Texas State Secures First-Ever Power Five Victory in Upset Win Against Baylor
In a stunning turn of events, Texas State pulled off a major upset by defeating Baylor 42-31 in a thrilling game on Saturday night. The victory marked a historic milestone for the Bobcats, as it was their first-ever win over a team from a Power Five conference. The game also served as the debut for Texas State’s new head coach, GJ Kinne, who undoubtedly made a strong impression in his first outing.
The Bobcats faced an early setback when they went three-and-out on their opening possession. However, they quickly regrouped and began to showcase the offensive prowess that Coach Kinne had exhibited in his previous coaching role at Incarnate Word. Under his leadership, that team boasted impressive statistics, leading all FCS teams with an average of 51.5 points per game and ranking second in total yards with 581.2.
The Texas State offense came alive after their initial drive, scoring touchdowns on six of their next eight possessions. This offensive explosion included two first-quarter touchdowns by Ismail Mahdi, who caught a 10-yard pass and broke free for a spectacular 65-yard run. The Bobcats took control of the game and headed into halftime with a commanding 28-13 lead.
Baylor, the Big 12 champion only two seasons ago, struggled to find its rhythm throughout the game. Although the Bears amassed 417 passing yards, their ground game faltered, managing only 108 rushing yards. Coach Dave Aranda expressed disappointment with his team’s execution, emphasizing the need for attention to detail and a greater level of precision.
Despite missing part of the second half due to injury, Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen put up an impressive performance, throwing for 304 yards and two touchdowns. However, the loss of Shapen to an MCL injury dampened the Bears’ hopes for a comeback. Mississippi State transfer Sawyer Robertson stepped in but was intercepted and fumbled on Baylor’s final two possessions.
Coach Aranda acknowledged the struggles faced by the Bears’ offensive line and their running game, attributing some of their performance to inexperience and anxiety. He stressed the need for improvement in that area, recognizing its significant impact on the team’s overall success.
Looking ahead, Baylor’s path doesn’t get any easier as they prepare to face No. 14 Utah in their next game. The Utes, currently in their final Pac-12 season before joining the Big 12, recently defeated Florida 24-11 in their season opener. The Bears will undoubtedly need to regroup and address their shortcomings in order to compete against a formidable opponent.
Texas State’s victory over Baylor serves as a testament to the potential impact that a determined underdog can have in college football. It also highlights the coaching prowess of GJ Kinne, who has wasted no time in making his mark on the Bobcats’ program. The win provides a significant boost of confidence for Texas State as they navigate the challenges of the season ahead.
