By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
Another heartbreaking finish has left Texas State coaches searching for answers.
Despite a career day from quarterback Brad Jackson and a 558-yard offensive performance, the Bobcats suffered their third straight loss – and second in overtime – falling 40-37 in double overtime to Marshall Saturday at Joan C. Edwards Stadium in Huntington, West Virginia.
Head coach GJ Kinne’s aggressive mindset loomed large in this one.
Midway through the third quarter, with the Bobcats holding a one-point lead and facing a fourth-and-2 deep in Marshall territory, Kinne opted to go for it instead of attempting a field goal. The gamble backfired when Jackson’s pass was intercepted in the end zone.
“Just listening to the book and trying to be aggressive there,” Kinne said afterward. “Hindsight, you can always second-guess yourself, but the book had it as a go. I wanted to put the ball in our offense’s hands and try to make a statement.”
The Bobcats had plenty of chances to close it out. Jackson threw for 444 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Beau Sparks for a 73-yard strike early in the fourth quarter, as Texas State built a 24-16 lead.
But once again, the defense failed to get a stop when it mattered most.
Marshall quarterback Carlos Del Rio-Wilson led a late scoring drive, capping it with a 21-yard touchdown to Adrian Norton with just over a minute left. The Thundering Herd then converted a two-point try to go up 27-24.
Texas State’s Tyler Robles forced overtime with a clutch 50-yard field goal as time expired, getting redemption for a miss on a game-winning field goal last week in an overtime loss to Troy.
However, Marshall’s Joshon Barbie scored twice in the extra sessions, including the game-winner from one yard out to seal it.
The loss dropped Texas State to 3-7 overall and 0-3 in Sun Belt play, while Marshall improved to 5-3 and 3-1 in conference.
“This one hurts,” Kinne said. “We’ve really found a way to lose three in a row, and ultimately that’s on me as the head coach. I hate it for these kids. They gave everything they had this week, and they deserve better.”
Texas State allowed 466 total yards and gave up 27 points after halftime, including 13 in overtime. Despite holding Marshall to just one passing touchdown, the Herd gashed the Bobcats for 186 rushing yards and converted key third downs in both overtime possessions.
Jackson was one of the few bright spots for Texas State, adding 48 rushing yards and a score to go along with his 444 passing yards. Sparks and Chris Dawn Jr. were nearly unstoppable, combining for 348 receiving yards and a touchdown. Lincoln Pare added a one-yard touchdown run in overtime and 44 yards receiving.
Even with another offensive explosion, the same issues persisted – missed tackles, penalties and late-game breakdowns.
I just hate it for these kids, man, I’m sick of my stomach,” Kinne said. “We gotta put them in better situations. Gotta coach better, and we’ll get back to work tomorrow.”
Texas State will return home on Tuesday, Oct. 28 to host undefeated James Madison (6-1, 4-0) in nationally televised contest in what has become a must-win game to keep its bowl hopes alive.
