UTSA football dropped its regular season finale against the Army Black Knights 29-24 on Saturday at Michie Stadium.
After taking their first lead late in the third quarter, the Roadrunners (6-6, 4-4 AAC) were outscored 17-7 in the fourth by the Black Knights (10-1, 8-0 AAC). True to their style of football, the Black Knights’ 60 rushing attempts helped dictate the pace of the game and kept the Roadrunners’ offense on ice; Army finished with 40 minutes of possession.
“That’s Army, that’s how they play,” coach Jeff Traylor said. “You know you’re going to get 50 snaps versus [their] 80; you got to kinda call the game differently.”
Army drew first blood midway through the first quarter when quarterback Bryson Daily connected with running back Tyrell Robinson for a 41-yard score.
UTSA tied things up a few minutes later with a 10-yard rushing touchdown from freshman running back Brandon High Jr., who was filling in for an injured Robert Henry Jr.
Both offenses stalled in the second quarter, only managing field goals. Sophomore kicker Tate Sandell drilled one from 33 yards out for UTSA, and Army kicker Trey Gronotte knocked down two of his own to give the Black Knights a 13-10 lead heading into halftime.
The Roadrunners opened up the second half with a scoring drive; sophomore quarterback Owen McCown found sophomore wide receiver Devin McCuin for a 23-yard passing touchdown. McCuin, who had not played since Oct.12 against Rice, led the team in receiving yards with 82.
After two more field goals from both sides, the ‘Runners found themselves with a 17-16 lead and possession of the ball on their own 15-yard line. Facing a fourth-and-1, Traylor made the decision to go for it — a decision that proved costly.
Following the failed fourth down conversion, Army ripped off two consecutive scoring drives, with Daily finding the end zone from the goal line and then from 42 yards out shortly after.
Now, with the momentum back on Army’s side, UTSA faced an uphill battle to pull off the upset.
On the ensuing Roadrunner drive, McCown found McCuin for a 54-yard gain. A couple of plays later, High Jr. found the end zone once again for a 6-yard rushing touchdown.
UTSA had one final drive to try and pull out the win. With a little under two minutes remaining in the game, the Roadrunners crossed into the 50 yard line quickly. McCown tried to find McCuin once again but was picked off by Army safety Gavin Shields.
Senior defensive back Syrus Dumas enjoyed a career day in the loss, finishing with a team-high 12 total tackles. Senior money backer Donyai Taylor and senior edge Jimmori Robinson had the only two sacks for the Roadrunners.
UTSA will get some much-needed time off as the team waits for its bowl opponent to be announced in the coming weeks.
