UTSA Roadrunners Crush FIU 57-20 to Claim Third Consecutive Bowl Victory
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners capped off their 2025 campaign with an exclamation point on Friday night, delivering a masterclass in offensive efficiency to defeat the Florida International University (FIU) Panthers 57-20 in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. In a game hosted at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, the Roadrunners overcame a shaky start to score 38 unanswered points, eventually securing the program’s third consecutive bowl win under head coach Jeff Traylor. The victory was fueled by stellar performances from quarterback Owen McCown and versatile running back Will Henderson III, who combined for six total touchdowns.
While the final score suggested a one sided affair, the game began with a shock to the system for the Roadrunners. FIU, appearing in its first bowl game since 2019, took an early 7-0 lead on a 19 yard touchdown strike from Joe Pesansky to Kyle McNeal. Less than two minutes later, the Panthers widened the gap in historic fashion. Maguire Anderson fielded a UTSA punt at his own 3 yard line and sprinted 97 yards for a touchdown, setting a new NCAA record for the longest punt return in bowl history. The 14-0 deficit left the UTSA sideline stunned, but it also served as the catalyst for one of the most dominant turnarounds in bowl season.
The Roadrunner Resurgence
The momentum shifted decisively in the late first quarter when Will Henderson III took over. The dynamic sophomore sparked the comeback with a 2 yard touchdown plunge to put UTSA on the board. Shortly after, Henderson showcased his receiving skills by hauling in a 40 yard touchdown pass from Owen McCown to tie the game at 14-14. This touchdown began a relentless onslaught that saw the Roadrunners score on five consecutive possessions.
Owen McCown was the architect of the air attack, finishing the night with 295 passing yards and three touchdowns on 18 of 28 completions. McCown consistently found Devin McCuin, who led all receivers with 73 yards and a 23 yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. By the time A'Marion Peterson powered into the end zone for a 10 yard score just before halftime, UTSA had built a commanding 31-14 lead. The Roadrunners’ defense mirrored the offense’s intensity, holding FIU to just 93 total yards in the first half after the Panthers' initial scoring surge.
Defensive Dominance and Closing the Door
The second half began much like the first ended, with UTSA exerting total control at the line of scrimmage. Will Henderson III recorded his third touchdown of the night on a 5 yard run, pushing the lead to 38-14. While FIU managed to break their scoring drought with a 22 yard touchdown pass from Pesansky to Dallas Payne in the third quarter, the attempt to claw back was immediately stifled. On the ensuing two point conversion attempt, UTSA’s Ahamad Chapman intercepted the pass and returned it the full length of the field for two points, a rare play that extended the UTSA lead to 40-20.
The fourth quarter served as a victory lap for Jeff Traylor’s squad. McCown added his third touchdown pass of the night, a 34 yard strike to Patrick Overmyer, while Bryson Donnell rounded out the scoring with a 12-yard rushing touchdown. The UTSA defense finished with eight tackles for loss and two sacks, limiting the Panthers to just 79 rushing yards and forcing a staggering 1 for 10 performance on fourth down attempts.
A Historic Finish to 2025
The 57-20 victory carries significant weight for the UTSA program. By winning their third straight bowl game, the Roadrunners have established a level of postseason consistency rarely seen in the American Athletic Conference. Owen McCown’s 295 yard performance allowed him to finish the season with just under 3,000 passing yards, solidifying his role as the cornerstone of the offense heading into 2026. Meanwhile, Will Henderson III’s three touchdown performance earned him widespread praise for his ability to impact the game as both a runner and a receiver.
For the FIU Panthers, the loss ends an otherwise successful 7-6 season that saw the program snap a five year bowl drought. While the record breaking punt return by Maguire Anderson will live on in highlight reels, the team was ultimately overwhelmed by UTSA’s superior depth and speed. As the Roadrunners celebrate in Dallas, the victory serves as a reminder that the "Rowdy" culture in San Antonio remains a formidable force in college football.