Bobcats Unable to Stop the Trojan’s Up-tempo Offense

By Reilly Low
Sports Reporter

On Saturday, Texas State struggled to keep Troy from scoring resulting in a 63-27 loss at Jim Wacker Field. The Bobcats also honored 22 seniors prior to the game since it was the last time they would step on the field at home. Emotions were running high from the beginning of the game to the very last play. The seniors made their mark on Bobcat football and will provide some big shoes to fill for seasons to come.

The Maroon and Gold defense started out strong, forcing the Trojans to punt after three plays, which allowed the offense an opportunity to score first.

Sophomore quarterback Tyler Vitt saved the drive by getting out of the closing pocket, going 16 yards and gaining a first down. The offense’s ability to drive down the field set up Senior kicker Joshua Rowland for a field goal attempt which put Texas State on top early.

After the Bobcats scored first, they were unable to keep Troy from scoring. The Trojan’s offense started off slow, but when they took the field again, they were playing at a faster pace. In just the first half alone Troy put up 35 points and Texas State put up only 10.

Senior wide reciever Hutch White scored his second touchdown of the season in the 3rd quarter of the game, giving the Bobcats some momentum after halftime. White leads the Maroon and Gold in receiving yards and receptions, so getting a touchdown on senior day meant much more because it was his last time at Jim Wacker Field.

Penalties against the Texas State defense cost them opportunities to keep the score close. Vitt’s four interceptions also did not help the Bobcats keep the game competitive. One of those interceptions was taken back for a touchdown late in the game, stabbing this Bobcat hope for the final time.

Head coach Jake Spavital knew that penalties did not help Maroon and Gold in a game where every scoring opportunity matters.

“Overall we were sloppy in penalities,” Spavital said. “We got to eliminate the explosive play. We still got to understand momentum swings, and when we get into shoot-outs, we got to be able to respond.”

Texas State will head to North Carolina this Saturday to face Appalachian State at 1:30 p.m.. You can listen to the game on KTSW 89.9 with pregame coverage beginning at 1:00 p.m..

Featured image by Nathan Rarangol.