The UTRGV Vaqueros opened their Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season with a 45-16 loss to the UTSA Roadrunners at the Alamodome, a stark reminder of the jump in competition level.
Season Opener at the Alamodome
Garret Rangel took the snap for UTRGV, completing 19 of 32 passes for 152 yards, while receivers Corey Holmes and Jaydon Smith each added 68 yards, and Aidan Jakobsohn contributed 91 yards before recording two interceptions. A 34-yard field goal attempt early in the first quarter fell short, leaving the Vaqueros without points in the opening period.
UTSA answered with a dominant offensive display; quarterback Owen McCown threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns, and DJ Allen hauled in a touchdown reception. The Roadrunners also rushed for 250 yards, with Will Henderson III and A'Marion Peterson contributing 99 and 96 yards respectively, underscoring the depth of their ground attack.
Momentum shifted when Ahamad Chapman intercepted Jakobsohn and returned the ball 49 yards, extending UTSA’s lead to 21-0. UTRGV’s red zone defense held firm, forcing a field goal by Michael Petro, but the Roadrunners answered with a 62-yard touchdown pass to Allen and a 53-yard rushing score by Peterson, pushing the margin to 38-6 in the fourth quarter.
Broderick Taylor’s 54-yard rush set up Atzel Chavez Jr.’s first career touchdown, providing a rare bright spot for the Vaqueros as they closed the game.
Despite the setback, the Vaqueros are scheduled to host Nicholls on September 12, hoping to build on the experience and improve as the season progresses.