SAN ANTONIO — Shad Banks Jr. came up with two of UTSA’s four takeaways and Robert Henry Jr. registered his fifth consecutive 100-yard rushing game to help the Roadrunners roll past No. 8 (FCS) UIW, 48-20, on Saturday afternoon at the Alamodome.
Banks had his second interception of the season and recovered a fumble to go with five solo tackles to help the Roadrunners (1-2) record their first win of the campaign and second in two all-time meetings with the Cardinals (1-2). Davin Martin logged his first career pick and Jimmy Wyrick had a fumble recovery, as UTSA forced four turnovers on the day.
Henry rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns — including a 74-yard dash on the third play from scrimmage of the third quarter — on only 14 attempts, good for an average of 10.3 yards per carry. The leading rusher in the FBS entering today’s contest, the senior from Mississippi now boasts 144-plus rushing yards, two rushing TDs and a run of at least 74 yards in each of his last five outings.
UTSA piled up 442 yards of offense, 238 through the air and 204 on the ground. Owen McCown completed 11 straight pass attempts at one point during the first half and finished 29 of 35 (83%) for 238 yards and four touchdowns. He found six different receivers, led by Devin McCuin, who caught seven for 51 yards and two TDs. AJ Wilson had a team-high 99 yards and a TD on four receptions, while DJ Allen hauled in seven passes for 29 yards.
The Roadrunners held the Cardinals to 357 yards of offense, including only 33 rushing, the fewest allowed since limiting Rice to five rushing yards in 2022. Brandon Tucker paced the defense with eight tackles, including seven solo stops. Martin had six tackles to go with his INT, while KK Meier made five stops.
UTSA took advantage of the first UIW turnover on the game’s opening possession, as Wyrick pounced on a loose ball at the UIW 33-yard line. Six plays later, McCown connected with McCuin on a 13-yard TD pass.
Michael Petro pushed the lead to 1-0 when he split the uprights from 26 yards with 5:29 left in the opening period.
Henry found paydirt early in the second stanza on a 3-yard TD run and the McCown found Dan Dishman all alone in the end zone on a 4-yard touchdown pass to increase the lead to 24-0 with 8:03 left until halftime.
Henry’s 74-yard dash on the first drive of the second half helped give the Roadrunners a 31-0 lead. That also marked the third time this season that he has scored on a run of 74-plus yards on the first, second or third play of the second half.
The Cardinals broke through for their first score of the game on a 38-yard touchdown pass from EJ Colson to Chedon James.
The Roadrunners responded with their longest passing play since the 2023 season, a 77-yard bomb from McCown to Wilson that helped extend the lead to 38-7.
Colson and James hooked up for their second score of the half on a 15-yard TD before Petro made his second field goal of the day, a 31-yarder at the 9:19 mark of the fourth quarter that made it 41-14.
Colson hit James on a 36-yard touchdown pass with 6:19 remaining and a two-point conversion attempt failed, providing the final margin.
Colson came off the bench in the second half to throw for 213 yards and three TDs on 17-of-24 passing. James had a game-high 134 yards and three scores on eight catches.
The Roadrunners will close out their non-conference against Colorado State next Saturday, Sept. 20, in Fort Collins. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. CT/7:30 p.m. MT at Canvas Stadium and the game will be televised nationally on FS1.
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