By Kelly Marshall
Austin Sports Journal
SAN ANTONIO — UTSA wasted little time seizing control of the 2025 Battle of San Antonio, forcing turnovers on UIW’s first two possessions and riding explosive plays to a 48–20 win Saturday at the Alamodome.
The Roadrunners (1–2) picked up their first win of the season behind a balanced offensive attack and a defense that created short fields throughout the night.
Quarterback Owen McCown completed 29 of 35 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns, showing the poise head coach Jeff Traylor had been demanding.
“He did a great job getting through his reads,” Traylor said. “Played almost as efficient as I’ve seen him play.”
Running back Robert Henry delivered his fifth straight 100-yard game, rushing for 144 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries. His 74-yard sprint early in the third quarter blew the game open.
Wide receiver AJ Wilson added a highlight of his own, hauling in a 77-yard touchdown in the third quarter as part of his 99-yard outing. Devin McCuin caught two scores, including the game’s opening touchdown.
UTSA led 24–0 at halftime after capitalizing on two UIW fumbles and an interception. Henry punched in a 3-yard score, McCown found Dan Dishman for a 4-yard touchdown, and Michael Petro hit a 26-yard field goal to add to the early lead.
The Roadrunners’ defense set the tone. Linebacker Shad Banks Jr. had an interception and a fumble recovery, continuing his knack for game-changing plays. “Coach told us it was a big emphasis on getting to the ball, forcing turnovers, and getting to the QB. I think we did a great job doing that today,” Banks said.
UIW (1–2) showed fight in the second half behind freshman quarterback EJ Colson, who threw for 213 yards and three touchdowns, all to wideout Chedon James. James finished with eight catches for 134 yards, including scores of 38, 15 and 36 yards.
Traylor credited the Cardinals’ effort, especially with their two-quarterback approach. “That backup quarterback had a little juice today,” Traylor said of Colson. “He played his tail off, with his feet, with his arm.”
Still, UTSA’s defense piled up four sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Kenny Ozowalu recorded a sack and three tackles for loss, while Jonathan Jones forced a fumble. The Roadrunners’ ability to pressure Colson and Richard Torres (111 passing yards) kept UIW from sustaining drives until the game was out of reach.
The victory came after a frustrating 0–2 start. Traylor emphasized how his team responded to a week of criticism. “We always talk about, when you’ve got great culture, your teams give you what you emphasize. We stressed turnovers and pad level, and it showed up tonight.”
McCown said the team’s preparation paid off. “We responded great as a group,” he said. “O-line did a helluva job — over 200 yards rushing and no sacks. Any time we do that, we’re in good hands.”
UTSA finished with 442 total yards to UIW’s 357, winning the time-of-possession battle by nearly nine minutes. The Roadrunners scored on all five red-zone trips and did not turn the ball over.
“This one felt good,” Banks said. “It’s never about the opponent, it’s about us. Tonight we showed what kind of team we can be.”
