UTSA football outperformed its final Owl opponent of the season to beat Temple 51-27 during senior night on Friday at the Alamodome.
With a sixth win on their side, the Roadrunners have officially become bowl-eligible for a fifth consecutive season. Outscoring Temple 21-14, successful second-quarter antics fueled the ‘Runners’ (6-5, 4-3 American Athletic Conference) lead over the Owls (3-8, 2-5 AAC). Though even with turnovers, Temple stayed well within striking distance until halfway through the third quarter.
“For the fifth year in a row, our guys are going bowling, and I’ve never been more proud of a group for hanging in there and really believing in what we teach,” coach Jeff Traylor said. “There [were] 26 seniors we celebrated out there tonight and I’m really glad I get them for another month.”
A sack made by senior linebacker Jimmori Robinson set up UTSA’s offense to take the lead in the second quarter. Though sophomore quarterback Owen McCown could not find an open man on the field, he did find an opening instead. McCown rushed up the field for a 75-yard touchdown to bring the score to 14-3.
“For me to run there, big credit to Chris Carpenter on that play,” McCown said of his run. “I could have probably thrown the ball in the scramble drill, but he did a great job running his defender off and not only blocking his defender, but he also blocked the safety. It was a touchdown block. So I’ll credit Chris on that.”
Succeeding Temple wide receiver Dante Wright’s passing touchdown, Maddux Trujillo kicked a good PAT then stayed on the field for the Owl’s kickoff. He kicked the ball 62 yards out, pinning it at UTSA’s 3-yard line, and senior wide receiver Chris Carpenter was there for the return.
Cleared by the special teams unit, Carpenter ran through a wide-open window, out-maneuvered Trujillo’s grasp and scored a 97-yard touchdown to bring the Roadrunners to a two-possession lead.
Following a scoreless Temple drive, senior running back Robert Henry Jr. rushed up the middle of the field for a 97-yard touchdown to give UTSA an 18-point lead. Henry Jr. also scored a 40-yard touchdown during the Roadrunners’ opening first-quarter drive; He also scored two touchdowns during UTSA’s first matchup against Temple last year.
Seniors stole the show during their final home game and broke records in the process. The ‘Runners broke a school record by making 16 tackles for loss which were made by linebackers Martavius French, Robinson and Jamal Ligon as well as defensive linemen Brandon Brown and Christian Clayton accompanied by cornerback Syras Dumas. Robinson also aided in breaking UTSA’s record for sacks in a single game, the new record is now six and he sacked quarterback Evan Simon four times. This was UTSA’s 21st consecutive game recording turnovers thanks to senior cornerback Zah Frazier’s two interceptions; McCown’s 75-yard touchdown broke the record longest rushing touchdown by a quarterback in program history, beating out Frank Harris’ 71-yard rushing touchdown.
UTSA will travel to West Point to combat its final AAC opponent, the Army Black Knights at 11 a.m. Saturday at Michie Stadium.
