UTSA Dominates Coastal Carolina in Myrtle Beach Bowl
Conway, S.C. — The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners clinched a convincing 44-15 victory over Coastal Carolina in the Myrtle Beach Bowl held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Brooks Stadium. This triumph not only marked a successful end to the season but also showcased the resilience of the Roadrunners after a tumultuous start.
Season Challenges
UTSA’s head coach, Jeff Traylor, sensed growing anxiety among his players during the season’s early stages. With aspirations for an American Athletic Conference championship and a place in the College Football Playoff, the Roadrunners faced a rocky beginning, recording a 3-5 record just two months into the season. With playoff dreams seemingly slipping away, Traylor drew on his high school coaching roots, encouraging his team to adopt a “win and advance” mentality.
A Resilient Comeback
This strategy paid off as the Roadrunners secured three consecutive wins, earning bowl eligibility. The season, which appeared to be a potential disappointment, transformed into a story of resilience, culminating in four victories in their final five games.
“We did have our downs, but this just adds to how great a team we are at the end,” stated wide receiver David Amador. “Just finishing strong toward the end of the season shows our growth.”
Game Highlights
Despite being designated the home team for the Myrtle Beach Bowl, UTSA finally recorded its first road victory of the season, overcoming a previous 0-6 road record. Quarterback Owen McCown played a pivotal role, completing 23 of 30 passes for 254 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for a score and earned MVP honors for his performance.
“To be able to get one more shot at playing in a road game, we really wanted to end it for the seniors, and that’s what we did,” McCown remarked after the game.
Defensive Dominance
The Roadrunners’ defense also made a significant impact, recording four sacks and 10 tackles for loss. UTSA effectively contained Coastal Carolina’s offense, which was hampered by injuries and transfers, leading to a total of just 271 yards in offense throughout the game. UTSA defensive tackle Brandon Brown noted, “We were pretty dominant.”
Pivotal Moments
After a quiet first quarter, UTSA exploded with a series of scores to establish a commanding 21-0 lead before halftime. The Roadrunners never looked back, continuing to build their advantage throughout the second half, including a remarkable 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Chris Carpenter.
Looking Ahead
This victory extends UTSA’s streak of winning seasons under Coach Traylor to five, a testament to his leadership and the team’s growth. Traylor expressed pride in his squad’s resilience despite their earlier struggles, a sentiment echoed by many players. “The truth is, how they held together, how they just hung in there,” he said, reflecting on the season that could have easily unraveled.
As the Roadrunners look forward to the 2025 season, the Myrtle Beach Bowl win serves as a reminder of their potential and determination to achieve greater heights.
