After a subpar season last year, the Texas State Bobcats are looking to keep improving for the Sun Belt this season. With a new head coach from the FCS and system, the Bobcats are looking to turn heads for the season. It could be a rough season for the Bobcats, but they could show potential for something more.
Texas State 2023 Preview
THE CONF.: Sun Belt Conference (West Division) 2022 RECORD: 4-8
CONF. FINISH: 2-6, 6th West
HEAD COACH: G.J Kinne, 1st year overall
FIVE ALL-STAR CANDIDATES: Calvin Hill./RB ( 346 rushing yards, 1 TDs); Jordan Revels, DE (70 tackles, 4.5 sacks); Ashtyn Hawkins/WR( 587 Rec Yards, 7 TDs); Malik Hornsby Jr/QB (Arkansas transfer, 268 Yds passing yards, 1 TD); Alonzo Edwards/CB(31 tackles, 3 FF); Sam Latham, DE (Phil Steele preseason honors candidate); Kaleb Ford-Dement, CB (Phil Steele preseason honors candidate); Tory Spears, S (Phil Steele preseason honors candidate).
THE NEWCOMER: Malik Hornsby Jr/QB (Arkansas transfer, Thrown for 268 Yds, 1 TD)
THE BREAKDOWN
This season for Texas St will be difficult, with the hiring of a new coaching tree of G.J Kinne, Mack Leftwich, and Jonathan Patke. While weak, Texas State's transfers from the portal could be great depth or pieces for the team.
After a rough season, Texas State made the hard choice to hire the FCS coaching in new head coach G.J Kinne, to bring a new system. Kinne's offense in the FCS had over 52 ppg while with Incarnate Word last year. Along with bringing his coaching tree, Texas State hopes Kinne will get his success to the Sun Belt.
Texas State's transfers this year were decent, with Arkansas State quarterback Malik Hornsby Jr being a critical get. Bringing a new QB could help the Bobcats improve for the upcoming season. Along with the new QB, the Bobcats also gain depth in linebackers and cornerbacks.
THE KEY GAME AND WHY
A key game for Texas State this year will be opening week against Baylor. This game is crucial for the Bobcats due to having a new coach and system for the first time. This game is vital because it can showcase the new offense against a contender, and a win could help their momentum at the start of the season.
THE TOUGHEST GAME AND WHY
The Texas State Bobcast's most challenging game this season will be against UTSA in week two this year. While 1-3 against the Roadrunners, the Bobcats were close to a comeback win against them but lost.
THE CHANCES OF MAKING CONF. TITLE GAME
The chances of the Bobcats making it to a title game is rough due to learning a new system this year. Their opportunity of making a title game is lower due to facing a Big 12 team in Baylor, UTSA, and Jackson St. This season is a learning experience for the new coaches and more.
THE PREDICTION
This season will be rough with a brutal schedule. With a new system, Texas St would have a low ceiling with about three wins this season, maybe four wins for the year. The division is getting better, and Texas St will need to rebuild for next year.
