SAN ANTONIO — Owen McCown threw three first-half touchdown passes and UTSA capitalized on a flurry of defensive and special teams plays to rout Rice 61–13 on Saturday night at the Alamodome.

The Roadrunners (3-3, 1-1 American Conference) exploded for 38 first-half points and added 23 more in a dominant third quarter that included a pair of defensive touchdowns and a safety. Will Henderson III rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns, while Robert Henry Jr. — who entered the weekend as the nation’s leading rusher — added 64 yards and another score.

McCown, who completed 15 of 21 passes for 236 yards, connected with Devin McCuin, A.J. Wilson, and DJ Allen for touchdowns as UTSA scored on six of its first seven drives to build a 38–10 halftime lead .

The Roadrunners’ defense took over in the third quarter. Kendrick Blackshire intercepted a pass and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown just 44 seconds into the half, and Shad Banks Jr. scooped up a fumble and raced 41 yards for another score minutes later. UTSA then added a safety when Rice’s punt team mishandled a snap at its own 1-yard line before Henderson broke free for a 57-yard touchdown run that pushed the margin to 61–10 late in the third .

Rice (3-4, 1-3 American) managed just 269 total yards and was plagued by turnovers and negative plays, surrendering 16 tackles for loss and allowing two sacks. Running back Daelen Alexander provided the lone offensive highlight with a 57-yard burst to set up his own 3-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and finished with 129 yards on 12 carries. Kicker Enock Gota hit a 36-yard field goal in the first quarter and Chris Allen added a 45-yarder in the fourth .

UTSA rolled up 437 yards of offense and averaged 7.4 yards per play despite possessing the ball for less than 28 minutes. Wilson led the receiving corps with 77 yards and a touchdown, while McCuin added 64 yards and Allen 53. Defensively, Marcellus Wilkerson and Tyrus Leonard each had sacks, and Banks forced one of three Rice turnovers.