Texas State football loses to Troy 31-28

Amira Van Leeuwen | Staff Reporter 

SAN MARCOS – Texas State football (2-4 overall, 1-1 SBC) faced a tough loss against Troy University (4-3 overall, 2-1 SBC) on October 16.

The Bobcats came out with a lot of energy at the start of the first quarter. The Texas State offense played with agility against a tough Troy defense.

Troy’s junior kicker Buce Brooks’ scored a field goal early in the first quarter, putting them on the board (3-0).

Sophomore quarterback Gunnar Watson passed the ball to freshman wide receiver Tez Johnson. Yellow flags flew up in the air, indicating a penalty on the play. Texas State freshman Zion Childress was called on a personal foul, giving Troy an automatic first down. With five minutes left in the first quarter, Watson handed the ball to freshman running back Kimani Vidal who rushed 45-yards into the end zone for a Troy touchdown. Brooks’ field kick was good, keeping Troy in the lead (10-0).

After several exchanges, the Troy Trojans were stopped short and had to punt.

Sophomore quarterback Brady McBride handed the ball to sophomore running back Brock Sturges, who rushed the ball for 2-yards into the endzone for a Texas State touchdown with 18 seconds left in the first quarter. The kick from sophomore kicker Seth Keller cleared the goal post (10-7).

Troy was quick to respond in the second quarter. Watson passed to freshman wide receiver Tez Johnson who ran for 33-yards to get another touchdown for Troy (17-7). After the touchdown and with 13 minutes left, Texas State regained possession. McBride passed the ball to junior wide receiver Javen Banks and was able to get the Bobcats another touchdown. Keller’s kick kicked the extra, and the Bobcats trailed close behind (17-14).

Troy started the drive in the third quarter but couldn’t pick up the first down and was forced to punt.

Sturges rushed for several yards before being tackled by junior linebacker Carlton Martial. Texas State ran the ball down the field again but fumbled. Sophomore linebacker Jayden McDonald recovered the fumble for the Trojans with seven minutes left in the third quarter.

Watson passed the ball to freshman tight end Deyunkrea Lewis who ran for 23-yards before being pushed out of bounds by junior cornerback Kordell Rodgers. Vidal rushed for 10-yards, getting Troy a first down, before being tackled by sophomore defensive lineman Jordan Revels. With six minutes left in the third quarter, Vidal picked up the final yard into the endzone for another Troy touchdown. The extra point was successful (24-14). 

In the next series of downs, McBride passed the ball to freshman running back Calvin Hill who was dodging the Troy defense left and right. In the next play, Hill rushed for 20-yards before being taken down by KJ Robertson. McBride rushed for 16-yards putting the Bobcats in scoring range.

Hill carried the ball for six more yards on the next play before getting tackled by a sea of Trojans. McBride hit sophomore wide receiver Ashtyn Hawkins, for a touchdown in the endzone scoring a Texas State touchdown with three minutes left in the third. The extra point made the score  (24-21).

The Bobcats managed to score again in the third quarter. McBride hit junior wide receiver Trevis Graham Jr. for a Bobcat touchdown, and the extra point was good, putting the Bobcats in the lead (28-24).

In the final minutes of the fourth quarter, with both teams exchanging possession of the ball, the Bobcats had an opportunity to take the lead once again, but safety Keyshawn Swanson intercepted the ball with eight minutes left on the clock. Swanson returned the ball to the goal line for a Troy touchdown, and Brooks’ kick attempt was good (31-28). The Trojans mounted a drive that ate up the game’s remaining minutes (31-28). 

Head Coach Jake Spavital said he thought the defense did well in the second half and the offense played well in making a lot of different plays. 

“I feel like we gave it to them because we had the game, everyone had the energy, we just made internal mistakes and that’s what we can’t be doing in college football,” Texas State defensive lineman Jordan Revels said.

The Bobcats will face Georgia State on October 23 at Center Parc Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 1 p.m.