Author: Jack Culberson
Coming into this game, both WKU and UTSA were 3-2 overall and were 1-0 in the Conference USA. This game would determine who would have possession of first place in their conference. After a great game, UTSA was able to come out on top as they won 31-28 at home. Let’s take a closer look into this game.
The Roadrunners received the ball first, and they were able to drive 65 yards in 10 plays to score the first points of the game. Frank Harris had a 12 yard touchdown run to make the score 7-0. On the Hilltoppers first possession of the game, they were able to respond to UTSA’s touchdown with one of their own. After 9 plays and 80 yards, including Austin Reed’s 2 yard touchdown run, the game was tied 7-7. The next possession for each team resulted in punts. The first quarter ended in the middle of a Roadrunner drive.
To start the second quarter, UTSA finished their possession with a punt. When WKU got the ball back, they were able to go 89 yards in 10 plays to score another touchdown. Austin Reed was able to find Daewood Davis for 18 yards and the score to put WKU up 14-7. However, WKU’s lead did not last long as UTSA drove 88 yards in 11 plays to even the game up at 14. This time it was a Brenden Brady run for 3 yards that gave the Roadrunners the score. The Hilltoppers next possession resulted in a punt. On the last possession before halftime, UTSA kicker Jared Sackett was able to make a 49 yard field goal as time expired. The Roadrunners were winning 10-7 at halftime.
WKU started the second half with a three and out, and had to punt. UTSA was able to continue their offensive success in their first possession in the second half as they scored another touchdown. Joshua Cephus was able to cap off the 62 yard 7 play drive with a 1 yard touchdown run to put the Roadrunners up 24-14. WKU could not seem to move the ball early on in the second half, as they failed to convert on fourth down and turned the ball over on downs. However, the Hilltoppers were able to get a stop on defense and caused UTSA to punt on their next possession. WKU’s next drive resulted in another turnover on downs. UTSA turned the ball over on downs as well on their next drive. The third quarter came to a close at the beginning of a WKU drive.
To open the fourth quarter, WKU went 92 yards in 8 plays to score a touchdown. Austin Reed found Michael Mathison for 18 yards and the touchdown to make the score 24-21. UTSA was able to respond to WKU’s touchdown very quickly as in 2 plays the Roadrunners scored and grew their lead to ten once again. Frank Harris completed a 12 yard pass to De’Corian Clark for the touchdown. WKU needed to score their next possession in order to remain in the game, and they were able to do just that. The Hilltoppers went 75 yards in 8 plays to cut UTSA’s lead back to 3. This time it was Kye Robichaux who scored for the Hilltoppers as he scored on a 33 yard run to make the score 31-28. UTSA was looking to expand their lead on their next drive, but Brenden Brady fumbled and it was recovered by WKU’s Derrick Smith. After the fumble, WKU had the ball with a chance to obtain the lead late in the game, but on fourth and seven WKU was unable to convert and they turned the ball over on downs. UTSA regained possession and ran the clock out. UTSA beat WKU 31-28.
WKU overall played well in this game. Quarterback Austin Reed had a great game. The rushing part of their offense and defense could use improvement but overall they were both good. The main thing that hurt WKU this game was their inability to convert on fourth downs, as they turned the ball over three times due to failure on fourth downs. The Hilttoppers can definitely bounce back from this loss and compete in the Conference USA.
UTSA played well in this game and now are in first place in their conference. Quarterback Frank Harris led a great offensive game, and the Roadrunners rushing attack played great as well with the main focal point being Brenden Brady. UTSA’s defense showed up in the big moments and helped secure victory for the team. If UTSA continues their early season success then they could definitely win the Conference USA championship.