Army Secures Bowl Eligibility With 27–24 Comeback Win Over UTSA
The first two offensive series by both Army and UTSA gave no indication of how explosive the first half would ultimately become.
Army opened with a three-and-out, while UTSA’s offense came out firing. Led by QB Owen McCown (son of longtime NFL quarterback Cade McCown) and dynamic RB Robert Henry, the Roadrunners marched down the field. Their opening drive ended with a perfectly executed option pass, landing in the hands of TE Patrick Overmyer for six.
Army’s second possession stalled again, as UTSA’s defense stuffed the Black Knights on 3rd-and-1 and 4th-and-1 from the Army 46. The Roadrunners added a 32-yard field goal on the ensuing drive to push their lead to 10-0 with 14:15 remaining in the half.
At that point, Jeff Monken and the Black Knights were simply trying to establish an identity.
They found it fast.
Slotback Noah Short took a pitch from QB Cale Hellums on a misdirection play, turned the corner, and—using every bit of that elite speed—raced 81 yards to the house for Army’s first points of the game.
From there, the Army defense held firm, forcing a UTSA punt that set up another productive drive. That series was highlighted by an option pass from Short to Brady Anderson for 24 yards. Dawson Jones capped the possession with a 27-yard field goal, tying the contest at 10-10 with just 2:59 left in the half.
My Oh My
UTSA looked poised to regain control before halftime, but CB Jayden Mayes had other plans.
McCown looked for a quick hitter over the middle, but the pass was disrupted by the Army secondary, popped into the air, and Mayes snatched it. Seventy-three yards later, he was in the end zone, delivering a stunning Pick-6 that sent Army into the locker room with a 17-10 lead.
3rd Quarter
The second half opened with intensity on both sidelines.
UTSA’s opening possession ended on 4th-and-3 with Mayes and company breaking up a pass to halt the drive. Army responded with a classic Black Knights ball-control march, ending with a 37-yard Dawson Jones field goal for a “comfortable” 20-10 advantage.
The teams exchanged punts before UTSA struck again—McCown lofting a 9-yard touchdown over the outstretched arms of nickel back Gavin Shields just seconds into the 4th quarter, cutting the Army lead to 20-17.
The Roadrunners kept the pressure on. After forcing an Army punt, UTSA covered 7 plays to punch in another touchdown and seize a 24-20 lead with the clock winding down.
Army’s Answer
But the Black Knights showed resilience of their own.
Key plays from Hellums, a clutch 15-yard grab by Samari Howard, and a decisive go-ahead touchdown reception by Parker Poloskey on 3rd-and-goal pushed Army back in front for good.
UTSA had one last opportunity with 1:20 remaining, but the Army defense—true to form—slammed the door.
Final: Army 27, UTSA 24 — Black Knights Headed Back to a Bowl Game
A dramatic, gut-check performance on the road sends Army back to postseason play, capping a statement win built on explosive plays, timely defense, and trademark toughness.
Post Game Army-UTSA with Head Coach Jeff Monken followed by CB Jaydan Mayes, Slot Noah Short & QB Cale Hellums (11/29/25)
Post Game (Army-UTSA) Analysis with GBK’s Analyst Joe Iacono(11/29) with guest Marquel Broughton
| Final | |||||
| Army | 0 | 17 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
| UTSA | 7 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 24 |
Scoring Summary
| 1st | 07:43 | TSA – Overmyer,Patrick 4 yd pass from Amador II,David (Petro,Michael kick) 9 plays, 81 yards, TOP 05:06 | 7 | 0 |
| 2nd | 14:15 | TSA – Petro,Michael 32 yd field goal 11 plays, 31 yards, TOP 05:14 | 10 | 0 |
| 2nd | 13:22 | AWP – Short,Noah 81 yd run (Jones,Dawson kick), 2 plays, 83 yards, TOP 00:48 | 10 | 1 |
| 2nd | 02:59 | AWP – Jones,Dawson 27 yd field goal 14 plays, 87 yards, TOP 08:02 | 10 | 10 |
| 2nd | 00:46 | AWP – Mayes,Jaydan 73 yd interception (Jones,Dawson kick) | 10 | 2 |
| 3rd | 04:27 | AWP – Jones,Dawson 37 yd field goal 14 plays, 37 yards, TOP 07:42 | 10 | 20 |
| 4th | 14:55 | TSA – Overmyer,Patrick 8 yd pass from McCown,Owen (Petro,Michael kick) 5 plays, 59 yards, TOP 02:14 | 17 | 20 |
| 4th | 09:10 | TSA – Hardy,Jamel 7 yd pass from McCown,Owen (Petro,Michael kick) 7 plays, 65 yards, TOP 03:23 | 2 | 20 |
| 4th | 02:49 | AWP – Poloskey,Parker 4 yd pass from Hellums,Cale (Jones,Dawson kick) 13 plays, 75 yards, TOP 06:21 | 24 | 27 |
| Final | 24 | 27 |
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