Bobcats Defeat Mean Green 30-28, Win SERVPRO First Responder Bowl for Second Straight Season

By Sparti Locklin 

DALLAS, Texas— The Bobcats were able to survive a late surge from the University of North Texas to win the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl 30-28 on Friday, Jan. 3.   

 Junior running back Lincoln Pare racked up 143 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, including a game sealing 73-yard touchdown run that sent Bobcat fans into a frenzy.  

 Senior quarterback Jordan Mccloud capped his college career with a bang finishing 26-35, 307 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception. His 37 total touchdowns this season broke a program record for most single season touchdowns at Texas State.  

 Senior receiver Jaden Williams had eight receptions for 155 yards and one touchdown. His 70-yard reception in the first quarter tied former Louisiana Tech receiver Carlos Henderson for the third longest reception in First Responder bowl history.  

 Head Coach G.J. Kinne spoke about how this win gives the program a ton of momentum heading into the next season.  

 “And to come out here and in a big time environment and get a win that’s what it’s all about,” said Kinne. “A lot of momentum going into the offseason with recruiting, we’re back at it tomorrow.” 

Kinne had very high praise when asked about Junior running back Lincoln Pare.  

 “He’s gonna be a captain moving forward, he’s just the epitome of what we want as a Texas State Bobcat on and off the field.”  

 UNT started the game hot on offense scoring touchdowns on two of their first three drives. Freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker connected with freshman receiver Miles Coleman for a 46-yard touchdown, and sophomore receiver Landson Sides for a 16-yard touchdown.  

 The Bobcats started off with three field goals on each of their first three possessions but were able to end the half with a 24-yard touchdown reception by senior wideout Jaden Williams to take a 16-14 lead into the break.  

 Coming out of halftime, the Bobcats conducted a 13 play 75-yard touchdown drive capped off with a Lincoln Pare one yard touchdown drive to take a 23-14 lead.  

 Both teams went on a scoring drought until late in the fourth quarter when Makenzie McGill II ran in a one-yard touchdown to cut the Bobcat lead to 23-21.  

 Shortly after, Lincoln Pare’s 73-yard touchdown scamper put the Bobcats back up two possessions, holding a 30-21 lead.  

 Despite Drew Mestemaker’s long 70-yard touchdown run to cut the lead back to two and 30-28, it wasn’t enough as the Bobcats went on to win 30-28.  

 This win improves the Bobcats bowl record to 2-0 all time. The Bobcats look to use this momentum heading into their 2025 campaign where they will kick off on Aug. 30 at UFCU stadium against the Eastern Michigan Eagles.