By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
What started as one of Texas State’s most thrilling comebacks of the season ended in chaos, both on the scoreboard and after the final whistle.
The Bobcats fell just short in a 42–39 loss to Louisiana on Saturday night, their fifth straight loss and another reminder of how quickly big offensive numbers can be overshadowed by missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
After trailing 35–17 at halftime, the Bobcats erupted for 19 fourth-quarter points to pull within three. But a series of penalties, missed tackles and an inability to close out key drives cost them another Sun Belt game, and that frustration spilled over in a postgame brawl.
Here are five takeaways from the emotional night in Lafayette:
1. Postgame brawl overshadows thrilling finish
Moments after the final whistle, tensions boiled over near midfield. As head coaches GJ Kinne and Michael Desormeaux met for a handshake, several players exchanged shoves before punches started flying.
Kinne said afterward he didn’t see how it started. “It’s part of it,” Kinne said. “I was proud of the guys for the way we got out of there.” Desormeaux, however, didn’t mince words, calling the incident “classless” and claiming one of his players was hit again in the tunnel.
Texas State President Kelly Damphousse said he’s been in contact with Sun Belt officials and Louisiana leadership as the conference reviews the altercation. Below is Damphousse’s statement:
2. Bowl hopes hang by a thread
At 3-6 overall and 0-5 in Sun Belt play, Texas State is now in must-win mode to keep its postseason bowl hopes alive. The Bobcats must sweep their final three games to become bowl eligible starting next week at Southern Miss, the division’s top team. It’s a tall task for a squad that hasn’t won a conference game in its final season in the Sun Belt and continues to beat itself with penalties and defensive breakdowns.
3. Offensive fireworks wasted by defensive struggles
The Bobcats’ offensive numbers were good enough to win most nights – 528 total yards, 9.3 yards per play and nearly 40 points on the road. But the defense once again couldn’t keep pace. Louisiana converted 12 of 19 third downs and controlled possession for nearly 38 minutes, wearing down a Texas State defense that gave up five touchdowns before halftime. For all the explosive potential of Kinne’s offense, the lack of consistency on defense remains the program’s biggest roadblock.
4. Jackson and Sparks nearly lead epic comeback
Quarterback Brad Jackson and wide receiver Beau Sparks put on a show in the second half, nearly willing the Bobcats to a comeback win. Jackson finished 26 of 33 for 360 yards and three touchdowns, while Sparks posted a career night with 10 catches for 186 yards and two scores, including a 49-yard touchdown run that ignited the rally. The duo connected again on a 38-yard strike in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 42–32 before a late touchdown pass to Chris Dawn Jr. brought Texas State within three.
5. Bobcats remain winless in conference before Pac-12 move
The Bobcats’ 0-5 record in conference play is a glaring concern with their transition to the Pac-12 looming in 2026. While the program has made strides offensively, the inability to finish close games and to match the physicality of conference opponents continues to define their season. With stiffer competition ahead, Kinne’s team will need to find discipline, depth and defensive toughness to avoid another year of “almosts.”
