Photo Credit: Josh Brenner
Game Series History
SMU leads series (2-0)
Last meeting: (9/14/19)
The SMU offense torched Texas State in the second half while the Bobcat offense fell flat. The Mustangs marched to a 47-17 win en route to SMU’s first 10 win season since the infamous 1987 “Death Penalty” was levied on the Mustangs for recruiting violations.
After 8 months of nationwide turmoil on the field and off, we have finally made it.
The scourge that is the Covid-19 pandemic, two Power Five conferences postponing seasons, the ACC, Big 12, and SEC moving to primarily conference only seasons, college athletes calling to unionize and just the wildest off-season in memory have all led to Texas State Football’s season opener against SMU.
With the game being broadcast in a primetime slot on ESPN, this will surely be the highest profiled game Texas State has ever been in since joining FBS in 2012.
Having all eyes on San Marcos, here are some key factors to watch for:
1) The revamped Texas State offenseAny Bobcat fan can tell the Texas State offense has been a trainwreck over the past five years.
The addition of Head Football Coach Jake Spavital and Offensive Coordinator Bob Stitt (who called plays last year), was thought to be the missing ingredient, but as anyone could tell, the offense just never seemed to get over the hump.
During the offseason, Spavital cleaned shop.
Out was Bob Stitt and in was Jacob Peeler at OC, who was a WR coach at both Cal and Ole Miss. Spavital will take over play-calling duties.
The offense saw a slew of fresh blood and new energy inserted into the program as Texas State hit the transfer portal hard. In fact after a glance at Texas State on offense, it almost looks like a completely different team.
The Bobcats will have new starters in quarterback Brady McBride, running back Brock Sturges, and wide receiver Drue Jackson just to name a few. It will be an interesting matchup to see how the SMU defense responds to an offense that it doesn’t have on game film.
2) Containing the SMU offense It’s one thing having to rebuild your defense after the loss of several defensive starters including Texas State’s all time leading tackler in Bryan London, but having to rebuild while facing one of the most dynamic offenses in the state is a completely different bugbear.
With Mr. DCTF Coverboy Shane Buechele at the helm along with Reggie Roberson and Rashee Rice, SMU’s offense is as deadly as ever.
The Mustang passing attack will be a good measuring stick for the Texas State secondary who are also having to replace linebacker Frankie Griffin who signed and was later released by the Green Bay Packers this summer.
It’s a tall task to contain SMU, but if the defense can hold the Mustang offense for some key stops, this could be a game.
3) On the National StageThe season opener for Texas State was thrown a wheelhouse fastball when it was announced the Bobcats and the Mustangs matchup will air during a prime 3:30 timeslot on ESPN.
In fact, this could be the biggest televised game in Texas State history as it will be the first Bobcat game aired on ESPN’s parent channel since moving to FBS in 2012.
Many new eyes will be on Texas State for the first time, which is a very big win for the university itself.
The stage is set for the Bobcats, and the Cats will have a unique opportunity to show the nation what Texas State is all about.
Best case scenario:
Texas State offense stuns the SMU defense by torching the Mustangs through the air and on the ground to force the game into classic offensive shootout. The Bobcat defense makes enough stops to slow the Mustang attack en route to one of the biggest victories in Texas State football history.
Worst case scenario:
The Texas State offense fails to find itself on offense and can’t score enough points to keep up with an SMU offense that will likely come out firing on all cylinders.
