From staff reports
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Robert Henry Jr. continued his historic run of form and the UTSA defense made timely stops as the Roadrunners held off Colorado State 17-16 on Saturday night at Canvas Stadium.
Henry accounted for 220 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, breaking open the game with a 76-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and adding a 74-yard touchdown reception in the fourth. His performance marked the sixth consecutive game with at least 144 rushing yards and two total touchdowns, a program record.
“I’ve said it before, but Robert’s one of the best players in the country,” UTSA coach Jeff Traylor said. “Every time we needed a spark, he gave it to us. That’s what great players do.”
Quarterback Owen McCown finished 14-of-27 for 173 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. His best throw came late, when he found Henry on a screen pass that turned into a 74-yard sprint down the sideline to put UTSA ahead 17-10 with 4:49 remaining.
Colorado State answered with a 75-yard drive capped by Jackson Brousseau’s 4-yard touchdown to Rocky Beers in the final minute, but the Rams’ two-point conversion failed, sealing the Roadrunners’ narrow victory.
“This team has been through a lot of close games,” Traylor said. “We don’t panic in those moments. We’ve won our share of one-score games because our kids keep fighting.”
The Roadrunners (2-2) leaned on their defense to stay in control. Sophomore outside linebacker Nnanna Anyanwu made the most of his first start, posting three sacks and four tackles for loss. Linebacker Shad Banks Jr. and safety Jimmy Wyrick each recorded 11 tackles, anchoring a unit that allowed just one touchdown until the final 30 seconds.
“I’m so proud of our defense,” Traylor said. “Nnanna stepped up in his first start, Shad and Jimmy were all over the field, and we made just enough plays to win on the road.”
Colorado State (1-2) outgained UTSA 407-345 in total offense but was undone by penalties and missed opportunities. Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi threw for 176 yards but was sacked three times, while backup Tahj Bullock added a rushing touchdown.
The win was UTSA’s first by a single point since a 27-26 win over Louisiana Tech in 2020, and it improved Traylor’s record in one-score games to 26-14 with the Roadrunners.
UTSA enters its bye week before traveling to Philadelphia to face Temple in the American Conference opener on Saturday, Oct. 4. The game will kick off at noon and air on ESPN+.
