Roadrunners Stare Down Tigers, Keep Home Record Perfect

© Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

The UTSA Roadrunners (4-5, 2-3 American Athletic Conference) upset the Memphis Tigers (7-2, 3-2) 44-36 on Nov. 2 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. After a competitive 24-24 first half, UTSA dominated the second half, outscoring the Tigers 20-0 until Memphis added a pair of late TDs. The Roadrunners won the turnover battle 2-0 and committed fewer penalties, with none in the second half to continue their dominance in home games.

Game Summary

The first quarter was a back-and-forth offensive shootout, with four scoring drives and no punts. The Tigers opened the scoring with a 16-yard TD run by running back Mario Anderson Jr., making it 7-0. UTSA quickly responded with a scoring drive of its own, capped by a 9-yard TD pass from quarterback Owen McCown to tight end Houston Thomas, tying the game at 7.

After Memphis took a 10-7 lead on a 22-yard field goal by kicker Caden Costa, UTSA responded with a five-play, 75-yard drive capped by McCown's second TD pass, a 5-yarder to TE Dan Dishman, giving UTSA a 14-10 lead. Memphis answered with two scoring drives, both ending in TD passes (21 and 69 yards) from QB Seth Henigan to wide receiver Demeer Blankumsee, pushing Memphis ahead 24-14.

The second quarter ended with a 10-0 run by UTSA, highlighted by a school-record 54-yard field goal by Chase Sandell and McCown’s third TD pass, a 4-yarder to tight end Patrick Overmyer. The game was tied 24 at halftime, with a combined 564 yards of total offense (320 for Memphis, 244 for UTSA). Penalties remained a concern for UTSA, which had seven (four on offense, three on defense) totaling 65 yards.

After both teams traded three-and-outs to start the half, UTSA scored on a five-play, 44-yard drive, capped by an 8-yard TD pass from McCown to Thomas for their second scoring connection, taking a 31-24 lead. The Roadrunners extended their lead with a 32-yard field goal by Sandell, going into the fourth quarter up 34-24. UTSA added one more TD in the fourth quarter on a 2-yard run by RB Brandon High Jr. that was needed to hold off a late Memphis rally, securing a much-needed 44-36 victory.

Turning Point for Roadrunners

Memphis WR Demeer Blankumsee's departure due to injury after his second touchdown celebration in the first half significantly impacted the Tigers' offense. With Blankumsee on the field, Memphis scored 24 points, leading to a 24-24 tie at halftime. After his exit, the Tigers were held scoreless in the third quarter, managing only 26 total yards. They struggled offensively until late in the fourth quarter, during which they added two touchdowns. Overall, without Blankumsee, Memphis was outscored 20-12, though the late scores somewhat narrowed the deficit. Blankumsee's absence allowed UTSA's defense to focus on other offensive threats, contributing to Memphis's difficulties in the second half.

What It Means

Following a disappointing loss to Tulsa (3-6, 1-4), the UTSA Roadrunners capitalized on their home-field advantage at the Alamodome, securing their eighth consecutive home victory and 15th in the last 16 home games. Despite missing key starters like TE Oscar Cardenas and safety Ken Robinson due to season-ending injuries, the team saw other players step up to fill the voids. After an upcoming bye week, UTSA aims to carry this momentum into another home matchup against North Texas (5-3, 2-2) on Nov. 15.

© Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The Memphis loss to UTSA significantly impacts their aspirations for an AAC championship and a potential College Football Playoff berth. This diminishing their chances in both pursuits. The Tigers aim to rebound with upcoming home games against Rice (2-6, 1-3) and UAB (1-6, 0-4) before concluding the regular season on the road at Tulane (7-2, 5-0).