The UTSA Roadrunners were able to outlast the LA Tech Bulldogs in San Antonio on Saturday. The Roadrunners squeaked by with a 27-26 victory in the Alamodome. This victory snapped the six-game losing streak against the Bulldogs. This win also snapped UTSA’s three-game losing streak. Read UTSA Breaks Losing Streak for more.
UTSA Breaks Losing Streak
UTSA got their starting quarterback Frank Harris back for this game against the Bulldogs. However, it was far from a welcoming homecoming. Harris struggled mightily to find his rhythm throughout the game. However, he showed resiliency and poise as he led the Roadrunners to a victory. Harris is the best option remaining on a Roadrunner quarterback depth chart that is completely depleted. Josh Adkins is out for the season with a broken collarbone. And last week Lowell Narcisse sustained an ankle injury against Army last week that will keep him out for the remainder of the year. Sudden Sapien is the only remaining quarterback behind Harris. Sapien is a redshirt freshman who has not seen a snap all year.
Recap
The first half of the game was a kicker’s dream as the two teams combined for five field goals. LA Tech opened the first drive of the game with a field goal following a 13-play, six-minute drive. UTSA responded with a field goal of their own on the following drive after the ‘Runners went on a 14-play drive that resulted in three. LA Tech opened the second quarter with another field goal and was able to take a 6-3 lead. The Bulldogs kicked another field goal following a Roadrunner three-and-out and extended their lead to six. UTSA then tacked on another field goal to bring the score to 9-6. The Bulldogs answered with a touchdown and another field goal by halftime. LA Tech was up 19-6 at the end of the first 30 minutes of play.
UTSA came out of the locker room looking to run the ball. Sincere McCormick carried the ball ten times on the first drive en route to a McCormick rushing score. However, two drives later an errant Harris pass got intercepted and returned for six. LA Tech’s lead grew to 26-13. McCormick later scored his second touchdown of the day following a 54-yard completion to Tykee Ogle-Kellogg. This score brought UTSA within a touchdown of taking the lead. McCormick once again answered the call and turned a 45-yard run into a touchdown. This gave UTSA their first lead of the day at 27-26. The Roadrunners were able to seal the game following an interception by Antonio Parks.
UTSA’s Weapon
It should not come as a surprise that UTSA’s best offensive player is McCormick. The nation’s leading rusher scorched the LA Tech defense just like others before. McCormick carried the ball a staggering 37 times for 165 yards and three touchdowns. He single-handedly willed the Roadrunners to this victory and would not let them lose. McCormick scored three second-half touchdowns after being down 19-6 at the half.
This performance brings his season rushing total to 867 and he is still the nation’s leading rusher. McCormick is currently averaging just over 123 yards rushing/game. He also had more rushing attempts in the game against LA Tech than he did in his previous two games. With this being said, McCormick needs to become the focal point of the offense. Jeff Traylor gave him the ball 37 times and all he did was produce. If McCormick becomes UTSA’s undisputed number one option, then expect the Roadrunners to be more of a threat in Conference USA.
Shaky Return for Harris
UTSA quarterback Harris has missed a lot of time this year due to injury. He finally came back last week as a backup to Narcisse. However, this was his first start since October 10th against BYU. Harris looked to be rusty and had to shake off some cobwebs. He completed 18 of his 33 passes for 189 yards. However, he did throw two interceptions, one of which resulted in a pick-six. Harris will likely improve in the coming weeks, however, if he does not, UTSA may find it difficult to get into the endzone.
A Look Ahead
The Roadrunners will be heading to Boca Raton, Florida on Halloween to take on the Florida Atlantic Owls. The Owls have only played two games this year and have a 1-1 record. This will be a tough matchup for the Roadrunners as they are being given a 15% chance to win. However, if McCormick plays like he did LA Tech, the Roadrunners should have a very good chance.
