TEXAS STATE FOOTBALL DEFEATS EASTERN MICHIGAN IN HOME OPENER

Isaac Melchor

Sports Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas-  The Texas State football team defeats Eastern Michigan to start the season, with the final score being 52 to 27.  

Brad Jackson’s first start at quarterback was a success Saturday night, as he scored four touchdowns, one away from tying the Texas State record for quarterback touchdowns in a single game at five.  

In the first drive of the season, it only took four plays for the Bobcats to score as Brad Jackson connected to Beau Sparks for a sixteen yard passing touchdown.  

On the other end a field goal from Eastern Michigan put them on the board, returning the ball back to the Bobcat offense.  

Brad Jackson and Beau Sparks pick up right where they left off, as they net another touchdown after a fifteen yard completed pass. 

As the second quarter begins, Eastern Michigan takes over on offense and goes eighty yards in eight plays and scores a touchdown to make the score 10-14. 

The Bobcats respond with a twenty four yard field goal by Tyler Robles.  

A touchdown late in the half for Eastern Michigan sends the game into a one score differential going into halftime. 24-17 Texas State. 

During halftime, Texas State athletics put on a drone show, specifically in hyping up the schools move to the Pac-12 next year. 

The third quarter in San Marcos is more of the same, as Brad Jackson and Beau Sparks connect two more times for a touchdown. Putting the Bobcats up 38-17 heading into the fourth.  

In the fourth the Bobcats scored yet again, this time from Greg Burrell after a fifteen yard run. 

Jaylen Jenkins for the Bobcats gets in on the fun and scores after a fifty eight yard run. Then things finally conclude as Eastern Michigan scores a late touchdown from Joey Mattford.  

Final score 52-27 for a Bobcats victory. 

Twenty one thousand Bobcat fans filled up the UFCU stadium in Texas State’s home opener and the team did not disappoint. Brad Jackson in his first start at quarterback put up 214 passing yards with four touchdowns on the day. Lincoln Pare picked up right where he left off last season as well, with his 167 rushing yards.  

Head Coach GJ Kinne spoke on the early chemistry between Brad Jackson and Texas State receivers. “They put in a lot of work, we’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time, the chemistry was instantly there. These kids are really together and that matters. I thought we were spreading the ball around.” 

He also gave an assessment on the defense Texas State played “I thought we played really well, in the second half obviously third down defense we gotta continue to get better. The pass rush has to come alive a little bit more. That’ll continue to come as we get more reps and they get more experience.” 

Beau Sparks spoke on what goes through his mind during his four touchdowns throughout the night, he said “Honestly it’s just were up, were winning. I’m a team guy, whatever comes with that, is what comes with that, but I’m a team first guy, I’m happy we got the win.” 

Texas State goes against I-35 rival UTSA  on the road, September 6th, at 2:30pm at Alamodome Stadium.