UTSA football delivered a dramatic comeback victory on Thursday night, defeating South Florida football 31-24 after A’Marion Peterson scored the decisive touchdown in the final seconds. Will Henderson III set up the winning score with a crucial 26-yard run, helping the Roadrunners extend their winning run in American Conference play.
The result of South Florida vs UTSA left UTSA with a 5-1 overall record and a 2-0 mark in conference action. South Florida fell to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in the American Conference after surrendering its late lead in a thrilling finish.
South Florida vs UTSA Score and Game Highlights
The final score in the UTSA vs South Florida matchup was UTSA 31, South Florida 24. Both teams produced important offensive plays, but the Roadrunners made the difference when the game was on the line.
South Florida appeared close to securing the victory after Michael Van Buren Jr. connected with D.J. Crowther for an 11-yard touchdown pass, putting the Bulls ahead 24-23 with just 1:56 remaining.
However, UTSA responded with a decisive final drive. Henderson broke free for a 26-yard run with 18 seconds left, moving the Roadrunners into position to take control. Peterson then scored from one yard out on the next play, completing his third touchdown of the night and giving UTSA a 31-24 advantage.
The late sequence turned a potential South Florida victory into a memorable comeback for UTSA football.
A’Marion Peterson Leads UTSA’s Comeback
A’Marion Peterson was one of the biggest difference-makers in the game. The running back scored three touchdowns, including a 53-yard rushing score that helped UTSA remain competitive in the first half.
Peterson also scored on a two-yard run to tie the game at 17-17 at the beginning of the third quarter. His final touchdown proved decisive, capping the Roadrunners’ late rally.
Will Henderson III also played a crucial role. His 26-yard run in the closing seconds created the opportunity for Peterson to score the winning touchdown.
Together, Peterson and Henderson combined for 178 rushing yards on 25 carries, providing the foundation for UTSA’s ground attack.
South Florida Football Starts Strong but Loses Momentum
South Florida football began the contest with an impressive offensive drive. D.J. Crowther scored on a 15-yard run to give the Bulls an early 7-0 lead.
UTSA answered when Peterson broke away for a 53-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 7-7. South Florida quickly regained the advantage as Van Buren connected with Bryson Rodgers for a 42-yard touchdown with only 11 seconds remaining in the opening quarter.
The teams traded second-quarter field goals, with Michael Petro scoring for UTSA and Nico Gramatica answering for South Florida. The Bulls entered halftime with a 17-10 lead.
The momentum shifted after the break. South Florida managed only eight plays in the third quarter, allowing UTSA to take control of the game. Peterson’s short touchdown run tied the score before Petro’s 41-yard field goal put the Roadrunners ahead 20-17.
Petro later converted a 31-yard field goal to extend UTSA’s lead to 23-17 with 8:21 remaining.
South Florida’s late touchdown briefly restored its advantage, but the Bulls could not stop UTSA’s final offensive push.
UTSA vs South Florida: Quarterback Statistics
Both quarterbacks contributed to their teams’ offensive efforts, although neither passing attack produced overwhelming numbers.
Owen McCown completed 22 of 31 passes for 209 yards for UTSA. His steady performance helped the Roadrunners maintain possession and stay within reach while the running game delivered the decisive plays.
Van Buren finished with 177 passing yards, completing 16 of 29 attempts for South Florida. His touchdown pass to Rodgers helped the Bulls establish their first-half advantage, while his late connection with Crowther gave South Florida a short-lived lead in the fourth quarter.
The contrast between the teams’ rushing attacks and their ability to execute in the closing moments ultimately shaped the outcome.
What the South Florida vs UTSA Result Means
The victory strengthened UTSA’s position in the American Conference. At 5-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play, the Roadrunners continued their strong start and demonstrated their ability to respond under pressure.
For USF football, the defeat was a missed opportunity. The Bulls had a halftime lead and regained the advantage late in the fourth quarter, but their inability to stop UTSA’s final drive proved costly.
The loss dropped South Florida to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in conference action. The team will need to improve its consistency, particularly when protecting a narrow lead late in games.
The result also highlighted the importance of the running game. Peterson’s three touchdowns and Henderson’s late burst helped UTSA overcome South Florida’s passing scores and secure the win.
What’s Next for USF Football and UTSA Football?
Both teams will return home for their next scheduled games on October 17.
South Florida is set to host Kent State, giving the Bulls an opportunity to respond after the narrow defeat. The team will look to build on its offensive production while finding ways to maintain momentum throughout all four quarters.
UTSA will host Navy on the same date. The Roadrunners will aim to carry their winning momentum into another important American Conference matchup.
Final Takeaway
The South Florida vs UTSA game delivered a dramatic finish, with the Roadrunners rallying for a 31-24 victory after trailing for much of the first half. A’Marion Peterson’s three touchdowns and Will Henderson III’s decisive late run proved critical to the outcome.
For UTSA football, the win reinforced its strong conference start. For South Florida football, the result served as a reminder that a late lead is never secure until the final whistle.
Fans following the next UTSA game or the Bulls’ upcoming schedule will be watching to see how both programs respond after this closely contested matchup.
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