The pressure is on: Bobcats take on conference leader for homecoming game

Oct 28 2009 - 8:07pm | Keff Ciardello

The Texas State Bobcats will play homecoming host to the Southland Conference’s top-ranked team, Stephen F. Austin, 2 p.m. Saturday at Bobcat Stadium.

Last season, the Bobcats hosted top-ranked Central Arkansas for their homecoming game. However, the Bears defeated Texas State 31-24.
Central Arkansas finished the 2008 season with a better record and a potential tie-breaking victory against Texas State. However, the Bobcats were crowned the SLC champions because of a conference initiation clause.

SFA is on a six-game win streak with its most recent victory being a 42-3 loss to Sam Houston State.

SFA quarterback Jeremy Moses and linebacker Devin Ducote were named Southland Conference Players of the Week for their performances against SHSU. Moses passed for five touchdowns and 372 yards while Ducote recorded a career-high 16 tackles.

SFA leads the nation in scoring with 44.43 points per game and passing offense with 360 yards per game. The Lumberjacks sit atop  the SLC  standings with a 6-1 overall record. Their only loss came against Southern Methodist, a 31-23 opening day victory for the Mustangs.

SFA’s 3-0 conference record means the Lumberjacks are the only team in the SLC to remain undefeated in conference play. Four teams have a 2-1 conference record. Among those four are the Bobcats.

Texas State has won its last two games, both of which were conference victories on the road. The Bobcats’ 4-3 record leaves them at fifth in the SLC. However, Texas State still has potential to reclaim the conference title if it can win its remaining games.

“Each game is becoming more and more important as we go on,” said Coach Brad Wright. “That’s what we want. We want every game to mean something. That keeps everybody motivated knowing what is at stake.”

The Bobcats’ losses prove they are not as bad as their record might indicate excluding the opening day upset by Angelo State.

It took Southeastern Louisiana three fourth-quarter touchdowns followed by three two-point conversions to take the Bobcats into overtime. It then took a missed extra point by Texas State to seal the 51-50 victory for the Lions.

The No. 6 ranked Texas Christian Horned Frogs yielded 21 points in their victory over the Bobcats — the most points allowed by the Horned Frog defense in three seasons.

SFA and Texas State each have a player under consideration for the Campbell Trophy Award. Travis Houston, senior defensive end, and SFA linebacker Tim Knicky are semifinalists for the award. Semifinalists must maintain a 3.20 GPA while demonstrating outstanding football ability, strong leadership and citizenship. The winner will receive a 25 lb. bronze trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship. Finalists will be named later this week.

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