Arkansas State vs. Texas State Prediction, Game Preview
Arkansas State vs. Texas State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday night's matchup between the Red Wolves and Bobcats.
Arkansas State vs. Texas State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday night’s matchup between the Red Wolves and Bobcats.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, Texas
TV Broadcast: ESPN 2
Arkansas State (6-5) got off to a rocky start when it lost its first four games of the season, but things turned around in a hurry once the Red Wolves got into October. They strung together six straight wins to pull above .500. However, last time out, Arkansas State saw that winning streak snapped when it fell on the road to Louisiana-Lafayette, 24-19.
As for Texas State (2-9), it’s been nothing but losing football for all but two of its matchups. The Bobcats picked up a win in Week 1 over Ohio (the eventual MAC East Division winner) in overtime and then in Week 5 over Incarnate Word. Since then, Texas State has dropped seven consecutive games, the most recent of which was last weekend to Troy, 40-7.
There have been three meetings all-time between the Red Wolves and Bobcats, and Arkansas State has taken two of them. Last year’s meeting went to the Red Wolves in Jonesboro, 55-17.
What To Know About Arkansas State
In the loss to the Ragin’ Cajuns, Arkansas State got a solid performance from quarterback Justice Hansen, who completed 35-of-57 passes for 393 yards, a touchdown and an interception. That lone touchdown was reeled in by Dijon Paschal, who caught six balls for 70 yards. Kendall Sanders led the team with six grabs for 90 yards.
Hansen also ran the ball well, as he picked up 47 rushing yards on 10 attempts. Johnston White added 38 yards on seven carries, but it was Warren Wand who found the end zone for Arkansas State’s only rushing touchdown. Wand rushed for 35 yards on 11 carries.
What to Know About Texas State
The Bobcats rolled out there with Connor White and Eddie Printz both getting snaps at quarterback in the loss to the Trojans. White connected on 8-of-16 passes for 108 yards, and Printz completed 4-of-13 throws for 39 yards. Neither threw a touchdown pass, but both threw one interception. Elijah King led the team with four catches for 84 yards.
On the ground, Texas State’s only rushing touchdown came via Stedman Mayberry, who ended up running for 31 yards on nine carries. However, Tyler Siudzinski led the team with 52 rushing yards on 11 carries.
Advantages
Offense: Arkansas State – The Red Wolves are averaging 26.2 points per game to the Bobcats’ 19 points per game.
Defense: Arkansas State – The Bobcats allow 41.5 points per game, which ranks them No. 126 in the nation. The Red Wolves surrender 22.9 points per game.
Special Teams: Texas State – Arkansas State’s J.D. Houston has missed three extra points and six field goals this season. Three of those missed field goals came from within 40 yards.
Coaching: Arkansas State – The Red Wolves have a winning record, and the Bobcats are seven games below .500. This seems pretty easy.
Matchup To Watch
Justice Hansen vs. Texas State defense
If the Bobcats are going to have a chance here, they have to find a way to get to Hansen. Texas State needs to mix up its looks and provide some pressure in the pocket. If it doesn’t Hansen is going to carve the Bobcats’ secondary up. He has thrown eight interceptions this season, so Texas State can try and flip the field on the Red Wolves, but if it can’t, this one will be all Arkansas State.
Betting Odds
Spread: Arkansas State -23
Over/Under: 54
Arkansas State vs. Texas State Prediction
The Red Wolves should have this one in the bag before the coin flip. Hansen will slice and dice that Texas State defense up for 250-plus passing yards and three touchdowns. He’ll get some help from the Arkansas State running game, as Wand will find his way into the end zone for his seventh rushing touchdown of the season. Hansen will pull the ball down and move the chains with his legs, too. Texas State simply won’t generate enough offense to compete in this one.
Arkansas State vs. Texas State Score Prediction: Arkansas State 35, Texas State 17
