(This is the seventh in a 14-part series previewing the Sun Belt Conference and the 2015 opponents of the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.  Today:  Texas State.  The Bobcats and Cajuns open Sun Belt play on Saturday, Oct. 10th at Cajun Field.)

In its two years in the Sun Belt, Texas State has reached bowl eligibility.  They have not, however, made it to a bowl game.  In both seasons the Sun Belt had more eligible teams than they had bowl slots.  And, being in Texas, they weren’t deemed a good draw for bowls in Louisiana and Alabama.  Geographically, they didn’t get any help as the Cure Bowl in Orlando, FL was added to the Sun Belt tie-ins.

OFFENSE—Tyler Jones has proven to be a weapon at quarterback for Dennis Franchione’s team.  Last season he threw for 2,670 and 22 touchdowns and rushed for another 539.  That’s pretty good quarterback production.  Robert Lowe was a third team all league performer, rushing for 1,091 and averaging over five yards per carry.  Lowe may even be more effective this year with the return of Chris Nutall, who was ineligible last season.  The Bobcats also return their three players who have seen plenty of action at WR, although none of them had great yards per catch numbers.   Up front, Texas State returns three starters, including second team all league performer Adrian Bellard.  This is a very capable unit that was held under 20 points only once last year.  It’s a unit that could use a deep threat to keep the defenses honest.

DEFENSE—Is there life after David Mayo?  The Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year will be a tough void to fill after finished second in the FBS in tackles with 154.  He did so much for the Bobcats that defense becomes a bit of a question mark just by his absence.   Trey McGowan returns at middle linebacker after notching 80 tackles a year ago, but the rest of that corps has to step forward.  Texas State should be better on the line with two starters and three experienced linemen returning.  Cornerback David Mims had five interceptions last season and was a first team all-conference pick.  He anchors a solid secondary.

SPECIAL TEAMS---After losing both kickers, it looks like the Bobcats will be looking to James Sherman, a redshirt freshman.  They’ll miss Will Johnson, especially in the punting game.  Their return game should be solid.

SCHEDULE—Texas State plays all three of the teams picked near the bottom of the league.  They avoid Appalachian State and Troy, but have to travel to Louisiana, Georgia Southern and Arkansas State (ouch.)  They also get South Alabama and ULM at home.  Out of Conference they open at Florida State, have winnable home games against Prairie View and Southern Miss and have an intriguing game at Houston.  Texas State has an open date before and after its game at Louisiana.

OUTLOOK—Texas State had four of their seven wins by eight points or less.  And, three of their five losses were by seven points or less.   They’re hoping their veteran offense can take care of business while their defense gets acclimated to the loss of Mayo.  But the schedule, especially on the road in league play, doesn’t do them any favors.  It looks like more of the same, record wise for the Bobcats.  7-5 certainly isn’t out of the question, but 8-4 will be tough.

 

 

 

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