In recent weeks, the Texas State Bobcats have faced significant challenges, suffering consecutive losses in the Sun Belt Conference. Initially projected to finish second in the West Division, their struggles have been evident. Two weeks ago, they lost a nail-biter to Arkansas State, 31-30. Last week, they dropped a close game against Troy in overtime, 48-41.
Upcoming Matchup Against Marshall
Seeking to break their losing streak, Texas State will play against Marshall on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. This game will take place at the Joan C. Edwards Stadium and will be televised on ESPN. It also marks Marshall’s Homecoming game.
Texas State’s Performance Overview
Texas State currently holds a record of 3-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play. GJ Kinne, now in his third season as head coach, boasts a career record of 31-15, with 19-13 of those wins at Texas State. Kinne emphasized the need for improvement, saying, “We’ve got to get about 10 percent better on defense and make a couple of kicks.” He acknowledged that the recent losses were team efforts, involving all facets of the game, including coaching.
Season Stats and Key Players
The Bobcats opened the season strong, winning three out of their first four games against Eastern Michigan (52-27), UTSA (43-36), and Nicholls State (35-3). Their only loss in this stretch was a significant 34-15 defeat at Arizona State. Despite their offensive prowess, averaging a Sun Belt-leading 36 points per game, the defense has struggled, allowing nearly 30 points per game.
- Top Offensive Stats:
- Average offensive yards per game: 476
- Team’s leading rusher: Lincoln Pare – 581 yards, 8 touchdowns
- Second-leading rusher: Brad Jackson – 336 yards, 7 rushing touchdowns
- Top receiver: Beau Sparks – 33 catches, 506 yards, 5 touchdowns
Quarterback Brad Jackson has been a crucial asset, throwing for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He is also the team’s second-leading rusher. Meanwhile, the defense shows weaknesses in pass coverage, yielding approximately 236 yards per game.
Defensive Highlights
Linebacker Treylin Payne and safety Ryan Nolan stand out on the defensive side. Payne leads the team with 42 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Nolan follows closely with 41 tackles, in addition to key pass breakups.
This Saturday’s matchup will be the first, and likely only, meeting between Texas State and Marshall in the foreseeable future, as the Bobcats are set to join a reorganized Pac-12 Conference next year.
Kinne expressed the team’s determination to improve, stating, “We have to win these games and it’s up to us as coaches and players to make the plays.” The Bobcats aim to rise to the occasion as they seek their first Sun Belt victory this season.
