Texas State Bowl Eligible After Georgia Southern Upset

For the third time in their history as an FBS program, the Texas State Bobcats are bowl eligible. Head coach G.J. Kinne and the Bobcats earned a 45-24 win

Joe Londergan | Nov 4, 2023

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For the third time in their history as an FBS program, the Texas State Bobcats are bowl eligible.

Head coach G.J. Kinne and the Bobcats earned a 45-24 win against the visiting Georgia Southern Eagles in San Marcos on Saturday night.

While the Bobcats have now been eligible for a bowl game three times, they have yet to actually play in one as a member of the FBS. The Bobcats have not won six or more games since 2014.

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Quarterback TJ Finley was responsible for five total touchdowns in this game: three through the air and two on the ground. He completed 25 passes on 31 attempts for 301 passing yards. Finley also lost a fumble inside the Georgia Southern ten-yard line in the first half.

Make it 5 TDs!@tj_finley1 now with 2 rushing TDs and 3 passing TDs so far today

📺 ESPN+#EatEmUp #TakeBackTexas pic.twitter.com/fKzRASMzUT
— Texas State Football (@TXSTATEFOOTBALL) November 4, 2023

Receiver Joey Hobert was Finley's leading target, catching 13 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. It was Hobert's fourth game of the season with over 100 yards receiving.

The Bobcat defense also forced two turnovers and allowed Georgia Southern to convert just four third downs out of ten attempts and stopped both of the Eagles' fourth down conversion attempts. Safety Kaleb Culp was the Bobcats' leading tackler with nine while defensive end Ben Bell picked up two sacks.

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𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐧‼️

TXST - 45
GS - 24#EatEmUp #TakeBackTexas pic.twitter.com/CxtFmUU1YK
— Texas State Football (@TXSTATEFOOTBALL) November 5, 2023

The Bobcats improve to 3-2 in conference play and stay alive in the race for the SBC's West Division, but would need help in the form of losses from defending champion Troy to reach the championship game.

Published Nov 4, 2023

JOE LONDERGAN

Joe covers college sports from the Group of Five ranks and beyond. He has worked in the sports industry since 2008, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville, and a Master's degree from Seattle University.