By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

SAN MARCOS — For the second straight week, Texas State watched a big lead vanish late.

The Bobcats squandered a 21-point first-quarter advantage and missed a potential game-winning field goal in regulation before falling 48-41 in overtime to Troy on Saturday night before a crowd of 24,369 at UFCU Stadium.

Troy quarterback Tucker Kilcrease threw five touchdown passes, including the 6-yard overtime strike to DJ Epps that completed the Trojans’ comeback from a 28-7 first-quarter deficit. Epps finished with 10 catches for 148 yards and two scores.

Texas State (3-3, 0-2 Sun Belt) rolled up 574 yards of offense and scored touchdowns on its first four drives to go up 28-7. Greg Burrell rushed for a career-high 136 yards and a touchdown, Lincoln Pare added 113 yards and three scores, and quarterback Brad Jackson threw for 248 yards and ran for another 77 and a touchdown.

But after Tyler Robles’ 37-yard field goal gave the Bobcats a 41-33 lead with less than four minutes remaining, Troy (4-2, 2-0) marched 75 yards to tie it on an 18-yard touchdown from Kilcrease to Epps, followed by a two-point conversion with 1:13 left.

Texas State drove to the Troy 24-yard line but Robles’ 42-yard field goal attempt missed as time expired, sending the game to overtime.

Troy scored first in the extra period and stuffed Texas State on fourth down to seal the win, handing the Bobcats another heartbreaking collapse — their second consecutive loss after blowing a 21-point lead.

It was the third time this season Texas State has scored 41 or more points, yet the Bobcats have lost two of those games by one score.