Linebacker Marvin Ham makes a tackle for loss on Texas State RB Deion Hankins

PHOTO COURTESY OF ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The Texas State Bobcats secured a blowout win Saturday over Arkansas State, thanks to a stellar performance from quarterback Jordan McCloud and wide receiver Joey Hobert.

The Red Wolves defense proved unable to stop Texas State, allowing 591 yards and 5 touchdowns, and forcing no turnovers or sacks, and only got 2 tackles for loss.

A-State managed to keep the game within reach in the first half. 

The Red Wolves opened the game taking a 3-0 lead off a 41-yard field goal from kicker Clune Van Andel, but the Bobcats soon marched down the field and scored on a 53-yard touchdown pass to WR Kole Wilson.

A Jaylen Raynor interception  made things worse for the Red Wolves, but in what would prove to be one of the few bright spots of the game for the A-State defense, the Bobcats turned the ball over on downs. However, the Bobcats would soon get another touchdown. 

The Red Wolves scored 2 more field goals and the half ended with a score of 17-9.

The second half would prove to be a disaster for the Red Wolves. 

Texas State scored on 4 consecutive drives, with 3 touchdowns and a field goal. A-State would respond to these drives with a fumble and 3 consecutive punts. 

On offense for the Red Wolves, running back Ja’Quez Cross was the only bright aspect of an otherwise dismal day. Cross rushed the ball 9 times for 117 yards. 

Cross also led in receiving yards for the team, picking up 6 receptions for 48 yards. WR Corey Rucker had 6 receptions for 38 yards. WR Malik Hornsby picked up the team’s longest reception on a 21-yard catch and run. QB Jaylen Raynor went 24 for 38, getting 208 yards and an interception. He was replaced late in the 4th quarter by QB Timmy McClain, who completed a single pass for 6 yards.

On special teams, Van Andel led the Red Wolves in scoring, going 3 for 3 on field goals, all of which came in the first half.

Punter Ryan Heicher had a great game, pinning the Bobcats inside the 20 yard line on all 5 of his punts.

Linebacker Marvin Ham led the Red Wolves in tackles, getting 9 tackles and the only 2 tackles for loss, but otherwise, Arkansas State did not perform very well on the defensive side of the ball. 

A-State’s offense will need to get things turned around. According to ESPN, offensive coordinator Keith Heckendorf’s offense is ranked 120th in points per game, and 116th in rushing yards. 

For context on those rankings, there are 134 teams total in the Football Bowl Subdivision. 

Arkansas State drops to  3-3, with a 1-1 record in the Sun Belt. The Red Wolves will look to turn things around this Saturday against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles.

Categories: Sports