Texas State’s Brad Jackson scored two rushing touchdowns and threw for another, while his teammate Christopher Jones contributed with a 100-yard interception return as the Bobcats secured their first Sun Belt Conference victory of the season, defeating Southern Miss 41-14 last Saturday at M.M. Roberts Stadium. The loss was USM’s first Sun Belt conference defeat.
As the Bobcats (4-6, 1-5) surged to a 27-0 halftime lead, Jackson rushed for two short touchdowns and connected with Chris Dawn Jr. for an 82-yard score over the middle. Using a physical, downhill strategy on offense to gash the Eagles, the Bobcats opened the game by consistently triumphing at the point of attack and generating running lanes that disrupted USM’s defense. Their tempo-paced offense and performance on third down enabled them to maintain drives, creating lengthy possessions that consumed time and reduced the chances for the Golden Eagles to get chances on offense.
As for the Southern Miss offense, Texas State created consistent pressure and strengthened its defense in the red zone, compelling Southern Miss to rely on short completions and underneath routes that seldom advanced the ball. The Bobcats also excelled at tackling in open areas, averting big plays that had characterized much of Southern Miss's five-game winning streak.
In the fourth quarter, Texas State capped off the victory with an interception of a pass from USM’s Landry Lyddy would launch the ball a few yards deep in the Bobcats' end zone, marking the freshman's first career pick. The second half was highlighted by Texas State’s control of the tempo, their ability to alter field position, and their successful defensive stops into scoring opportunities.
For the Bobcats, Jackson completed 14 out of 17 passes for 192 yards and added 49 rushing yards. Lincoln Pare achieved a rushing total of 118 yards, with a touchdown and 21 carries. Dawn's receiving yards totaled 117. Lyddy, filling in for the injured Braylon Braxton, went 29-of-44 for 267 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Elijah Metcalf recorded 116 receiving yards and one touchdown. He achieved his second consecutive game with 100+ yards.
The Golden Eagles (7-3, 5-1) are still in contention to play for the Sunbelt title with the loss to the Bobcats. They will travel to Mobile on Saturday to take on South Alabama with a 2:30 p.m. kickoff.
