In the early 1990s, the phrase “Great teams don’t rebuild, they reload” became popular among college football media members, highlighting the consistent success of perennial powerhouses like Ohio State and Georgia. However, many programs in college football find themselves in need of a true rebuild, such as Texas State in late November 2022. Despite joining the FBS in 2012, the Bobcats only had one winning season in the next eleven years, prompting a coaching change in 2019 when Jake Spavital took over. However, his 13-35 record led to his removal in 2022, and former collegiate standout G.J. Kinne was brought in as his replacement.
Kinne, known for his offensive genius, had success at Incarnate Word, where his team reached the FCS semifinals with impressive offensive statistics. Texas State was quick to hire him, and under his leadership, they won eight games in his first season, with a strong, high-scoring offense. With Ismail Mahdi excelling as a dynamic running back and a talented receiving corps, the team had a strong offensive showing. With the addition of quarterback Jordan McCloud for the 2024 season, the offense is expected to be even better, allowing the team to potentially compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
While the offense has been a strength for Texas State, the defense has struggled, leading to many high-scoring games last season. However, with the addition of new defensive coordinator Dexter McCoil Sr. and key transfers, there is hope for improvement on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive unit is comprised of experienced juniors and seniors, including standout players like Ben Bell and Kaleb Cupp, offering some stability and potential for growth. Despite the defensive challenges, Kinne believes the defense can be significantly improved for the upcoming season.
In terms of scheduling, Texas State will have a favorable path in the Sun Belt Conference, avoiding some tougher opponents and facing key matchups at home early on in the season. The team will need to perform well against teams like UTSA and Arizona State to have a chance at making it to the College Football Playoff. With the potential for a strong offensive showing and improvements on defense, Texas State could be a surprise contender in the conference and even beyond. Betting recommendations include Texas State to win the SBC championship and to potentially make a run at the College Football Playoff with promising odds.
