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UTSA Shows Fight in 42-24 Loss to No. 19 Texas A&M

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Tom Williams | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 11:08 AM ET

UTSA (0–1) battled No. 19 Texas A&M (1–0) on Aug. 30 in College Station before losing 42–24. The Roadrunners pulled within four points at 21–17 after a 75-yard TD run by Robert Henry Jr. on the first play of the second half. From there, the Aggies controlled the game 21-7 and never looked back.

UTSA entered as 23.5-point underdogs, fully aware this would be an uphill challenge. Here are three things we learned about the Roadrunners in their loss at Kyle Field.

Not So Special Teams

UTSA’s coaching staff had concerns about special teams entering the season, and those concerns were justified after the showing against Texas A&M. Where to begin?

Punt coverage: Texas A&M averaged 34 yards on their first four punt returns while the game was still competitive. That stretch included an 80-yard return for a TD by wide receiver KC Concepcion, the Aggies’ first score of the day. UTSA punter Caile Hogan outkicked his coverage and the coverage unit failed to recover.
Kickoff coverage: Kickoff coverage was also an issue, with the Aggies averaging 34 yards per return.
Field goals: Surprisingly, this was the bright spot as Michael Petro went 1-of-2, hitting from 36 yards and missing from 43.

Short of Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey driving down I-35 to kick for UTSA, coach Jeff Traylor has limited options before facing Texas State (1-0) on Sept. 6. For now, Roadrunner fans must hope for minor improvement because special teams will be a work in progress all season.

Run, Robert, Run

Running against an SEC defense is not easy given the talent, size and depth they bring. UTSA learned that last year in a 56–7 loss to Texas, when they managed only 132 rushing yards at 3.3 yards per carry.

Against Texas A&M, the Roadrunners flipped the script with 203 rushing yards at 6.2 yards per carry, most of it coming before the game slipped away. Henry was the star, piling up 177 yards on 16 carries for an eye-popping 11.1 yards per attempt. He showcased his speed and elusiveness on a 75-yard TD run to open the second half. Considering this will be the toughest defensive front UTSA faces all season, Roadrunners fans should feel encouraged about the running game and the offensive line.

Power Four Caliber

Despite the 18-point loss, UTSA proved to be a worthy opponent and they belonged on the same field with Texas A&M. Aggie coach Mike Elko cautioned reporters before the game about the dangers of overlooking the Roadrunners. UTSA nearly doubled the Aggies’ rushing output (203 to 108), held the ball for more than seven extra minutes (33:41 to 26:19) and finished with just 26 fewer total yards (399 to 373). Just as encouraging, after being one of the most penalized teams last season, the Roadrunners committed only four penalties for 34 yards compared to Texas A&M’s seven for 50. Moral victories never satisfy coaches, but Traylor’s team battled all night and looked every bit like a Power Four program.

Closing Thoughts

With hated rival Texas State coming to the Alamodome next, the Roadrunners still have areas to address, especially on special teams. Even so, their performance against the Aggies gives fans added confidence in the team’s ability to contend for the American championship in 2025. A win over the Bobcats will not only restore momentum but also set the tone for the rest of the season.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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