Bobcats Fall in Home Opener to Cowboys

By Jude McClaren
Assistant Sports Director

In the first home game of Jake Spavital’s head coaching career, the Bobcats lost a hard fought battle against the Wyoming Cowboys 23-14. Bobcat Stadium had an attendance of over 20,000 fans, with a strong showing from the relocated student section (behind the opposing team’s bench) that was nearly full for the entire game.

For the Texas State Football team, it was a tale of two halves.

At the conclusion of the second quarter, the Bobcats held a 14-10 lead over the cowboy roster coming off a big win over an SEC opponent Missouri last weekend.

Junior quarterback Gresch Jensen was 15-22 passing with 203 yards passing, one interception and a 50 yard touchdown pass to redshirt freshman Jah’Marae Sheread (A.K.A. “K-Dot.”)

Junior running back Caleb Twyford got in the endzone on a one-yard rush as well that was set up by a 36 yard catch and run from freshman tight end Micah Hilts. Spavital mentioned Hilts will be playing more throughout the season.

“I think he’s earned the right to run out there with the ones,” Spavital said.

But in the second half, the Cowboys took advantage of Jensen’s early third quarter interception that was returned by Wyomings’ Tyler Hall for a touchdown.

Jensen described what went through his mind on the play.

“I threw a little early, anticipating it (the route),” Jensen said.

What followed was a nine minute, 18 play, 88 yard drive that was capped off by a 19 yard field goal from Cowboy kicker Cooper Rothe. Coach Spavital discussed the difficulties of playing an offense like Wyomings.

“You saw it with Army, sometimes the best defense is keeping your offense on the field,” Spavital said. “(It caused us to) Make a lot of clock management thoughts going into the fourth quarter.”

Despite outscoring Texas State 13-0, the Bobcats still outgained the Cowboys on offense by 15 yards in the second half. Jensen ended the game with 394 yards and connected with eight different receivers.

While Texas State is still winless, it seems one problem was solved for the rest of the season; they know who their quarterback will be going forward.

“I think it’s Gresch’s to take away right now,” Spavital said. “We gotta keep getting better, fix our mistakes and get a good week of preparation with Gresch and keep moving forward.”

The Bobcats take on the SMU Mustangs led by Sonny Dykes and Texas transfer Shane Buechele in Dallas next week. The Mustangs are currently 2-0 with wins over Arkansas State and North Texas.

If you want to follow the ‘Cats to Dallas, you can tune into KTSW 89.9 to catch all the action.

Featured photo by Jude McClaren.