USF Falls to UTSA in Late Heartbreaker

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USF had the lead, the momentum, and a chance to leave San Antonio with a needed victory. Then UTSA delivered the final answer. The Roadrunners defeated the Bulls 31–24 Thursday night at the Alamodome, handing USF its second consecutive loss. USF dropped to 4–2, while UTSA improved to 5–1. The ending hurt because the Bulls had reclaimed the lead with less than two minutes remaining.

Michael Van Buren Jr. found D.J. Crowther for an 11-yard touchdown, putting USF ahead 24–23. However, UTSA responded with a 75-yard touchdown drive. A’Marion Peterson finished that possession with a one-yard scoring run in the closing seconds. UTSA added a successful two-point conversion, establishing the final seven-point margin. For USF, an encouraging late offensive response could not overcome one last defensive breakdown.

Earlier, the Bulls opened with the kind of start they needed. Crowther scored on a 15-yard run, giving USF a 7–0 advantage. His touchdown immediately put the Roadrunners behind and gave the Bulls something to build upon. Nevertheless, Peterson answered with the game’s first major UTSA highlight. He broke loose for a 53-yard touchdown run, tying the score at seven. That burst introduced the player who would ultimately decide the night. USF quickly supplied its own explosive answer.

Van Buren connected with Bryson Rodgers for a 42-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. The scoring pass restored the Bulls’ lead at 14–7. Rodgers gave USF a downfield weapon, while Van Buren delivered a welcome big play through the air. Next, the kickers traded scoring contributions. Bryson Rodgers Michael Petro converted a 26-yard field goal for UTSA, trimming the margin to 14–10. Nico Gramatica answered with a 24-yard field goal, sending USF into halftime ahead 17–10.

The Bulls had earned a seven-point cushion. However, the third quarter flipped the game.

Peterson scored again on a three-yard run, bringing UTSA even at 17–17. Petro then made a 41-yard field goal, giving the Roadrunners their first lead. USF finished the quarter without adding any points. That scoreless stretch forced the Bulls to chase a game they had controlled on the scoreboard. Meanwhile, UTSA kept collecting points. Petro added a 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, extending the advantage to 23–17. His three field goals mattered throughout the comeback. They rewarded UTSA’s drives and kept pressure on a USF offense seeking another touchdown.

Eventually, Van Buren and Crowther supplied it.

Their late touchdown connection brought USF back in front and created an opportunity to steal the road victory. Instead, UTSA quarterback Owen McCown helped drive the decisive response. His 19-yard scramble and Will Henderson’s 26-yard run highlighted the winning possession. Peterson finished with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. Henderson added 86 yards on 13 attempts, giving UTSA another productive rushing option. McCown completed 22 of 31 passes for 209 yards without an interception. For USF, Crowther carried 20 times for 83 yards and scored both rushing and receiving touchdowns.

Van Buren completed 16 of 29 passes for 177 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Rodgers led the Bulls with five receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown. Those performances gave USF enough offense to remain competitive and regain the lead. Yet the Bulls could not protect their final advantage. After consecutive defeats, USF faces a familiar challenge: turning promising stretches into a complete winning performance. Thursday’s game offered big plays and late hope. Unfortunately for the Bulls, UTSA owned the moment that mattered most.

About Post Author

Bradley Walker

Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball. Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour. In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights. He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.

bradleywalker3083@gmail.com

http://ngscsports.com

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Author Profile

Bradley Walker: Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.

Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.

In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.

He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.