College Football: Keys to the Game (Houston Edition)

In less than two hours, the Texas State Bobcats take the field for the first time as official members of the Football Bowl Subdivision. Texas State won’t get a warm welcome, as it visits the University of Houston.

What’s it going to take for the Bobcats to knock off the Cougars?

1. Ball control — Like it was said in our preview, Texas State’s best defense might be its offense. Houston can’t score if it doesn’t have the ball. The Bobcats need to dictate the tempo with their rushing attack. Texas State gashed Texas Tech for 256 yards last season, so the team knows what it needs to get it done.
2. Limit turnovers — This is an area in which the Bobcats struggled throughout the 2011 season. In last year’s season opener, Texas State had an opportunity to get a few points on the scoreboard to open the second half — and extend its lead to either 13-9 or 17-9 — but Shaun Rutherford fumbled. Rutherford’s turnover opened up the flood gates as the Bobcats turned it over four times after halftime. The Red Raiders turned a 10-9 lead by Texas State into a 50-10 rout.
3. Score early — If the Bobcats get points on their first offensive possession, it will bode well for their confidence. Texas State will also quiet what is sure to be a sell-out crowd. If the Bobcats fall into an early hole, it puts a burden on them to catch up, which hasn’t been their specialty.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.