UTSA Storms Back to Defeat FAU in Homecoming Thriller
In a dramatic second-half comeback, UTSA pulled off a 38-24 victory over Florida Atlantic (FAU) during their homecoming game at the Alamodome. Trailing 17-10 at halftime, the Roadrunners used a strong defensive performance and an opportunistic offense to rally for the win, improving to 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
First Half Struggles for UTSA
FAU opened the game strong, led by quarterback Cam Fancher, who scrambled for a 76-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, fooling the defense on a quarterback draw. FAU’s defense contributed with two key interceptions by Jayden Williams, one of which set up a second rushing touchdown by Fancher. At halftime, the Owls held a 17-10 lead, and it seemed as though they were poised to take control of the game.
UTSA’s Second-Half Dominance
However, the Roadrunners flipped the script in the second half. UTSA’s defense, which had struggled early, tightened up, holding FAU to just 32 yards in the second half and forcing key turnovers. Asyrus Simon’s crucial strip-sack just before halftime set the tone for the Roadrunners’ comeback, giving UTSA the momentum they needed heading into the second half.
Quarterback Owen McCown threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns, including a pivotal 10-yard score to Jamel Hardy that tied the game at 17 just before halftime. Despite a fumble by McCown in the third quarter that was returned for a touchdown by FAU’s Wendol Philord, UTSA responded with 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Brandon High Jr.’s 29-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes left in the game capped off the Roadrunners’ comeback.
Tom Herman’s Struggles at FAU Continue
For FAU, this loss is part of a broader struggle under head coach Tom Herman. Now 2-5 on the season and 0-3 in AAC play, Herman’s record at FAU has dropped to 6-13. The Owl faithful had high hopes when Herman was hired, but the program has struggled to recapture the success it had under Lane Kiffin, who led FAU to multiple conference championships. Herman, like his predecessor Willie Taggart, has faced difficulties in reestablishing FAU’s dominance.
With the season slipping away, Herman hinted that changes to the lineup could be coming, as the Owls try to right the ship. The team’s second-half collapses have become a worrying trend, with execution and consistency being major issues throughout the season.
Looking Ahead
With the homecoming victory, UTSA moves forward with momentum, preparing for a road game against Tulsa. Meanwhile, FAU continues to search for answers as they attempt to salvage their season. The Owls’ inability to finish games strong has left the team in a precarious position, and the pressure on Herman continues to mount.







