San Antonio, TX—-The game known as the “Battle of I-35,” named for the highway that connects San Marcos and San Antonio, entered its seventh chapter on Saturday. And this time, Texas State made it one to remember.
In front of a roaring crowd of 45,778—the third-largest in UTSA program history—the Bobcats marched 50 minutes down I-35 and handed UTSA a stunning 43–36 defeat inside the Alamodome. The win marked Texas State’s second straight in the rivalry and their first ever in San Antonio, dating back to 1979. With the series now at 5-2 in favor of UTSA, the tide in this bitter Central Texas rivalry may be turning.
The Roadrunners had a chance to tie or win it late, taking over with 2:16 left on the clock. But the comeback effort faltered on a fourth-down incompletion with just 1:28 remaining, sealing the win for the Bobcats.
For a team like UTSA—boasting the third-best home record in the country since 2020 (29-3), trailing only Alabama and Ohio State—the loss hit hard. Especially on home turf, in front of their largest-ever student section, and with the Alamodome drenched in orange for the season’s first “Orange Out.”
A Game of Big Moments and Broken Momentum
Even before kickoff, the vibes inside the Alamodome were electric. The smell of barbecue and churros wafted through tailgate lots, while Tejano music mixed with Young Thug tracks echoed through the concourses. Inside, fans were decked out in UTSA orange, ready for a showdown.
“This was our first time in the ‘Dome this year—it was amazing,” said Shad Banks Jr., a redshirt senior linebacker and TCU transfer. “It meant a lot to us and to the whole city.”
But energy alone wasn’t enough.
Texas State struck first—ironically with a safety—before quarterback TJ Finley (note: was originally listed as Brad Jackson, clarify with roster if needed) found Beau Sparks on a 73-yard bomb. A short touchdown run from Lincoln Pare followed, putting the Bobcats up 9–0.
UTSA responded in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown plunge from A’Marion Peterson, cutting the deficit and igniting the home crowd.
Yet, every time UTSA seized momentum, Texas State wrestled it right back.
“We got off to a slow start,” said UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor. “Then they got rolling. We’d get the crowd back into it, and then they’d score again. We just couldn’t sustain anything.”
Fireworks in the Second Half
The third quarter began with a bang. UTSA’s Robert Henry exploded for a 75-yard touchdown run to give the Roadrunners their first lead at 21–19. Pyrotechnics lit up the Dome. Fans roared.
But again—Texas State answered. A 28-yard burst by Pare set up Jaylen Jenkins for a 17-yard touchdown run. Moments later, in the fourth quarter, Finley scrambled for a 3-yard score to extend the Bobcats’ lead to 36–28.
UTSA, to their credit, didn’t fold. On a crucial fourth-and-8, quarterback Owen McCown connected with David Amador II for 22 yards. Then Henry sliced through the defense for a 30-yard touchdown run. A successful two-point conversion to Devin McCuin tied the game at 36.
It lasted 14 seconds.
That’s how long it took for Finley to unleash a 65-yard strike—again to Sparks—down the left sideline. The Bobcats retook the lead, 43–36, and never looked back.
The Final Blow
With one final opportunity to tie the game, UTSA’s offense returned to the field. But the drive ended in disappointment, as McCown’s pass to Houston Thomas sailed over his hands on fourth down. Two kneel-downs later, the Bobcats were celebrating at midfield, soaking in a historic win in a building they had never conquered.
“It sucks,” McCown said afterward. “Nobody likes to lose, especially in a rivalry game like this.”
“Nobody Can Beat UTSA…Except UTSA”
The emotions in the postgame locker room were raw.
“This one is going to sting for a while,” Traylor admitted. “It was a great crowd, great energy. Our fans, our marketing team, everyone showed up—except for me. Credit to Texas State. They were good today. We just weren’t.”
Banks echoed the frustration. “Both games we’ve lost this season, we beat ourselves. Nobody can beat UTSA—except UTSA.”
By the Numbers
Texas State QB TJ Finley finished 12-of-20 for 286 yards with a passing touchdown, one interception, and two rushing scores.
Beau Sparks was the game-breaker, tallying 155 receiving yards and a touchdown.
For UTSA, Owen McCown threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns, adding 55 yards on the ground.
Robert Henry was the Roadrunners’ offensive star, racking up 159 rushing yards, two rushing scores, and a receiving touchdown.
What’s Next:
The loss drops UTSA to 0–2 on the season, and they’ll remain in the Alamodome next Saturday to host cross-town opponent University of the Incarnate Word (1–1). Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CST.
Texas State, now 2–0, heads west for a major challenge against No. 12 Arizona State (1–0), with kickoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. CST.
Rivalries are built on heartbreak and history. On Saturday, Texas State added a new chapter—one written in bold, unforgettable ink.
