TXST Release:
MONROE, La. – After getting the ball back on a fumble with a minute-and-a-half remaining, Texas State’s Seth Keller missed the game-winning field goal with seven seconds left as the Bobcats fell to ULM, 31-30, on Saturday at Malone Stadium.
The Bobcats (3-6, 1-4 Sun Belt) forced four turnovers in the game, including three fumbles, and put themselves in position to come back from a one-point deficit after going behind in the fourth quarter. On third-and-13 from ULM’s 36-yard line and just over 1:30 left in the game, Sione Tupou forced a fumble by Warhawk quarterback Chandler Rogers, which was recovered by Jordan Revels.
With the ball in ULM territory, the Bobcats used the benefit of a face mask penalty by the Warhawks (3-6, 2-3 Sun Belt) to move inside the red zone with under a minute remaining. The Bobcats had a five-yard loss on a rush and then attempted two passes to help get the clock down to 12 seconds remaining.
Keller, who was perfect on his three attempts in the game up to that point, lined up for the game-winner with the ball at the ULM 21-yard line. Following a timeout by the Warhawks, Keller’s attempt missed wide right.
The loss by the Bobcats was their third straight – all by six points or less – and dropped them to 0-5 on the road this year.
Texas State surrendered 23 first downs to ULM and saw the Warhawks go a combined 10-of-16 on third and fourth downs. The Bobcats were also outgained, 380-367.
While the Bobcats forced a season-high four turnovers, they did not turn the ball over for the second time this season.
Texas State took a 21-0 lead to start the game as it scored on its first three drives. Javen Banks had two receiving touchdowns while Pare punched it in for a rushing touchdown after Alonzo Edwards, Jr. forced a fumble that was recovered by Tory Spears on ULM’s opening drive.
The Warhawks later scored two touchdowns in the second quarter to help cut it 24-17 at halftime.
Keller’s second field goal of the night made it 27-17 in the third quarter, but a touchdown catch by Tyrone Howell halfway through the third quarter made it a three-point lead for the Bobcats.
Howell finished the game with 12 receptions, 176 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Keller added another field goal to start the fourth quarter, from 39 yards out, and gave the Bobcats a six-point advantage.
The Warhawks scored on the subsequent drive, using 10 plays to go 80 yards and cap it with a three-yard rushing touchdown by Malik Jackson. It was the only rushing touchdown among the four scored by the Warhawks.
Texas State will now go on to play its final road game of the regular season as it will travel to South Alabama for a 4 p.m. game on November 12.
Postgame Notes
This is the first time Texas State has lost three straight games by six points or less in its FBS history (since 2012). It lost three straight games by seven points or less in September 2020.
The four takeaways by Texas State were its most in a game since Oct. 31, 2020 against Louisiana when it also had four.
Texas State has forced 19 turnovers this year, its most in a season since 2014.
The Bobcats have turned it over once in the last three games.
Javen Banks moved into second on Texas State’s all-time career receiving touchdown list. His 20 career touchdowns only trail Cameron Luke (32 from 2006-08) for the most in Bobcat history.
The multi-touchdown game by Banks was the second of his career and first since September 2021.
The Bobcats scored on their opening drive of a game for the first time this season.
Ashtyn Hawkins returned a punt 58 yards in the first quarter, the longest punt return of the season for the Bobcats. Hawkins left the game, though, when he was tackled out of bounds inside the ULM 10-yard line.
Seth Keller moved into fourth in program history with 32 career field goals made.
Keller also has the best career field goal percentage in Texas State history. In his career, he is 32-of-38 (84.2 percent) on field goals. This season, he is 9-of-11. His previous miss this year was a blocked kick.
– Eat ‘Em Up –
