In a historic moment for the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), quarterback Owen McCown led the Roadrunners to their first-ever bowl victory, securing a 35-17 win against Marshall in the Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium.
The game took an unexpected turn just before kickoff when seventh-year standout Frank Harris was sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained in the Roadrunners' regular-season finale against Tulane in November. This thrust Owen McCown into the starting role, a challenge he embraced as he eventually delivered a stellar performance.
McCown faced some initial struggles in the first quarter, going 1-for-6 with two interceptions. However, he quickly rebounded, showcasing resilience and determination by finishing the game 21-of-25 for 250 yards and two touchdowns in the final three periods. His remarkable turnaround played a crucial role in UTSA's success on the field.
A standout among the receiving corps was Joshua Cephus, who hauled in seven receptions for 102 yards and contributed a touchdown. Cephus's performance highlighted the depth and versatility of UTSA's offensive lineup, with 10 players recording at least one reception during the game.
On the defensive side, the Roadrunners demonstrated their prowess by limiting Marshall to 13 first downs and a mere 5-of-18 efficiency on third downs. The defense also wreaked havoc in the Marshall backfield, registering six sacks and nine tackles for lost yardage. This resolute performance was instrumental in securing UTSA's victory.
Marshall quarterback Cole Pennington faced a tough challenge, going 15-for-33 for 258 yards, while running back Rasheen Ali managed 92 rushing yards, including a notable 64-yard touchdown before being sidelined in the second half.
For UTSA, the win marked a significant milestone, as the Roadrunners claimed their first bowl victory in five appearances. The triumph also capped off an impressive season, where UTSA closed with eight wins in nine games, finishing the 2023 campaign with a record of 9-4.
In contrast, Marshall, which began the season with a promising four-game winning streak, faced struggles down the stretch, concluding the season with a 2-7 record in their last nine games. Despite the challenges, both teams displayed resilience and sportsmanship throughout the game, adding another chapter to the rich tapestry of college football history.
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