunner possession, he delivered the final blow with a 83-yard rushing touchdown, the longest touchdown for the UTSA offense this season.
Junior defensive back Zah Frazier picked off Morris twice, notching his second multi-interception game of the season. Amador II enjoyed a career night in the win, finishing with nine catches for 122 yards and one touchdown. The UTSA offense totaled 681 yards against North Texas, a program record.
“It’s the greatest testimony to our culture since we’ve been here,” coach Jeff Traylor said. “I’ve never seen a team overcome what this team’s overcome.”
UTSA will play its third consecutive home game when the Temple University Owls visit at 6 p.m. Friday at the Alamodome.
