Texas State returns home Saturday, September 12, to host UTSA in the latest edition of the I-35 Showdown. The Bobcats will look to use their home-field advantage and carry momentum from last season’s rivalry win (43-36).
Texas State enters the game 0-1 after opening the season against No. 5 Texas in Austin. Despite the 59-7 final score, the Bobcats gained valuable experience against one of the nation’s top programs. Texas State finished with 349 total yards, including 161 on the ground. This gave the offense something to build on heading into Saturday.
UTSA enters San Marcos at 1-0 after defeating UTRGV 45-16. The Roadrunners showed plenty of offensive firepower in their opener, but Texas State presents a much more familiar challenge. The Bobcats have won the last two meetings between the programs, including a 43-36 thriller in San Antonio last season.
A major storyline will be Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson, who gets another opportunity to lead the Bobcats against UTSA. Jackson threw for 150 yards against Texas, but his previous performance against the Roadrunners should give Texas State confidence. In last year’s matchup, Jackson threw for 286 yards. He also had two touchdowns while helping lead the Bobcats to the rivalry victory.
Texas State also has experience at wide receiver with Beau Sparks and Chris Dawn Jr. Both players were involved early against Texas and will be important targets as Jackson looks to find more consistency through the air. Freshman receiver Tucker Cusano also made an immediate impact in his collegiate debut, recording three catches for 58 yards.
The Bobcats will also look to continue developing their rushing attack. Texas State produced 161 rushing yards against Texas, with several players contributing on the ground. Establishing the run early could open opportunities for Jackson and the Bobcats’ receivers while keeping UTSA’s defense from focusing entirely on the passing game.
UTSA brings an explosive offense of its own. Quarterback Owen McCown opened the season with 275 passing yards and three touchdowns, while running backs Will Henderson and A’Marion Peterson combined for nearly 200 rushing yards. Wide receiver DJ Allen added 116 receiving yards and a touchdown, showing that UTSA has multiple ways to create explosive plays.
For Texas State, slowing down those big plays will be one of the biggest keys to the game. The Bobcats will need to force UTSA into longer drives and take advantage of opportunities when they have the ball.
Saturday’s game also is an important moment for Texas State beyond the rivalry. The Bobcats are beginning their first season as members of the Pac-12, moving up from the Sun Belt and onto a bigger national stage. Texas State’s conference schedule will include programs such as Boise State, Oregon State, Washington State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State, making games like Saturday’s matchup important opportunities to establish confidence before conference play.
Texas State has already shown it can compete with UTSA. The Bobcats have won the last two meetings, and another victory would give the program a strong early statement heading into its first Pac-12 season.
For UTSA, Saturday is an opportunity to end Texas State’s recent control of the rivalry and carry its Week 1 momentum into another important Texas matchup. For the Bobcats, it’s a chance to defend home turf, build confidence and show that last week’s result against Texas does not define the team.
With the I-35 Showdown returning to San Marcos, Texas State will have the opportunity to make another statement in one of the state’s most competitive Group of Five rivalries.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT at UFCU Stadium, with the game airing on The CW.
