Times have certainly changed since Texas State last played Texas A&M back in 2005.
Aggies were in the Big 12 struggling to escape the shadow of big brother “TU” while under the leadership of former SWT head coach Dennis Franchione.
The Bobcats, on the other hand, were competing in the Southland Conference trying to recapture the glory days of the Jim Wacker era.
Since then, Texas A&M left the Big 12 to join the SEC in hopes of escaping the little brother image in the Lone Star State.
Texas State left the Southland Conference to become an FBS program and joined the newly restructured Sun Belt Conference after just one season in the collapsing WAC.
The two teams will meet again to start the 2019 football season. This will be the third meeting all time between the teams with Texas A&M leading the series 2-0.
The excitement over this season has reached a fever pitch for Bobcat fans since the hiring of Jake Spavital.
On gameday, here are some key factors to watch out for.
Tyler Vitt
To the shock of some fans, Tyler Vitt was named the starter over Gresch Jenson, especially since Jenson spent a year under Bob Stitt at Montana. After winning the quarterback battle, Vitt must face the daunting task of facing top ranked Texas A&M in Kyle Field.
Vitt struggled last year as a true freshmen being thrown in unexpectedly and going 116-191, with 7 touchdown passes to 10 interceptions. His best game was against Louisiana Lafayette going 28-39 for 296 yards and 3 touchdown passes.
Given that Vitt was under the incredibly inept offensive scheme and play calling of Everett Withers, he will be given a second chance now that quarterback gurus Jake Spavital and Bob Stitt are running the offense. If Vitt performs well, it will be smooth sailing for the rest of the season. However, if he struggles on an epic portion, expect the QB race to be open again. This game could be hard to judge his performance anyways and I would expect to see both quarterbacks on the field in College Station.
Atmosphere
Kyle Field is one of the most intimidating stadiums in the nation and it’s paired with a hardcore fanbase. This isn’t going to Rutgers or Colorado, this a stadium that hosts over 95,000 fans that will watch the Aggies play the Northwestern State Demons of the FCS. They’re dedicated and have gleaned a reputation as being “cult like.”
Kyle Field will be one of the hardest places the Bobcats have ever played. How the team responds will be key.
Is Texas State going to falter to the pressure that is Kyle Field? Or will Texas State bow up and punch their opponents in the face?
Looking Ahead
Texas State comes into the season with a huge chip on their shoulder. The Bobcats haven’t won three or more games since 2014 and this year’s senior class is sick and tired of losing.
Having become a laughingstock within the Lone Star State, Texas State is ready is prove the haters wrong and turn things around for good. That starts today!
Many A&M fans will believe that this is still the same Bobcat team of old, possibly overlooking the Bobcats. Though the Aggies will try to be focused, it’s hard for them to not look forward to their matchup with number one ranked Clemson. This is a textbook trap game for the Aggies and combined with the new coaching staff, a new offensive scheme, and a new offensive play caller, it’s not hard to imagine a scenario where the Bobcats pull off a big upset to open the new era of Bobcat football.
What is with calling UT “TU”? What does that even mean?
Eh, Colton transferred to Texas State from one of the A&M schools. I think that might have something to do with it. I always thought it was another dumb thing the aggies do.
Texas prides itself on being “the” university of the Texas. However in reality they are just “a” university in Texas and the not premier school in the Lone Star State. So every time I say “TU” it just means Longhorns are “a Texas University”