UTSA Flattened by North Texas In 55–17 Rout

For about one play, it looked like the UTSA Roadrunners had come to Denton ready to make a statement. Running back Robert Henry Jr. exploded for a 72-yard run on the Roadrunners’ first snap, setting up an early score and a jolt of confidence.

Then North Texas had its first drive, and everything fell apart for the Roadrunners.

North Texas ran circles around the Roadrunners, piling up 584 total yards in a 55–17 beatdown that left UTSA searching for answers.

“They kicked our ass, to be honest with you, and it mostly was self-inflicted,” UTSA coach Jeff Traylor said. “We played like dog crap, and we deserve the way we feel right now.”

A Fast Start That Fizzled

UTSA kept things close early. The Roadrunners trailed just 17–10 late in the second quarter before a string of mistakes swung the game towards the Mean Green. North Texas closed the half with a touchdown, then came out firing after the break with three quick scores that turned the game into a blowout.

Quarterback Owen McCown couldn’t get the passing game going, finishing just 12 of 21 for 87 yards. The offensive line struggled to protect him, and receivers dropped easy passes that killed momentum.

“We did not handle the prosperity of playing very well last week,” Traylor said.

Missed Opportunities

The mistakes weren’t limited to defense. UTSA lost three fumbles, including one deep in its own territory, and drew a handful of penalties. For a team that prides itself on discipline and toughness, the lapses were glaring.

“We were not buttoned up and ready to play,” Traylor said. “That’s my fault. The kids weren’t ready, and I have to figure that out.”

Traylor Shoulders the Blame

This isn’t the first time UTSA has been blow out in Denton. In 2021, North Texas derailed the Roadrunners’ unbeaten season. Traylor compared this performance — along with the blowout loss to Texas State earlier this fall — to the worst games of his tenure.

He’s not wrong. The Roadrunners looked flat, frustrated, and overmatched — a stark contrast from the gritty, resilient identity that defined their rise in recent years.

“They whipped our tail,” Traylor said afterward. “They kicked our ass. We played like dog crap. That’s on me.”

Up next:

The UTSA Roadrunners are now 3-4 (1-2, American) on the season and will be idle nex Saturday before returning to the field for a Thursday night showdown against Tulane on Oct. 30.