Gallery: Texas State vs. SMU

September 11, 2020

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The Texas State Bobcats opened their 2020 season at home against the SMU Mustangs. The game was nationally televised and played in front of a “socially distanced” crowd. While the Bobcats narrowly lost 31-24, they impressed the nation and nearly pulled off an upset in their ESPN debut.

All photos courtesy of Aaron Meullion // Bobcats Insider

SMU RB Ulysses Bentley IV checks with the referee to make sure he stayed inbounds on a 6-yard touchdown rush.

Memphis transfer QB Brady McBride takes the reins of Jake Spavitals’ offense.

Sophomore QB Brady McBride takes a hard hit after a QB rush for a 1st down.

Arizona State transfer RB Brock Sturgis scored the Bobcats’ 1st Touchdown of 2020 in front of a socially distanced crowd.

SMU RB Ulysses Bentley IV drags defenders across the goal-line for a touchdown that would be called back due to holding.

SMU defensive-backs swarm Texas Statereceiver Marcel Barbee as he attempts a touchdown catch over double-coverage.

Of course, the play of the day HAD to be Jeremiah Haydels’ one-handed touchdown catch just before halftime. Sportcenter has already dubbed the spectacular snag as an early-season “Play of the year” nominee.

The Bobcats entered halftime tied 14-14 with SMU.

SMU began the 2nd half demanding more out of the Mustangs’ high-powered offense.

SMU Quarterback and former UT transfer Shane Buechele snaps the ball.

SMU WR Danny Gray receives a handoff in the backfield.

SMU WR Danny Gray follows blocking downfield for an SMU 1st down.

SMU running Back TJ McDaniel celebrates a 9-yard TD run with an offensive coach.

Texas States’ offense perfectly encapsulated the Bobcats’ effort all game. Each time SMU attempted to pull away, Quarterback Brady McBride and play-caller Coach Spavital would build a methodical drive down the field to put the Bobcats Back on the scoreboard.

Quarterback Brady McBride narrowly eludes a sack.

Sophomore QB Brady McBride heaves the ball downfield just as he is tackled.

Memphis transfer Brady McBride throws a 19-yard touchdown pass to Bobcats receiver Chandler Speights

Junior receiver Chandler Speights holds onto the ball after a hard hit to secure the Bobcat touchdown.

SMU would respond with a touchdown drive of their own. After a questionable fumble, the Mustangs rushed to the line to avoid a video review of the previous play. Former UT Longhorn Shane Buechele unleashed a 51-yard toss to receiver Reggie Roberson Jr. who dove into the end-zone just as he was tackled. SMU would take a lead which they would hold on to win the game.

SMU WR Reggie Roberson Jr. breaks the plane of the end-zone just as Bobcats corner DeJordan Mask tackles him.

The Bobcats entered the 4th quarter trailing the Mustangs by seven. The Texas State defense would hold SMU to just three points in the quarter as they did their best to keep the game close. Key turnovers would keep the Bobcats in the hunt.