Week 8 Football Recap: Jason Dann the Man

Texas State may have crowned a homecoming court at halftime on Saturday, but it was kicker Jason Dann who was king in the Bobcat’s thrilling 33-31 victory over South Alabama.

Dann hit four field goals in Texas State’s last five possessions, including the game-winner from 41 yards out with 4 seconds remaining.

Texas State’s defense looked to have the game in check from the get-go holding South Alabama to just 3 points at the half. Head coach Dennis Franchione looked to balance out the play-calling in the first half with 96 rushing yards and 81 passing.

The Jaguars came out in the second half more efficient on offense as they took to the air to capitalize on Texas State’s struggling pass defense.

The Jaguar offense would come out of halftime firing as they closed the score to make it 17-17 at the beginning of the 4th quarter.

Texas State and South Alabama’s offenses stalemated until the 8 minute mark. Jason Dann gave the Bobcats the lead 20-17 on a 37 yard field goal.

The Bobcats looked to have the game sealed after Justin Iwuji’s momentum shifting pick six to put Texas State on top 27-17.

South Alabama refused to concede defeat. Quarterback Ross Metheny connected with Danny Woodson for an incredible 42 yard catch over the outstretched arms of cornerback David Mims to bring the score to 27-24.

The Bobcats had to resort to another Jason Dann field goal to make the score 30-24. Metheny yet again connected with wide receiver Danny Woodson to put the Jaguars ahead 31-30 with 1:32 to go.

The Bobcats had one last chance.

After stalled play-calling, Texas State was looking at 4th and 19 then a crucial false start penalty made it 4th and 25 with only 40 seconds remaining.

Tyler Jones miraculously connected with wide receiver Ben Ijah to convert the seemingly impossible 4th down on a 51 yard strike down field, putting the Bobcats in field goal range.

The game, and possibly Texas State’s bowl hopes, would rest on the foot of Jason Dann who connected from 42 yards out to put the Bobcats up 33-31.

South Alabama had one last chance but the usual backyard lateral-fest that resulted came up empty and the Bobcats captured their second Sun Belt victory and improved to 5-3 overall on the season.

“That’s the stuff you go to bed at night and dream about. Just to have the chance to do that was amazing.A couple of teammates said that was the most excited they had ever seen me, and I’d have to agree with them.”
– Jason Dann

Texas State heads to the Kibbie Dome to face the Idaho Vandals next week.

Game Notes:

• Aside from one interception, Tyler Jones looked much more comfortable throwing the football as he threw 15/25 for 218 yards and two TDs.
• Nutall and Lowe continued their rushing dominance combining with Tyler Jones for 233 yards on the ground
• When the offense was clicking, the defense got their rest and proved to be flat out better. When the offense stagnated late, the defense grew tired. Frachione has to keep the offense in a rhythm, three and outs  on three rushing plays will not get it done against the top dogs in the Sun Belt.
• Texas State is one win away from being bowl eligible for the first time ever. However, 6 wins will not get it done after the losses to both Louisiana-Lafayette and Monroe, Texas State will need at least 7 to be selected for a bowl.
• Ross Metheny did a great job today avoiding pressure from Texas State’s defense. The Bobcats couldn’t get a player in the backfield to bring him down.
• The next few weeks will be telling as the Bobcats won’t be back in San Marcos until November 23rd vs Western Kentucky.