Bobcats Fall to Texas A&M in Spavital’s Debut as Head Coach

By Jacob Staires
Sports Reporter

On the evening of August 29, Texas State took on 12th ranked Texas A&M at Kyle Field in College Station for the season opener, but they fell short to the Aggies 41-7.

The Spavital-era at Texas State has been highly anticipated since he was first hired back in November 2018. Jake Spavital was tested quickly going up against legendary coach, Jimbo Fisher, in his first game as head coach. After a frustrating loss, fans wait to see how Spavital will lead the ‘Cats going forward in the coming games.

Despite a strong showing from the defense, the Aggies doubled the Bobcats in yardage. This was a result of Texas State losing the time of possession battle by over 11 minutes, because of the offense’s inability to hold on to the ball.  

Tyler Vitt, who was named the team’s starting quarterback earlier in the week, was benched for Gresch Jensen late in the first half after throwing two interceptions. In turn, Jensen threw two picks of his own, before passing to TJ Graham in the final minutes, assisting in the ‘Cats receiving their lone touchdown for the game

All four turnovers developed into points for Texas A&M and the 12th man. 

The Bobcats forced two turnovers inside their own 10-yard line in the season opener against Texas A&M. One was a forced fumble that was recovered at the 1-yard line, and the other was Bryan London’s first career interception in the maroon and gold. 

The defense, which was ranked 53rd nationally last year, showed up at Kyle Field. It may not have prevented Texas A&M stars, Kellen Mond and Jashaun Corbin, from finding the end zone, but the unit caused several bits of struggle for the high-powered SEC offense.

Bobcat fans just have to wait and see how the quarterback battle will continue to progress. If the offense fixes its woes, the combination of an efficient offense and a motivated defense could be dangerous in the Sun Belt Conference.

The Texas State football team looks to even their record at (1-1) next week when they take on the Wyoming Cowboys in the home opener at Bobcat Stadium.

You can catch the rest of the 2019 season on KTSW 89.9.

Featured image by Jacob Staires.