It was a historic win for Texas State as the Bobcats defeated the Troy Trojans 38-17 for the first time since 1997 and the first ever win at Troy.
The Bobcats were led by their rushing attack, running for 215 yards on the Trojans as part of the 467 yards of offense for Texas State who snapped a two-game losing streak.
“Super proud of the team going on the road and getting a victory against Troy, back-to-back champs is a huge deal,” Head Coach G.J. Kinne said. “Just super proud of these guys and the way they played. For most of the game, lots of discipline and things that we had talked about. So, it's a good start in your own conference on the road. It's always a good feeling.”
Texas State struck first, driving down to the Trojans one yard line before running back Ismail Mahdi punched it in to go up 7-0.
The Bobcats forced the sack on third down to give the ball back to the offense.
After the Texas State offense went three and out, the defense came up with their first turnover of the game, forcing a fumble and recovering the ball.
The Bobcats capitalized on the turnover as quarterback Jordan McCloud hit wide receiver Jaden Williams for a 10-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead 14-0.
Troy was forced to punt on their next drive giving the Bobcats a chance to extend their lead.
However disaster struck as McCloud’s pass bounced off the helmet of a Bobcat offensive lineman and into the hands of a Troy defensive lineman.
The Trojans took advantage and scored their first touchdown of night to cut the lead down to 14-7.
The Bobcats appeared to be in trouble after being forced to punt but the Trojans were called for roughing the kicker, extending the drive for Texas State.
The next play, McCloud hit receiver Kole Wilson for a 51-yard touchdown pass, making it a 21-7 game.
Troy was able to tack on a field goal but the Bobcats had a bigger response.
On the next offensive drive, McCloud found Joey Hobert for a 28-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 28-10.
The Trojans tried one last time to put points on the board but the Bobcats came up with their second turnover of the night.
The Trojans got inside the Bobcat ten-yard line before the defense forced the fumble, allowing Texas State to both recover the ball and keep Troy off the scoreboard.
The opening possession of the second half saw Texas State add three more points as kicker Mason Shipley booted a 53 yard field goal.
Stopping the Trojans on fourth down in the next possession, the Bobcats struck again.
Running the read option, McCloud pulled the ball before running for a 42-yard touchdown, pushing Texas State’s lead to 38-10.
The Trojans answered back with a scoring drive of their own to make it a 38-17 game.
After back to back punts, Texas State looked to add on to their lead. However the next offensive drive ended in a fumble as Troy took over at their own 28 yard line.
However, the Texas State defense came through with a big stop on fourth as the Bobcats took over at their 49 yard line.
Texas State turns home to San Marcos Saturday Oct. 12 against the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
