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LAKE CHARLES, La. — Andre Anderson rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries and McNeese State held off a late UTSA rally in a 24-21 victory on Saturday night.
Anderson became the first running back to eclipse the century mark against the Roadrunners, who fell to 3-6 on the year.
The Cowboys (5-5) scored the game’s first 17 points before the UTSA offense came alive.
Josh Lewis’ 30-yard field goal with one tick remaining in the opening quarter gave McNeese State an early 3-0 lead.
Champlain Babin’s 5-yard rushing touchdown midway through the second period stretched the advantage to 10 and Anderson’s 21-yard scamper a little less than four minutes later made it 17-0.
Evans Okotcha capped a six-play, 61-yard drive when he plunged into the end zone from one yard out with 39 seconds left in the half, which pulled UTSA to within 10.
Eric Soza’s 7-yard scoring toss to David Morgan late in the third quarter cut the advantage to 17-14.
After Sean Ianno’s potential game-tying 48-yard field goal was short midway through the final stanza, the Cowboys responded with an eight-play, 69-yard march that culminated with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Darius Carey to Josh Jordan, which put McNeese back in front by 10.
The Roadrunners answered a mere 45 seconds later when Soza connected with Jake Wanamaker on a 26-yard strike to make it 24-21, but the Cowboys were able to run off all but seven seconds to essentially clinch the three-point win.
Kam Jones set program records with eight receptions for 120 yards and it marked his third 100-yard performance in the last five games.
Meanwhile, Cody Rogers paced the defense with a school-record 16 tackles.
UTSA will conclude its inaugural campaign next Saturday, Nov. 19, against Minot State (2-7). Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Alamodome and the contest will be televised on the Longhorn Network.