JONESBORO– Texas State (3-2) suffered its second loss of the season and starts conference play 0-1 against Arkansas State (2-4) in a game that went from a defensive struggle to a shootout. The final score was 31-30 in favor of the Red Wolves.
It’s a shocking loss for Texas State, especially coming into this one as heavy favorites. Jonesboro still plagues the Bobcats, as they have only won there once in their last seven trips. A missed extra point by Texas State late in the fourth quarter led to a quick Arkansas State drive as time was expiring, and the Red Wolves scored — then made their extra point.
“I’m at a loss for words. I’ve never experienced anything like that before,” Texas State head coach GJ Kinne said. “I’m taking this one. This is a head coach’s loss. I’m sick to my stomach.”
Indeed, the Bobcats were outcoached — which is nothing to be ashamed of, given the legendary career of Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones. It was evident that Jones’ experience was a factor in this one. Texas State came out hot, scoring on the opening drive, but after that, it took them until the fourth quarter to get things going again. Luckily, the same was true for Arkansas State. Texas State went from being confident and decisive to clamming up and having drive after drive stall out. To say the least, it was a weird game, where most of the action happened early and late, with not much in the middle.
Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson led the team in rushing with 131 yards and a touchdown, while also throwing for 230 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Running back Lincoln Pare finished with 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Beau Sparks led the receivers with 58 yards. Pare played for the Red Wolves during the 2020-21 season before transferring to Texas State.
Similarly, Arkansas State quarterback Jaylen Raynor put together a complete performance, rushing for 92 yards and throwing for 248 yards. Raynor accounted for four total touchdowns — two on the ground and two through the air — including the go-ahead score that sealed the game.
The two quarterbacks mirrored each other for most of the game, but ultimately, Arkansas State prevailed thanks to the missed extra point by Texas State. It felt almost written in the stars at that point. Raynor led his team down the field with composure and delivered the game-winner.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for Texas State, almost reminiscent of last year’s loss to Sam Houston. The difference: In that game, the Bobcats gave up a big lead. In this one, it was close throughout, with things really heating up in the fourth quarter. In fact, there were a combined 41 points scored in the final period. It’s similar to the Sam Houston game in that it’s a total buzzkill early on in the season in a game where you are supposed to win.
Perhaps there is some silver lining here and Texas State will use this loss to fuel them going forward and go on some crazy winning streak. That would be ideal, and possibly realistic. However, that is being very positive, and right now the current state of the team and the fan base frankly does not reflect that. It’s a bit embarrassing for a team to declare a new conference, in the Pac-12, yet still struggle with the same old Sun Belt teams — and a weakened Sun Belt this year, that is. One bright spot here in Jonesboro, though, is quarterback Brad Jackson. That dude is a star and seems to get better as the game progresses. On the last play of the drive for Texas State, he scrambled right up the gut for a chunk play of 64 yards. A quarterback picking up that kind of yardage on a run is unheard of, not to mention the kid is only a freshman.
So, Texas State has got themselves a keeper in Jackson, but my God, what was that on the final defensive possession by Texas State? Raynor marched right down the field effortlessly — the Texas State defense provided no resistance on that final drive (and on Raynor’s last 20 passing attempts, as he completed them all), which is unfortunate because the defense did manage to haul in five sacks today, an impressive number win or lose. Arkansas State had zero sacks.
There were no turnovers in the game. Texas State dropped several potential interceptions, but penalties were a factor — Texas State committed nine for 75 yards, while Arkansas State had seven for 65. A touchdown was called back due to a Texas State holding penalty. Play disciplined, that touchdown stands and Texas State wins the game. Coming off a bye and looking very undisciplined is not a good look.
The Bobcats had a lot more total yards of offense than the Red Wolves, 519-398. Texas State should have won this game — but didn’t — and will now have a very sour taste in its mouth on the flight back to San Marcos.
Next up, the Bobcats will host Troy for Homecoming weekend. The Trojans are coming off an overtime win against South Alabama. It’s a low moment for Texas State, and fans are voicing their frustration across social media. The Bobcats need to lick their wounds and come back ready to go against the Trojans next Saturday. Falling to 0-2 in conference play would make the climb toward a Sun Belt title that much steeper.
