Roadrunners Bowl-Bound Again After Win Over Temple

© Danny Wild-Imagn Images

SAN ANTONIO — The UTSA Roadrunners (6-5, 4-3 American Athletic Conference) secured bowl eligibility for the fifth straight season with a 51-27 win over the Temple Owls (3-8, 2-7 AAC) on Nov. 22 at the Alamodome, completing a perfect home record. Despite three turnovers and nine penalties, UTSA dominated defensively with six sacks and a school-record 16 tackles for loss while amassing 529 yards of total offense. UTSA running back Robert Henry totaled 178 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on 16 carries in the victory.

Game Summary

UTSA started strong, forcing Temple into a three-and-out on its opening drive before Henry broke free for a 40-yard TD run, giving the Roadrunners a 7-0 lead less than five minutes into the game. A fumble by UTSA wide receiver Chris Carpenter on a punt return set up the Owls at the UTSA 22-yard line, leading to a 37-yard field goal by Owls kicker Maddux Trujillo to cut the deficit to 7-3. Despite trailing, Temple managed to stay within striking distance at the end of the first quarter, an impressive feat considering it had 4 total yards of offense compared to UTSA's 104.

UTSA quarterback Owen McCown channeled Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson early in the second quarter, sprinting untouched for a 75-yard TD to extend UTSA's lead to 14-3. However, McCown’s red-zone interception later on, which was returned 30 yards by Temple linebacker DJ Woodbury, set up the Owls' Evan Simon for a 9-yard TD pass to Dante Wright. That cut the deficit to 14-10. Carpenter quickly redeemed himself, returning the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for a TD to restore the Roadrunners' lead at 21-10.

Roadrunners on a Roll

Henry added an 8-yard TD run to push UTSA's lead to 28-10. Over the past six quarters, including the North Texas (5-5, 2-4 AAC) game, Henry had tallied 339 rushing yards and four TDs. Temple responded with a swift scoring drive, capped by RB Antwain Littleton's 4-yard TD run, narrowing the margin to 28-17 UTSA at halftime.

Temple’s onside kick to start the second half failed, setting up UTSA for a 44-yard drive capped by Chase Allen's 23-yard FG to extend the lead to 31-17. The Owls responded with a 61-yard TD pass from Simon to Wright, cutting the deficit to 31-24. After forcing a UTSA punt, Temple had a chance to tie the game. But cornerback Zah Frazier made a highlight-reel INT on the sideline to swing momentum back to the Roadrunners. Three plays later, McCown connected with WR Willie McCoy for a 3-yard touchdown, giving UTSA a 38-24 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter began with Trujillo’s 33-yard FG for the Owls, cutting Temple’s deficit to 38-27. UTSA closed the game on a 13-0 run, fueled by two FGs from Tate Sandell (47 and 42 yards) and a 3-yard TD run by Brandon High, sealing the 51-27 victory.

Turning Point for Roadrunners

After pulling within seven points at 31-24 in the third quarter, Temple forced a three-and-out and had a chance to tie the game. However, cornerback Zah Frazier snagged his first of two INTs on the night—6 overall on the season, setting a new school record. UTSA capitalized on the turnover with a quick scoring drive to extend the lead to 14 points, putting the game firmly out of Temple's reach. This was the last time Frazier plays at the Alamodome. He confirmed in a postgame press conference that he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

What it Means

On an emotional Senior Night for the coaches and players, the Roadrunners secured bowl eligibility for the fifth consecutive season, a streak maintained throughout head coach Jeff Traylor's tenure. The Roadrunners have now won three straight games, achieving their first winning record since starting off with a season-opening 28-16 win over Kennesaw State (1-9, 1-5 Conference USA). Looking ahead, UTSA faces a challenging road game against No. 19 Army (9-0, 7-0 AAC) on Nov. 30. The Roadrunners have an opportunity to clinch their first road win this season and ensure a winning overall record.

© Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Temple has now lost three of its last four games and concludes the season on Nov. 30 at home against North Texas. Interim head coach Everett Withers had his team battling throughout the game, but the talent difference was too much to overcome.