WATCH: UTSA lineman gets obliterated by block on Troy interception return
Friday commenced the official start of the 2022-2023 college football bowl season. The No. 24 Troy Trojans and the No. 25 UTSA Roadrunners have come out hitting like their hair is on fire in the Duluth Trading Cure Bowl. The Trojans made a game-changing interception when linebacker KJ Robertson, Jr. snatched a pass from Roadrunners quarterback Frank Harris late in the third quarter.
He snatched the interception inside the five-yard line and immediately took off down the right sideline. Around the 35-yard line, UTSA offensive lineman Ernesto Almaraz decided to try and make his way towards the sideline to tackle Robertson. The problem was, Robertson had a convoy of Troy blockers leading the charge out in front of him down the right sideline. At the 36-yard line, Almaraz was absolutely obliterated by Troy defensive end T.J. Jackson II. The decleating block sent Almaraz into the air, where he crashed to the ground around the 41-yard line.
Check out the epic hit here and pay attention to #64 on UTSA.
Along with his interception, Robertson also racked up nine tackles, earning MVP honors of the bowl game.
UTSA lost to Troy on Friday night, 18-12. Turnovers played a critical role in the outcome of the game. Troy forced five turnovers from the Roadrunners to help them storm to a comeback victory. UTSA was in charge at 12-0, but the Trojans scored 18 unanswered points to come away with the hard-fought win. It was an extremely physical game and as you can see from above, both teams were hitting hard throughout the contest.
The Conference USA Champions, UTSA, outgained Troy 345-166 in total yards, but penalties and turnovers proved to be the difference. The 22-combined victories between Troy and UTSA were the most of any non-playoff bowl game matchup this year. This game did not disappoint and both teams displayed excellent effort.