By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
SAN MARCOS – Texas State’s 48-41 overtime loss to Troy on Saturday felt all too familiar. For the second straight week, the Bobcats squandered a three-touchdown lead and watched another winnable game slip away, raising serious questions about their defense, coaching and trajectory heading into a tough two-game stretch at Marshall and at home against James Madison.
Here are five thoughts from Saturday’s loss:
The heat is rising on DC Dexter McCoil Sr.
Texas State fans are not happy after back-to-back losses in winnable games. and the calls to fire defensive coordinator Dexter McCoil Sr. are getting louder. Troy quarterback Tucker Kilcrease shredded the Bobcats for 415 passing yards and five touchdowns, including the overtime winner. Texas State’s defense, along with miscues on special teams, allowed the Trojans to erase multiple three-score deficits and tie the game in the final minute. The Bobcats now rank near the bottom of the conference in passing yards allowed and the calls for change are only growing more frequent.
Is it time to panic?
For the second straight week, Texas State built a commanding lead and watched it evaporate. Don’t hit the panic button, just yet. There’s still six games left and a bowl game is not out of the question. However, the Bobcats cannot afford mistakes in the next two games. With a road trip to Marshall and a home date against James Madison to close out October, the schedule isn’t getting any easier. What was once a promising start now feels fragile, and the Bobcats’ bowl hopes could hinge on how quickly they can regroup.
Photos from Saturday’s game
Marshall is next, and the Thundering Herd are rolling
If Texas State’s secondary doesn’t tighten up, the next two weeks could get ugly. Marshall dominated Old Dominion in a 45-14 win Saturday behind quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson, who accounted for four touchdowns while throwing for 219 yards and rushing for 95 more. His dual-threat ability will test a Bobcat defense that just allowed Troy to go 6-for-6 in the red zone.
Since UTSA, the momentum has vanished
It’s been a rough month for Texas State. Since the season-defining win over their I-35 rivals, the Bobcats are just 1-3 with the lone victory coming against FCS Nicholls. Meanwhile, UTSA has rebounded to go 3-1 since that loss. Texas State’s early-season surge now feels distant, and the team’s midseason slide has turned optimism into concern.
On the bright side
If there’s a bright spot, it’s that the Bobcats continue to pile up yards and points. Quarterback Brad Jackson threw for 248 yards and ran for 77 more against Troy. Greg Burrell rushed for a career-high 136 yards and a touchdown, Lincoln Pare added 113 yards and three scores and Chris Dawn Jr. led all receivers with 119 yards on seven catches. The offense is producing at a high level, but without defensive improvement, Texas State’s firepower may keep going to waste.
Up next
Texas State (3-3, 0-2 Sun Belt) at Marshall (4-2, 2-0)
When: 2:30 p.m., Saturday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, W.Va.
TV: ESPN+/ KTSW 89.9 FM
Last meeting: First meeting
Opening line: Texas State -4
