By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
Texas State’s bowl hopes hang in the balance Saturday when the Bobcats travel to Lafayette to face a Louisiana team they’ve never defeated. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium and will be televised on ESPN+.
The Bobcats (3-5, 0-4 Sun Belt) enter on a four-game skid after a 52–20 loss to James Madison, while Louisiana (3-6, 2-3) snapped a losing streak of its own last week with a 31–22 road win at South Alabama. For Texas State, this is a must-win if bowl eligibility is going to stay within reach.
Bobcats searching for first win in series
Louisiana has been the immovable obstacle in this series, owning a 12–0 all-time record against Texas State. The last two meetings were decided by a combined 10 points, including last year’s 23–17 thriller in San Marcos. The Bobcats are searching for their first-ever win against the Ragin’ Cajuns in potentially the final meeting between the two teams before Texas State joins the Pac-12 in 2026.
Key players to watch
Texas State redshirt freshman quarterback Brad Jackson has become one of the Sun Belt’s breakout stars, throwing for 2,016 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 427 yards and nine more scores. He leads a Bobcat offense averaging 470.9 yards per game, which ranks him 15th in the nation. Wide receiver Beau Sparks, a Biletnikoff Award watch-list member, has 51 catches for 741 yards and six touchdowns and ranks among the top 10 nationally in receiving yards per game. Running back Lincoln Pare (648 yards, nine TDs) gives the Bobcats balance, while safety Ryan Nolan anchors a defense trying to rediscover its early-season form.
The Ragin’ Cajuns have rotated quarterbacks this year, but Lunch Winfield has given the offense new life since taking over midseason. Running back Bill Davis is 42 yards shy of 1,500 for his career, pairing with Zylan Perry to form one of the league’s most experienced backfields. Linebacker Jaden Dugger, who sealed last year’s win with an interception, remains a key defensive presence.
Keys to victory
The Bobcats have to finish drives and protect the football. They rank second in the Sun Belt in total offense (470.9 yards per game) but have a negative turnover margin and defensive issues that have cost them multiple close games. Getting back to their ground-heavy rhythm where they average 217.1 rushing yards per game will help take pressure off Jackson and the defense.
Louisiana must control the tempo and win at the line of scrimmage. The Ragin’ Cajuns have used six different offensive line combinations this season, but when they establish the run and avoid penalties, they’ve been competitive. Generating turnovers, something that changed the game last year, will again be crucial.
Defensive struggles haunt the Bobcats
Texas State’s offense hasn’t been the problem; the defense has. The Bobcats are allowing 418.1 yards per game and rank near the bottom of the conference in red-zone defense and takeaways. That imbalance has turned high-scoring efforts into narrow losses — three of their four Sun Belt defeats have come by a combined 15 points.
Louisiana’s resurgence
After a 10-win season in 2024, Louisiana stumbled early but appears to be regaining momentum under head coach Michael Desormeaux. With two conference wins and a recent road victory, the Ragin’ Cajuns are trending upward. They’ve been in nearly every game and are looking to end their home slate on a high note.
Update on Bobby Crosby
Texas State safety Bobby Crosby was involved in a frightening moment during the Bobcats’ Oct. 28 matchup against James Madison when he appeared to suffer a head or neck injury while attempting a tackle in the third quarter. Crosby collided with a teammate and lay motionless on the turf as trainers rushed to his side and both teams knelt in silence at UFCU Stadium.
He was placed on a stretcher and taken to Seton Medical Center for evaluation but gave a reassuring thumbs up as he was carted off the field.
A Texas State representative later confirmed that Crosby was released from the hospital early Wednesday, Oct. 29, and is recovering. He is listed as probable for Saturday’s game. The former Cisco College standout has become a key contributor in the Bobcats’ secondary this season, recording 39 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and two pass breakups through eight games.
Prediction
Texas State has the offensive talent to break the streak, but until its defense proves capable of stopping big plays, Louisiana remains the safer pick. Expect a high-scoring battle in Lafayette. Louisiana 45, Texas State 28
Game info
Texas State (3-4, 0-4 Sun Belt) at Louisiana (3-6, 2-3)
When: 4 p.m., Saturday
Where: Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium, Lafayette, Louisiana
TV/radio: ESPN+, KTSW 89.9 FM
Betting line: Louisiana -2.5
Series record: Louisiana leads series 12-0
