The UTSA Roadrunners opened their 2020 season this past Saturday. They traveled up to San Marcos to meet the Texas State Bobcats in another installment of the I-35 Rivalry. The Roadrunners pulled off the 51-48 victory in double overtime. UTSA has won all four games in this rivalry. However, this game was the most exciting, as UTSA Wins OT Thriller.
UTSA Wins OT Thriller
First-Year Coach
Jeff Traylor is leading the Roadrunners into this unprecedented 2020 season. Traylor, who is a first-time college football head coach, secured his first victory against Texas State. Traylor has completely revamped and restructured the UTSA offense. UTSA now plays a fast-paced, no-huddle game that kept the Bobcats on their heels.
Explosive Offense
The game opened up with one quick touchdown from each team. Texas State struck first with a 66-yard touchdown pass with just over one minute gone. UTSA would soon match the Bobcats after a 58-yard opening rush from Sincere McCormick. This run would be followed up by a Frank Harris 17-yard touchdown run. With just under two minutes gone from the game, the score was already tied at seven.
UTSA would soon take a 24-7 lead, scoring 17 unanswered. The Roadrunners would continue to battle back-and-forth while holding a solid. UTSA would soon take a 41-28 lead, following an interception return for a touchdown by Rashad Wisdom with just over three minutes remaining in the game. The game began to take a turn for the ‘Runners at this point. Texas State would put together a six-play drive that resulted in seven points, following at 20-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Vitt to Marcel Barbee. The Roadrunners looked to be in good shape with just under two minutes remaining in the game. However, Jeremiah Haydel had other plans. The Texas State senior returned the punt 91-yards for the touchdown, with just a PAT away from taking the lead. But, Texas State kicker Alan Orona would hook the kick and send the game to overtime.
Overtime Madness
UTSA elected to start with the ball in overtime. It took the Roadrunners three plays to score a touchdown. Frank Harris connected with Joshua Cephus for an absurd one-handed catch. Texas State would then answer with a touchdown pass of their own, sending the game to 2OT. Texas State would start with the ball this time. They got stopped on third down and were forced to kick a field goal. However, Orona would once again hook the kick to the right. This left the game in the Roadrunner’s hands, needing just a field goal to win. Hunter Duplessis would follow through with a 29-yard field goal to win the game for the Roadrunners.
Players Of The Game
The two players of the game go to Frank Harris and Sincere McCormick respectively. Frank Harris, the junior who has battled through two injury-plagued seasons was able to shin on Saturday. He completed 23 of his 31 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown. However, it was his legs that powered the victory. Harris carried the ball ten times for 52 yards and three touchdowns. Harris is known more for his rushing abilities than his passing and he proved exactly why against Texas State.
Sincere McCormick was the other player of the game. McCormick proved why he earned the title Freshman of the Year in Conference USA in 2019. He carried the ball 29 times for an insane 197 rushing yards and one score. He set a new personal single-game rushing record in this performance. McCormick was the only bright spot for the Roadrunners last season and will likely be relied on this season as well. He carried the ball 177 times and rushed for 983 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019. However, expect more touches and more rushing yards for McCormick with Jeff Traylor’s high-paced offense.
A Look Ahead
The Roadrunners will take on the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack’s next Saturday in their home opener. The Roadrunners are heavily favored in this match-up and are given a 93% chance to come out on top. The Lumberjack’s lost their opening game to the UTEP Miners 24-14. SFA only produced 230 offensive yards in this game. UTSA should come out on top if they have a similar performance to that against Texas State.
