The Campus. Founded in 1899 to mold teachers of the future, Texas State University today serves its 37,000 graduate and undergraduate students a rich menu of over 200 disciplines, including music. Ever expanding in opportunity, it remains to this day the only Texas College or University to claim a U.S. President among its graduates — that being Lyndon Baines Johnson, #36 in the Oval Office and class of 1930 holding a permanent teaching certification. Its main campus in San Marcos lies about 245 miles south of Dallas along I-35, just beyond Austin. It is home to Jim Wacker Field, a 30,000 capacity open air arena named in honor of the former Coach and Athletic Director. Third year Coach Jake Spivital, age 36 and a former QB/Punter at Missouri State, leads the Maroon and Gold into its 2021 Season, to which this article now turns.
Gridiron History. Bobcat football first took to the fields in 1904, and over that span a winning mark of .562 — excluding 35 ties — has been logged. Years 1981-82 produced a combined 27-1 record fortified by a pair of NCAA Division II National Championships, each won on the field in a three game playoff series. Now competing in the Sun Belt Conference of Division I FBS, recent year outcomes have been regrettable in serving up a combined five wins in twenty-four outings. This is in spite of Nagurski Award Winning Linebacker Bryan Landon II, who also earned Texas State Academic Achievement honors from classroom excellence in Business Management. Bobcat faithful undoubtedly hope that enough standouts such as Landon are on board to brighten the landscape this season.
Current Prospects. Texas State stumbled from the 2021 opening gate. Although scoring in each quarter it pulled up on the short end of a 29-20 final tally at the hands of Baylor, held in check at least partly by Sophomore QB Brady McBride’s trio of interceptions in 40 passing attempts. Also entering his second varsity season and pacing the infantry attack with 45 yards in eight carries — one good for a TD — was Jahmyl Jeter. Junior flanker Marcell Barbee chipped in 56 yards on eight receptions, also adding an end zone visit. Senior defensive back Troy Lefeged Jr’s play led to 10 tackles, but the overall Bobcat defense failed to reach the Baylor QB and forced only a single turnover. The kicking game appears solid with Senior Seth Keller enjoying a perfect afternoon highlighted by a 38 yard field goal. October matches against both South Alabama (Oct 9) and Georgia State (Oct 23) should stamp defining touches on any significant 2021 improvement.
