TXST Release
JONESBORO, Ark. – Texas State allowed seven rushing touchdowns, three defensive touchdowns and a kick return for a touchdown in a 77-31 loss at Arkansas State on Saturday at Centennial Bank Stadium.
The Bobcats (6-5, 3-4 SBC) dropped their second game in a row after the Red Wolves (6-5, 4-3 SBC) scored the most points allowed by Texas State in a game in program history. The Red Wolves returned three Bobcat turnovers for touchdowns in the second half to go with the seven rushing scores surrendered, which were also the most allowed by Texas State in an FBS game.
It was the first time Texas State allowed a touchdown in all three phases – offense, defense and special teams – since 2017.
Arkansas State scored on seven of its 10 offensive drives but only had the ball for just over 11 minutes in the second half. Its defense had two pick-sixes and a fumble returned for a touchdown in the second half as the Red Wolves scored 28 points on Texas State’s four total turnovers. Arkansas State ended the third quarter with the 93-yard kick return by Ja’Quez Cross.
Texas State ended up running 36 more plays on offense compared to Arkansas State in the game due to the defensive and special teams touchdowns in the second half. The Bobcats outgained the Red Wolves, 539-487, but Arkansas State averaged 8.5 yards per play to Texas State’s 5.8.
TJ Finley led the Texas State offense by going 37-of-55 in the air with a career-high 366 yards and three touchdowns. He also had the two interceptions returned for touchdowns and a fumble returned for a touchdown.
Ashtyn Hawkins had a career-high 165 receiving yards on eight catches. Kole Wilson led the team with 10 receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Joey Hobert, meanwhile, had the other receiving score for the Bobcats as he finished with seven catches for 43 yards.
Donerio Davenport led the team in rushing with 76 yards on 14 carries, and Ismail Mahdi became the program’s FBS record holder for rushing yards in a single season after he finished with 62 yards on 17 carries. Mahdi also had a rushing touchdown, his team-leading ninth of the season.
Texas State will close out the regular season with its final home game of the year when it hosts South Alabama on Nov. 25 at Bobcat Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 pm.
