Blackout turned bleak for Bobcats 

By Brett Biermann

KTSW Sports Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas– The Texas State Bobcats football team remains winless in conference play and drops another game to the James Madison Dukes 52-20 in front of a blacked-out crowd on a Tuesday night in San Marcos.  

The Bobcats were looking to bounce back from a 3-game losing streak and secure their first win in the Sunbelt Conference this season.  

Freshman Quarterback Brad Jackson threw his first interception of the game during the first drive to Duke’s cornerback DJ Barksdale. The Dukes would go on to dominate the first quarter with a six-yard passing touchdown from quarterback Alonza Barnett III to receiver Nick DeGennaro and an eight-yard rushing touchdown from running back Jordan Fuller, making the score 14-0.  

In the second quarter, the Bobcats got on the board with a 14-yard strike from Brad Jackson to Mavin Anderson to make it a one-score game, 14-7.  

The Dukes would immediately respond with a three-yard rushing touchdown from Fuller, his second of the night, to put them back up two scores, 21-7.  

The Bobcats settle for a field goal after a ten-play, 57-yard drive to make the score 21-10. 

Barnett III would put the Dukes up 28-10 after a 51-yard rush, followed by a 14-yard passing touchdown to tight end Josh Phifer.  

The Bobcats put up a good fight in the last two minutes of the second quarter after a three-yard rushing touchdown from Brad Jackson, followed by a three-and-out for the defense, and a field goal by kicker Tyler Robles to make it 28-20 going into halftime.  

The Dukes came into the second half showing why they’re the top team in the Sunbelt.  

On the third play of the first drive for the Dukes, Barnett III would complete a passing touchdown to DeGennaro for 76 yards and make the score 35-20.  

Jackson would go on to throw his second interception of the night, which was returned by Duke’s cornerback Justin Eaglin for 42 yards and would put the Dukes on the Bobcat 25-yard line.  

The Dukes went up 42-20 after a five-yard pass from Barnett III to tight end Logan Kyle.  

The Bobcats would respond with a third interception from Jackson to add salt to the wound.  

Barnett III would cap off his five-touchdown night with a two-yard rushing touchdown to put the Dukes up 49-20 and seal the victory for the Dukes, who remain undefeated in conference play.  

The final score would end 52-20. A dominating win for the James Madison Dukes, who outscored the Bobcats 24-0 in the second half.  

The Bobcats have allowed over 40 points in three straight games in this four-game losing streak. Head Coach GJ Kinne says no changes will be made yet.  

“No wholesale changes will be made right now, we’ll get in there, watch the film, and the coaches have to put these guys in a better situation,” said Kinne. 

The Bobcats will enjoy an extended break and prepare for a road trip against the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns on Nov. 8 at 4:00 p.m.