Texas State and Texas Tech each come into tonight’s game with a 1-0 record. The Bobcats took out the University of Houston last week, while the Red Raiders trounced Northwestern State.
What’s it going to take for Texas State to leave tonight’s game 2-0? Let’s break it down.
- Establish the run — Sure, Texas Tech limited the Demons to 13 rushing yards, but the Red Raiders are just one year removed from being one of the worst run defenses in the nation. The Bobcats gashed Texas Tech for 256 rushing yards in 2011 — and that was with a smaller offensive line. If Texas State opens run lanes for senior running back Marcus Curry and sophomore running back Terrence Franks, it will allow Dennis Franchione’s team to control the clock and keep the Red Raiders’ offense on the sideline.
- Keep the crowd in the game — There will be 32,000 people in the stands for the biggest home opener in school history. A majority of those fans will be rooting for Texas State. If the Bobcats score early, the crowd will be in full voice. Get out to a lead like it did against the Cougars, Bobcat Stadium will be rocking.
- Limit mistakes — Texas State held a 10-9 lead in 2011, but turned it over four times in the second half. Texas Tech turned those mistakes into points and those points into a rout. If the Bobcats hold onto the ball and keep penalties at a minimum, they’ll have a shot at a second consecutive win.
