UTSA and Navy delivered a back-and-forth offensive showdown, with the Roadrunners repeatedly answering the Midshipmen's big plays in a game featuring long touchdown runs, creative play-calling and several lead changes.
Navy quarterback Jackson Gutierrez made an immediate impact in his return to his hometown, scoring twice on the ground and establishing the Midshipmen's aggressive offensive approach.
Gutierrez opened the scoring with a touchdown run after breaking through the UTSA defense for a substantial gain earlier in the possession.
Navy continued attacking with misdirection and quarterback runs. Braxton Woodson broke free around the edge on a jet sweep, using his speed to advance the Midshipmen deep into UTSA territory.
Gutierrez followed with another touchdown, faking a pitch in one direction before reversing course and finding an opening to the end zone.
UTSA quarterback Owen McCown responded through the passing game, delivering a touchdown strike under pressure to get the Roadrunners on the scoreboard.
The Roadrunners continued moving the football with a combination of quick passes and runs. A catch-and-run along the sideline initially appeared to produce another touchdown, but officials ruled the receiver had stepped out of bounds at the 14-yard line.
UTSA eventually finished the possession with a touchdown involving receiver Young, who hurdled a defender before reaching the end zone.
Navy answered by expanding its offensive approach beyond the running game.
Gutierrez connected with tight end Jordan Collins for a touchdown, taking advantage of a UTSA defense focused on containing Navy's rushing attack.
The combination proved particularly effective when Gutierrez found Collins again on a 92-yard touchdown pass. Collins broke into open space and outran the Roadrunners' secondary for one of the game's biggest plays.
UTSA responded with a long touchdown run by Will Henderson III, who found an opening, accelerated through the defense and reached the goal line to put the Roadrunners back in front.
Navy then introduced another wrinkle in its offense.
Woodson lined up as a passer and completed a throw back to Gutierrez, who advanced the football to the 1-yard line after breaking tackles.
Facing third-and-goal, Navy returned to Woodson, who initially appeared ready to throw before keeping the football and scoring the go-ahead touchdown.
The Roadrunners answered once more.
McCown found Amari Peterson on a pass, and Peterson took advantage of a block from Myles Anderson before accelerating into the open field for a touchdown that restored UTSA's lead.
The exchange illustrated the different approaches used by the two offenses.
Navy relied on option concepts, misdirection and unexpected passing plays to create scoring opportunities. Gutierrez's mobility and his connection with Collins forced UTSA to defend multiple threats on nearly every possession.
UTSA countered with McCown's passing ability and explosive plays from Henderson and Peterson, demonstrating its capacity to score quickly rather than relying exclusively on sustained drives.
For the Roadrunners, the offensive production showed their ability to respond under pressure. Navy, meanwhile, demonstrated how a traditionally run-oriented attack can create substantial passing gains when opponents concentrate too heavily on stopping the ground game.
