Texas State Trounces Southern Miss in Record-Setting Game

The Texas State Bobcats (6-4, 4-2) set a program record of 703 offensive yards to defeat the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (1-9, 0-6) by a final score of 58-3.  The Bobcats did not intentionally run-up the score; it’s just hard to stop a locomotive once it gets up to full speed. 

The win must also be placed in context: the Bobcats were playing severely troubled team, having recently terminated their head coach, and was playing with an interim head coach who, along with the remainder of the coaching staff, did not expect see next season. 

Texas State quarterback Jordan McCloud led the effort, completing 23 of 28 passes for 335 yards and four touchdowns and an interception.  QB2 Brad Jackson entered the game midway through the third quarter, completing four of six attempts for 102 yard and a touchdown.  QB3 PJ Hatter took control of the offense in the final frame. 

McCloud’s favorite target with Kole Wilson with six catches for 116 yards.  Running back Ismail Mahdi pulled down four passes for 45 yards, including two TDs.  Konner Fox and Jaden Williams each had three receptions and one touchdown.  Drew Donley tallied on catch and run for 60 yards and TD. 

Lincoln Pare led the ground attached with 74 yards on two carries and a touchdown.  Torrance Burgess Jr put-up 66 yards on four touches and a TD.  And Brad Jackson carried the ball three times for 32 yards and broke the plane once. 

The Golden Eagles only score came late in the second quarter off the foot of Connor Gibbs. 

While overshadowed by the offense, the Texas State defense performed admirably, holding Southern Miss to 70 yards passing and 194 yards total offense, both season lows.  The defense also made 13 tackles for loss, a season-high, and three sacks. 

The Bobcats become bowl-eligible with the win.  They travel Georgia State where they hope to close-out the season with another victory.