Live Blog: Texas State vs Georgia Southern

By Warren Schorr
Sports Director

Texas State (5-3, 3-1) looks to continue their winning ways as they face Sun Belt Conference leaders Georgia Southern (7-2, 6-0). Tough task for the Bobcats as they face the nation’s leading rushing offense averaging 402 yards per game. Texas State is seventh in the Sun Belt, allowing 217 yards per game on the ground. The defensive line is going to need to step up to let David Mayo run wild in the second level and make the tackles.

Injury Report: 

Jafus Gaines is out and CJ Best will start.

First Quarter:

Texas State will start with the ball. Three swing passes and running back Rob Lowe does a nice job of fighting for extra yards to gain a first down.

Defense does a great job on the first series, especially defensive lineman Michael Odiari, who blows up a run on the third down. Eagles punt and Bobcats take over at their 15.

Eagles are moving the ball right down the field for a big third down run for 41-yards by quarterback Kevin Ellison down at the seven. Three plays later running back Matthew Breida launches into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown run. Eagles lead 7-0 with 4:02 left in the first.

Bobcat offense needs to answer here and show they can move the ball. They don’t answer and go three and out.  End of the quarter 7-0.

Second Quarter: 

Bobcat offense uses little creative runs, a double reverse by wide receiver CJ Best, who goes for 25 yards. Next play quarterback Tyler Jones misses a wide open. Wide receiver Ben Ijah is in the end zone and the Bobcats have to settle for a 39-yard field goal by kicker Will Johnson.

Eagles again just running the ball right down the field. Missed tackles by line backer David Mayo and cornerback David Mims lead to large gains. Running back L.A Rambsy scores on a three-yard run. Eagles lead 14-3 with 7:14 left in the first half. Lots of missed tackles by the defense on that drive. They need to tighten up the fundamentals on defense if they want to stay in this game

Bobcats can’t take advantage of great field position and fail to convert on fourth and seven. The fourth down play is a pass to tight end Bradley Miller and is five yards short of the first down marker. They come up short. Halftime: Georgia Southern 14, Texas State three.

Third Quarter: 

Texas State’s run defense played really well in the first half, only allowing 156 rushing yards. That is going to need to continue to keep this close.

Bobcat defense gets a nice three-and-out to start the half. Defense had a chance for INT, but couple defenders had miscommunication and the ball fell between them.

Tyler Jones has not looked sharp at all today. Pass intended for Miller was under thrown and picked off.

Georgia Southern just reenacted Moses parting the seas. Breida runs 47-yards for a touchdown. Eagles lead 21-3 with 9:57 left in the third.

Bobcats started this drive going the wrong way and end up with a third and 39, but Eagles are flagged for unnecessary roughness and that keeps the drive alive. Jones finds tight end Ryan Carden on the end of a 32-yard pass for a touchdown. Bobcats trail 21-10 6:05 left in the third.

Jones has looked much more comfortable on the drive as he is running it more aggressively and finding open receivers. He found wide receiver Brandon Smith for 26 yards. Bobcats go for it on the fourth and goal at the one, and Jones is pressured and throws a pick six, and Dobson returns it 101-yards for the score. Eagles lead 28-10 at the end of the third.

Fourth Quarter

Bobcat defense continues to do their job and forces another three-and-out. Offense takes over at its 13. Bobcats march 87 yards for a touchdown and have some life. Rob Lowe scored on the one-yard run. On the ensuing kick-off, Will Johnson recovers his own onside kick. On the ensuing they score a touchdown on a pass from Jones to White, which made the lead 28-25. Another onside kick was attempted but it was recovered by Georgia Southern. On the ensuing play, Breida fumbled but was recovered by the Eagles.

Final: Georgia Southern 28, Texas State 25.