McCown’s early hit preceded UTSA’s 57-20 bowl comeback

Owen McCown's helmet came off after a spinning scramble against FIU, but the UTSA quarterback's night ended with a bowl trophy and MVP honors. The play happened in the First Responder Bowl on Dec. 26, 2025, in Dallas, where the Roadrunners recovered from a 14-0 deficit to beat the Panthers 57-20.

On UTSA's first possession, McCown faced third-and-11, scrambled right and spun past a defender before FIU's Antonio Patterson delivered the hit, according to Greg Luca's reporting for the San Antonio Express-News. McCown went down as his helmet flew off, then stood back up. FIU returned the ensuing punt 97 yards for a touchdown to stretch its lead to two scores.

McCown addressed the helmet afterward in the bowl's official postgame transcript. He said he had forgotten to buckle it while talking before the snap. His explanation focused on trying to make a play and the team's emphasis on getting back up after being knocked down.

ESPN College Football's highlights show the game that surrounded the widely circulated moment. The footage is from the December 2025 bowl.

UTSA answered the early deficit with 38 consecutive points. Will Henderson III scored on a two-yard run, then took a shovel pass from McCown 40 yards for the tying touchdown. Jimmy Wyrick's interception set up a field goal that put the Roadrunners ahead, and they led 31-14 by halftime.

McCown completed 18 of 28 passes for 295 yards and three touchdowns. Henderson supplied three touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving. UTSA finished with 481 yards of offense while holding FIU to 255, including 79 on the ground.

The win completed a 7-6 season and gave UTSA its third consecutive bowl victory under Jeff Traylor. Its 57 points set a program bowl record. The hit was an early moment in a game that ultimately belonged to McCown and the Roadrunners' offense.