The Other Side of the Wall: Texas State
This is it. Troy will take its final conference trip to San Marcos Saturday before the Bobcats pack it up and leave for the PAC-12.
Feels like there’s a lot on the line.
| Opponent | Texas State |
|---|---|
| Time/Network | 7 PM ESPN+ |
| Overall Record | 13-2 |
| Last Matchup | L 17-38 (2024)* |
| Opponent’s FPI/Difference | 71 (-19) |
| Betting Line | Texas State -10.5 |
That works as a pun too; expect smashmouth football all game. Texas State has a very run-heavy offense and a weak run defense.
Matter of fact, Texas State’s offense makes them the very type of team that could give Troy issues. Like Memphis this year, Memphis last year, and Texas State last year for that matter, this is an offense that will gas Troy’s defense if it stays on the field.
Texas State is ranked 36th in the country in Offensive Yards after Contact (passing), Troy is 106 defensively, according to CFB-Graphs.com. For rushing, those numbers only change slightly—37th and 88th respectively.
Troy has to wrap up and complete tackles. Arkansas State didn’t do that, and almost lost.
In fact, Jaylon Raynor is the reason the Red Wolves won. Tucker will need to have the most aware, agile and adept game of his life Saturday for Troy to win.
I don’t see either side having a problem putting pressure on the quarterback, but Brad Jackson, Texas State’s quarterback, is No. 20 in the country in rushing touchdowns. A quarterback. Top 20.
So clearly we’re going to see some elusive play, and certainly a ton of quarterback runs. Much like my analysis three years ago, this Bobcat team feels like a souped-up Trojan squad.
But what makes this Bobcat team tick? For that answer, and for the last time as a Sun Belt team, I’ve reached out to Colton McWilliams with the San Marcos Record for answers.
- What song best describes the season so far?
Margaritaville. Much like the story on the song, they are plenty of ups and downs for the Bobcats this season from beating UTSA in the Alamodome to falling to Arkansas State in spectacular fashion.
It’s Teis’ own damn fault. - Who would play head coach in a movie about his life?
Glen Powell, about the same age, good looking, both Texans, and has experience acting in a college football show/film.
I saw exactly one picture that gave me Nick Kroll vibes, but none of the others. I could also see McConaughey, but some other team claimed him. - What is the best moment for this program in the last 24 years?
Offensive lineman Nash Jones catching the lateral pass to help seal Texas State’s first ever bowl win.
Love a big man touchdown. - In one word, describe the UTSA win.
Monumental. UTSA had only lost three times in the Alamodome, once to Houston and twice to Army, under Jeff Traylor. Historically UTSA has dominated the rivalry but this win shifted the momentum towards Texas State as not only the best team in the region and the best G5 program in the state. - In one word, describe the Arizona State loss.
Unsurprising. Arizona State is a Big 12 contender and Texas State is still trying to reload especially on defense. Could the game turn out better? Yes but to me personally, Arizona State on another tier right now. - What are three names on defense Troy fans should pay attention to? Why?
Linebacker Treylin Payne, currently leads the team in both total and solo tackles. Defensive end Kalil Alexander, he is a terror on the defensive line. Defensive back Khamri Terrell, right now the best defensive back in the room. - When Texas State snaps the ball, what is most likely to happen?
The Bobcat offense being able to find their groove again in front of a rowdy homecoming crowd in San Marcos while wearing those beautiful Southwest Texas throwbacks.
I am so excited to see these one more time. - If we wake up Sunday and the underdog wins, what happened the day before?
Troy was able to throw off the momentum of the Bobcat offense, making it a low-scoring game that favors the Trojans more.
Like I said. Smashmouth football. - If we’re in town, where should we go eat?
You got plenty of options. Sandwich fan? Alvin Ords. Breakfast Tacos? Lolita’s. Burgers? Taproom or Showdown. Mexican food? Herbert’s. BBQ? Blacks BBQ - What’s one question you have for us about Troy, if you have one (we’ll answer in the article)?
What are you going to miss the most about Texas State?
Here’s the truth. Texas State isn’t going to miss much about its time in the Sun Belt, for good reason. It took several years of grinding to finally get a good coach and a decent team. I will fondly remember the 40-7 win, the 63-27 rout, and the 62-9 beatdown, but I honestly wish we could see this program peak as a conference member. I wish we could see this rise end with the rest of the Sun Belt. I’m going to miss the boundless hope and possibility of a 10-win team in San Marcos.
Dang.
Now I’m starting to feel sentimental. I always saw the Bobcats as the Miami Marlins of the Sun Belt.
I never really hated them like the other teams in the league, and I actually cheered for their success… except against my own team.
I was happy to see the Bobcat fans all jump in the river to celebrate a bowl berth… and win.
I was pissed at Larry Teis, upset for Everett Withers, and impressed when GJ Kinne clearly turned the program around.
Hell, even the Supercat logo is kinda cool.
Hard to believe the 27-year streak is over.
Now it’s time for a 30-year streak.
Troy wins, 21-20.
Special thanks to Colton McWilliams. You can follow him on Twitter here.