Texas State Bobcats Secures Bowl Eligibility with Convincing Victory
In a resounding triumph, the Texas State Bobcats clinched bowl eligibility for the first time since 2014 following their remarkable 45-24 win over Georgia Southern. The Bobcats’ well-deserved success was fueled by a phenomenal performance, highlighted by quarterback TJ Finley’s five touchdowns and wide receiver Joey Hobert’s exceptional reception game.
With a powerful surge of 24 second-quarter points, the Bobcats dominated the match and improved their overall record to an impressive 6-3, with a 3-2 standing in the Sun Belt Conference. Finley, who exhibited tremendous skill and precision, notched three passing touchdowns and contributed two rushing touchdowns, amassing a remarkable 301 yards on 25 of 31 passing attempts.
Joey Hobert’s contribution to the Bobcats’ victory cannot be understated. Displaying remarkable agility and dexterity, he reeled in an astonishing 13 passes for 141 yards, culminating in a well-deserved touchdown. Additionally, running back Ismail Mahdi proved his worth on the field, rushing for an impressive 99 yards on 20 carries.
Although the Bobcats initially found themselves trailing 10-7 after the first quarter, their offensive prowess quickly came to the fore. With two of Finley’s touchdown passes occurring in the second quarter, alongside his rushing touchdown and a successful 31-yard field goal from Mason Shipley, the Bobcats firmly established their dominance. Notably, Finley’s rushing touchdown in the quarter arrived just 42 seconds before the halftime break, rounding off an extraordinary first half for the team.
Texas State’s achievement of bowl eligibility marks a significant milestone in their journey. While they achieved an impressive 7-5 record in 2014, they were unfortunate to be overlooked for a bowl game selection. Similarly, their 6-6 record in the preceding year also failed to secure them a coveted bowl invite. Nevertheless, their seven wins in 2014 still stand as the most in the program’s history within the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Looking ahead, the Bobcats have the opportunity to equal their FBS wins record when they face Coastal Carolina next week in Conway, S.C. Scheduled for 2:30 p.m., the match promises to be fiercely contested, as Coastal Carolina recently clinched a hard-fought 28-24 victory over Old Dominion, bringing their overall record to 6-3, with a commendable 4-2 standing in the Sun Belt East Division.
With their triumph over Georgia Southern, the Texas State Bobcats have stamped their authority in the Sun Belt Conference and reasserted their presence as a formidable force in college football. This much-awaited bowl eligibility has undoubtedly ignited excitement and hope among their loyal fan base, eager to witness the Bobcats’ continued success on the field.
