DALLAS — Junior quarterback Owen McCown had his helmet knocked off after Florida International University defensive back Antonio Patterson laid a large hit on him in UTSA football’s opening possession of the game.
On the ensuing punt, Panthers wide receiver Maguire Anderson returned the kick 97 yards for a touchdown, putting Florida International up two scores with sole possession of the momentum.
Luckily for the Roadrunners, McCown is no stranger to double-digit deficits in bowl games. Leaning on that experience, McCown led an offense that outscored Florida International 57-6 throughout the remainder of the game, handing the Panthers a 57-20 loss on Friday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in the First Responder Bowl.
“Our kids are very battle tested. They’ve been through a lot,” coach Jeff Traylor said after the game. “We don’t blink in adversity. We’ve been buried many times before, and our kids just always come back up. Six-straight years where we finish as a way better team than where we started. That’s a sign of a great culture.”
“If you get knocked down, you get back up,” McCown added.
Sophomore running back Will Henderson III gave the Roadrunners their first two scores of the game, punching in a 2-yard rushing touchdown and finding paydirt through the air with a 40-yard catch-and-run score.
UTSA opened up the second quarter with a 37-yard field goal from sophomore kicker Michael Petro. Shortly after, McCown connected with junior wide receiver Devin McCuin for a 23-yard score. Sophomore running back A’Marion Peterson scored from 10 yards out to close out the ‘Runners’ second quarter scoring barrage.
In the third quarter, Henderson rushed for a 5-yard touchdown before Florida International scored its final touchdown of the night. On the ensuing two point attempt, sophomore defensive back Ahamad Chapman picked off Panthers quarterback Joe Pesansky and returned it for two.
McCown capped his night by hitting sophomore tight end Patrick Overmyer for a 34-yard touchdown, his third of the night. Sophomore quarterback Brandon Tennison came in to close out the match.
“We showed a lot of resilience all season,” McCown said after the game. “We bounced back when we needed to. This game was a true reflection of the season. Went down early, came out the gates a little slow and then picked it up. Obviously, it’s easy when you have a great defense led by guys like [senior linebacker Shad Banks Jr.].”
In his final game with the Roadrunners, Banks led the UTSA defense with eight tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss. McCown’s performance earned him the First Responder Bowl Most Valuable Player Award. Henderson led in rushing with 59 yards and two touchdowns; McCuin led in receiving with 73 yards.
UTSA will open up its 2026 season against the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley on Saturday, Sept. 5.
