Down Go the Red Wolves

By Keilani De Luna: 

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Texas State Bobcats dominated the Arkansas State Red Wolves 41-9 on Saturday during Parents’ Weekend at UFCU Stadium, marking another sold-out crowd.   

In their last matchup during the 2023-2024 season, the Bobcats lost to the Red Wolves 77-31. The all-time series now stands at 5-7, with the Red Wolves still holding a two-game lead over the Bobcats. 

Texas State’s defense started strong, holding Arkansas State to a field goal in the first quarter despite a 49-yard rush from the Red Wolves. On the ensuing drive, quarterback Jordan McCloud connected with junior wide receiver Kole Wilson for a 52-yard touchdown, giving the Bobcats a 7-3 lead after junior kicker Mason Shipley’s extra point. 

Senior defensive end Ben Bell, a key figure in the Bobcat defense, suited up for the game. “Ben’s a great player; he’s a warrior. Love that kid like a son,” said head coach G.J. Kinne on Bell’s return. 

Texas State’s defense made a critical fourth-down stop deep in their own territory, setting up McCloud’s five-yard rushing touchdown to extend the lead. Senior linebacker Mannie Nunnery delivered a pivotal sack early in the second quarter, forcing Arkansas State into a third-and-long situation. The Red Wolves managed a field goal, but Shipley answered with a 39-yarder to give the Bobcats a 17-6 lead. 

Senior defensive end Steven Parker came up with a huge sack that helped the Bobcats regain possession at their 43-yard line. Arkansas State moved the ball within the 10 but was once again held to a field goal, making it 17-9. 

After halftime, junior running back Ismail Mahdi broke off a 45-yard run, setting up a 25-yard touchdown pass from McCloud to freshman tight end Jaden Williams. Mahdi finished the night with 164 rushing yards. 

McCloud later found senior wide receiver Joey Hobert for a 30-yard touchdown pass. After forcing another punt, the Bobcats took over at their own 7-yard line, and McCloud hit Hobert with a shovel pass for an 8-yard score, making it 38-9. 

In the fourth quarter, the Bobcat defense forced yet another punt, and Shipley capped the scoring with a field goal to push the lead to 41-9. 

“Defense, I think maybe this is the first time in my whole career no touchdowns, y’all can look that up, that was pretty impressive, goals aren’t going to beat us,” Kinne said when talking about defense performance throughout the game.  

The Bobcats, now 4-2 (2-0), will travel to Norfolk, Virginia to face the Old Dominion Monarchs 4-2 (1-1) on Saturday, October 19th at 2:30 pm.