By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

Texas State returns to San Marcos on Saturday night aiming to bounce back from last week’s loss at Arizona State when they host former Southland Conference rival Nicholls in the “Battle for the Paddle.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at UFCU Stadium, with coverage on ESPN+ and KTSW 89.9.

Key players to watch

Texas State

Brad Jackson (QB): The sophomore has been steady in his first season as starter, throwing for 802 yards and 7 TDs while adding 7 rushing scores.

Lincoln Pare (RB): A Doak Walker Award candidate, Pare leads TXST with 299 rushing yards (99.7 per game) and brings big-play ability out of the backfield.

Beau Sparks (WR): Already with five touchdown catches and a reputation as a dangerous returner, Sparks provides a spark in the passing game and special teams.

Kalil Alexander (DE) and Ryan Nolan (S): Anchors of the defense, both are on the East-West Shrine Bowl watch list and bring experience and playmaking ability.

Nicholls

Ethan Lee (DB): A ballhawk who already has two interceptions, leading a defense with five picks in three games.

Ty Marsh, Aidan McCowan, Anthony Rogers (DBs): Each with an interception this season, they fuel a turnover-hungry secondary.

Pharrell Harewood (P): The freshman punter has flipped the field with three punts over 50 yards, including a 65-yarder.

Julien Gums (RB): A veteran power back, Gums gives Nicholls balance in the run game.

Keys to victory

Texas State: The Bobcats must clean up their run defense, which is allowing 211 yards per game — among the worst in the FBS. Keeping Nicholls from grinding out long drives will be key. Offensively, getting Pare going early will take pressure off Jackson and open up opportunities for Sparks downfield.

Nicholls: The Colonels thrive on creating turnovers, ranking among the FCS leaders in interceptions and turnover margin. If their defense can steal possessions and force Texas State into mistakes, they’ll have a chance to pull off the upset. Offensively, sustaining drives and controlling time of possession will be crucial against a deeper Bobcat roster.

Battle for the Paddle

Born out of the 1998 floods that postponed a scheduled matchup between the schools, the “Battle for the Paddle” has become a unique rivalry tradition. The teams are nearly even historically, with Texas State holding a 16–15 edge in the series. Nicholls last held the paddle after a wild four-overtime victory in 2010, but the Bobcats have claimed the last two meetings, including a 24–3 win in 2019.

Defensive tune-up before Sun Belt play

For Texas State, Saturday represents an important opportunity to shore up a leaky defense before Sun Belt Conference play begins in two weeks. After giving up 429 yards per game through three contests, the Bobcats are eager to get back on track against an FCS opponent. Limiting explosive plays and forcing Nicholls into third-and-long situations will be the focus before a gauntlet of conference games.

Prediction

Nicholls comes in rested after a bye week and boasts a turnover-minded defense capable of frustrating opponents. But Texas State’s offensive firepower and depth should carry the day at home. Expect Pare and Sparks to make big plays while the Bobcat defense uses the matchup to reset before league play.

Prediction: Texas State 38, Nicholls 17

Game info

Texas State (2–1, 0–0 Sun Belt) vs. Nicholls Colonels (1–2, 1–0 Southland)

When: 7 p.m., Saturday

Where: UFCU Stadium, San Marcos

TV & radio: ESPN+, KTSW 89.9 FM