SAN ANTONIO — Sincere McCormick rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns and the UTSA Roadrunners escaped another prolific outing by Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe to beat the Hilltoppers, 49-41, and claim their first Conference USA championship at the Alamodome.
Zappe completed 36 of 59 passes for 577 yards and four touchdowns. He set a single-season school record with 5,545 yards passing, surpassing Brandon Doughty.
Leading 49-41 with a minute remaining, the Roadrunners stopped the Hilltoppers at their own 6-yard line when Jahmal Sam intercepted a desperation throw by Zappe as time expired.
UTSA holds off Western Kentucky for Conference USA championship
About 41,000 fans packed into the dome to see the Roadrunners hold off a final drive by the Hilltoppers to claim the victory.
UTSA now will await word about playing in a bowl game, which is expected to happen in about two weeks against an as-yet undetermined opponent.