#24 UTSA Dismantle LA Tech 45-16 in Ruston

While some UTSA fans were worried about a perspective trap game against Louisiana Tech in Ruston, those worries were calmed by about halftime as the Roadrunners marched to a 45-16 victory against the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs had more time of possession, but turned the ball over three times in the loss.

For much of the first half, it looked as if things were going to go Louisiana Tech’s way. The Bulldog defense bottled up Sincere McCormick for just 44 yards and one touchdown through the first two quarters. That being said, Frank Harris and the passing game sprung to life at points with Harris finding Zakhari Franklin for two touchdowns in the first half of 75 and ten yards. Louisiana Tech also converted just two of seven third down attempts in the first half. UTSA would finish the first half up 21-10.

The second half began with a bang for UTSA as Dadrian Taylor picked off Austin Kendall and returned it for a touchdown for UTSA’s fifth defensive touchdown of the season. That ties them with Ohio State for most defensive touchdowns in FBS this season.

Neither team would score again until the fourth quarter when Sincere McCormick would break out for a 47-yard touchdown run right at the start of the final period. On the ensuing kickoff, the Roadrunners would force a fumble inside the LA Tech 20. McCormick would punch it in again from the one-yard line shortly thereafter.

LA Tech would soon get a score back when Austin Kendall found UMass transfer Samuel Emilus for a 21-yard touchdown pass.

UTSA sophomore defensive lineman Christian Clayton was ejected for targeting in the second half, meaning he will need to sit out the first half of UTSA’s next contest.

Harris would finish the game 12 of 20 for 193 yards through the air with two touchdown passes. Harris also rushed for 59 yards on eight carries. Harris would be replaced by Josh Adkins in the fourth quarter.

McCormick ended the day with 23 carries for 113 yards for three touchdowns. The Roadrunners would end the day with 213 rushing yards while holding LA Tech to just 62.

Hunter Duplessis would add a 38-yard score to extend the lead with 1:06 left in the game.

Per USA Today’s Steve Berkowitz, “The 8th regular season win gives coach Jeff Traylor a $50,000 bonus. Traylor now has $275,000 in bonuses so far. That’s equivalent to almost 35% of his scheduled pay from the school this year ($830,000).”

Louisiana Tech have been to a bowl game every season since 2014. That streak is in serious jeopardy now as the Bulldogs fall to 2-5 with five games left to play, none of which could be considered easy wins. In a week where the school’s conference alignment and athletic future are up in the air, this doesn’t help things.

UTSA must now wait two weeks to go for their ninth straight win on November 6 against UTEP in El Paso. Louisiana Tech will continue their season on October 30 against Old Dominion in Norfolk.