Texas State Faces Tough Defeat: Texas State football faced a tough defeat against Arkansas State University with a final score of 77-31. The disappointment echoed in Coach G.J. Kinne’s words as he took responsibility for the team’s performance, stating, “Today, we just didn’t play up to our standard on either side of the ball or on special teams.”
Redshirt sophomore running back Ja’Quez Cross stole the spotlight for the Red Wolves, securing three touchdowns and rushing for 139 yards on 13 carries. Contributions from Redshirt junior running back Zak Wallace and freshman running back Cedric Wallace added to the onslaught, with a total of seven rushing touchdowns, three defensive scores, and a kickoff return.
The 77 points conceded by Texas State marked a historic high, and it was the first time since 2017 that an opponent scored in all facets of the gameoffense, defense, and special teams.
Coach Kinne acknowledged the need for improvement, especially in third-down defense. Despite facing injuries, he emphasized the team’s positive aspects but recognized the room for growth.
In the quarterback position, redshirt sophomore T.J. Finley had a busy day, going 37-55 for 366 yards and three touchdowns. Finley connected with wide receivers Kole Wilson and Joey Hobert for two and one touchdowns, respectively. However, two interceptions by Finley led to Arkansas State scores.
Junior wide receiver Ashtyn Hawkins led the Bobcats with an impressive 165 receiving yards on eight receptions. Sophomore running back Ismail Mahdi contributed 62 rushing yards on 17 carries, adding to his record as the single-season rushing touchdowns leader in the FBS era for Texas State.
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The loss against Arkansas State now puts them in contention for a bowl game, while Texas State, now 0-2 since becoming bowl-eligible, faces the challenge of back-to-back losses for the first time in the Kinne era.
The regular season will conclude with Texas State facing South Alabama at Bobcat Stadium on senior night. The team aims to secure its first-ever bowl game bid, and Coach Kinne emphasized the need for improvement as they strive to play for their seniors.
Kickoff between Texas State and South Alabama is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25, at Bobcat Stadium,
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who are Texas state rivals?
Texas State football upholds two fierce rivalries with the UTSA Roadrunners and the Sam Houston State University Bearkats.
Who is the state hero of Texas?
In 1981, the Texas legislature named Earl Campbell as an Official State Hero of Texas, joining Davy Crockett, Stephen F. Austin, and Sam Houston as the only other individuals to receive this honor. This recognition reflected Campbell’s widespread popularity and fame at the time.