McCown Throws Five TDs as UTSA Dominates Temple on the Road

Keith Groller, The Stateline Gazette

SAN ANTONIO — UTSA got the kind of road performance it had been seeking, pairing explosive offense with a stifling defensive effort in a 42–14 victory over Temple on Saturday night at Lincoln Financial Field.

The Roadrunners leaned on the steady arm of quarterback Owen McCown and a defense that never allowed the Owls to find a rhythm, turning what had been billed as a competitive matchup into a decisive statement.

“We talked all week about playing our brand of football for four quarters,” UTSA coach Mark Hammerstone said. “Tempo, discipline and trusting our playmakers. I thought we did all three.”

McCown was sharp from the opening series, completing 17 of 22 passes for 340 yards and five touchdowns. He spread the ball to a deep group of receivers, with David Amador finishing with seven catches for 106 yards. Devin McCuin, Willie McCoy and tight end Houston Thomas also scored as UTSA built a comfortable lead early.

“We were aggressive, but not reckless,” McCown said. “The reads were clean, the protection was solid, and guys made plays after the catch. That’s when this offense is at its best.”

UTSA added to its advantage with a bit of creativity. Running back John Emery threw a 45-yard touchdown pass on a trick play and later scored on the ground, underscoring the Roadrunners’ control as the game wore on.

Temple’s lone spark came on a kickoff return touchdown, but the Owls’ offense struggled throughout the night. Quarterback Evan Simon was limited to 84 passing yards and threw two interceptions as UTSA consistently forced long-yardage situations.

“We just couldn’t stay on schedule,” Temple coach Grant Easterday said. “When you’re behind the chains against a defense like that, it snowballs fast.”

Running back Joquez Smith scored Temple’s only offensive touchdown, but the Owls finished with just 159 total yards and were shut out offensively in the second half. UTSA allowed only 75 rushing yards and tightened its coverage as the game progressed.

“This was about responding the right way,” Hammerstone said. “Road games in this league aren’t easy, and I’m proud of how our guys handled business.”

For UTSA, the win reinforced its reputation as an offense-driven contender capable of overwhelming opponents when it plays cleanly. For Temple, it was a reminder of how quickly games can slip away when early mistakes mount.

As the Roadrunners headed home, the message was clear. They had set a standard — and now the challenge is sustaining it.