By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
Here are five thoughts from Texas State’s 52-27 win over Eastern Michigan on Saturday at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos:
1. Brad Jackson is the guy
If there were questions about how Brad Jackson would handle his first collegiate start, he answered them quickly. The redshirt sophomore led touchdown drives on Texas State’s first two possessions and never looked rattled. He finished 18 of 26 for 214 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball to six different receivers. Jackson also added 48 rushing yards, showing mobility that kept Eastern Michigan’s defense honest.
Head coach GJ Kinne praised his calmness, noting Jackson “played like a vet.” That’s exactly what the Bobcats needed in a quarterback debut, someone who could execute the game plan, avoid mistakes and maximize the talent around him. If this is the baseline, Jackson gives Texas State a steady hand for what could be a big season.
2. Ground attack shows depth and explosiveness
Texas State’s running game wasn’t just good, it was overwhelming. The Bobcats rolled up 392 rushing yards and averaged more than 10 yards per carry. Lincoln Pare paced the group with 167 yards, including a 57-yard sprint in the second quarter that broke the game open. But he wasn’t alone. Greg Burrell chipped in 79 yards and a score, while Jaylen Jenkins put the exclamation point on the night with a 58-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
The depth allows Texas State to keep fresh legs in the backfield and punish defenses with different running styles. That kind of versatility is a luxury few Sun Belt programs can match, and it should remain a strength as the season progresses.
3. Sparks shines with four touchdowns
While the ground game set the tone, junior receiver Bo Sparks delivered the fireworks. He caught seven passes for 82 yards — and all four of Jackson’s touchdown throws. Two came in the first quarter to build an early cushion, and two more came in the third to put the game out of reach.
Sparks credited his position group for the support, saying “my room is amazing… they are all my biggest fans.” Beyond his production, Sparks’ knack for getting open and his chemistry with Jackson give the Bobcats a clear go-to option in the passing game. He also flashed on special teams with a 32-yard punt return that set up another score.
4. Fan excitement is building
Attendance was announced at 21,082, and the energy inside UFCU Stadium matched the box score. That crowd, including a full student section, gave the Bobcats a clear home-field advantage.
From the opening kickoff, fans were loud and engaged. Sparks said the “stadium energy was amazing” and noted how it kept the players pushing deeper into the game.
For a program looking to build momentum on and off the field, that kind of turnout matters. The Bobcats rewarded the fans with a complete performance, and in turn, the crowd helped create an electric atmosphere.
5. A Pac-12 celebration in San Marcos
Halftime featured a drone show and celebrations tied to Texas State’s upcoming move into the Pac-12. The production added to an already electric night and gave fans a taste of what the future might look like as the Bobcats step onto a bigger stage.
It wasn’t just about entertainment, it was about connecting the present to the future. On a night when the team looked the part of a rising program, the halftime show reminded everyone that the next era of Texas State football is already in motion.
Coverage made possible by Covert Ford.
