McCown, McCuin Power UTSA ast Tulane 38–31 In Pivotal East Division Clash

Brad Wilson, The Stateline Gazette

NEW ORLEANS — Owen McCown delivered a composed, efficient performance as UTSA stayed firmly in the East Division race, defeating Tulane 38–31 on Saturday night behind a balanced offensive effort and timely execution.

McCown threw for 383 yards and three touchdowns, guiding the Roadrunners to a wire-to-wire road victory that held up despite a late Tulane rally.

“This was about composure,” UTSA head coach Mark Hammerstone said. “We didn’t panic, even when they made runs. Owen was calm, decisive, and our skill guys made plays when it mattered.”

Fast start sets the tone

UTSA seized control early, striking first and building a 7–0 lead after the opening quarter before extending the margin to 21–14 at halftime. McCown spread the ball efficiently, attacking downfield and keeping Tulane’s defense off balance.

The Roadrunners continued to dictate tempo in the third quarter, pushing the lead to 31–17 and appearing firmly in command.

“We came in with a clear plan,” Hammerstone said. “Attack vertically, stay efficient, and finish drives.”

McCuin and Amador deliver explosive plays

Wide receiver Devin McCuin fueled UTSA’s passing attack, catching seven passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns while repeatedly winning in single coverage. David Amador II added another dimension, totaling 138 receiving yards and scoring on a rushing play that highlighted UTSA’s versatility on the perimeter.

Running back Robert Henry Jr. provided balance, rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown while adding 43 yards as a receiver.

“Our guys trust each other,” Hammerstone said. “When one player gets rolling, it opens up everything else.”

Tulane rallies but falls short

Tulane answered in the second half behind quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who threw for 343 yards and three touchdowns and added a rushing score. The Green Wave trimmed the deficit to seven in the fourth quarter, keeping pressure on UTSA until the final minutes.

Receiver Bryce Bohanon led Tulane with nine catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns, while tight end Johnny Pascuzzi added a red-zone score.

“I loved the fight we showed,” Tulane head coach Evan Wilkins said. “We didn’t execute well enough early, but our response in the second half showed the character of this group.”

Too much efficiency to overcome

UTSA answered every Tulane push, finishing with 481 total yards and converting key third downs to maintain control.

“We put ourselves in a hole,” Wilkins said. “Against a quarterback like that, you can’t afford to play from behind all night.”

The win moved UTSA to 3–3 and kept the Roadrunners squarely in the East Division mix. Tulane fell to 1–5 as it continued to search for consistency.

“This league doesn’t give you anything,” Hammerstone said. “You earn it. Tonight, our guys earned it.”

UTSA 38, Tulane 31

Team statistics UTSA — 481 total yards; 17 rushing attempts, 97 yards, 2 TDs; 26 of 29 passing, 384 yards, 3 TDs Tulane — 465 total yards; 23 rushing attempts, 122 yards, TD; 30 of 42 passing, 343 yards, 3 TDs

Passing UTSA — Owen McCown 22-27-383, 3 TDs Tulane — Jake Retzlaff 30-42-343, 3 TDs, INT

Rushing UTSA — Robert Henry Jr. 12-98, TD; A’Marion Peterson 1-16; Owen McCown 2-minus-15 Tulane — Jake Retzlaff 6-68, TD; Jamauri McClure 14-41; Maurice Turner 3-13

Receiving UTSA — Devin McCuin 7-143, 2 TDs; David Amador II 8-138; AJ Wilson 4-60, TD; Robert Henry Jr. 5-43 Tulane — Bryce Bohanon 9-90, 2 TDs; Johnny Pascuzzi 7-53, TD; Shazz Preston 3-75; Justyn Reid 4-49; Omari Hayes 3-24; Maurice Turner 2-40