Game Day Primer / Sun, Nov 1
AWAY TEAM
4–3
HOME TEAM
6–1
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01 / Why this game matters
No. 20 Boise State has won six straight, while Texas State brings a rushing attack averaging 272 yards per game. Their first meeting puts two productive ground games on the same field, with Boise’s 99.1 rushing yards allowed offering the sharpest early test.
02 / Know these people
Brad Jackson / The quarterback who can offer another route
Texas State · Quarterback (QB)
He has 1,606 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. If Boise limits the run, Texas State will need him to turn passing opportunities into sustained possessions.
Dylan Riley / The runner approaching a thousand yards
Boise State · Running Back (RB)
He has 963 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 140 carries. Texas State needs to reach him before a clean lane becomes a long chase.
03 / Watch for this
Watch the first contact on Texas State’s early runs. Getting beyond the line before a hit would challenge Boise’s strong run defense. Contact behind the line would make the Bobcats turn to their passing game sooner.
04 / Sound smart
Texas State and Boise State have never played. Both have brought a running game for the introduction.
The central storyline
No. 20 Boise State has won six straight, while Texas State brings a rushing attack averaging 272 yards per game. Their first meeting puts two productive ground games on the same field, with Boise’s 99.1 rushing yards allowed offering the sharpest early test.
A read on both sides
Texas State
Team vibe
Unranked Texas State is 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the Pac-12 after beating Utah State 20-17. It averages 37.1 points and 517.7 yards, but allows 30 points. The last win needed a 100-yard kickoff-return touchdown, showing that the Bobcats can find an answer even when the offense does not reach its usual totals.
Boise State
Team vibe
No. 20 Boise State is 6-1 and 3-0 in conference after winning 31-10 at Washington State. It has won six straight since an opening loss to Oregon. The Broncos average 237.9 rushing yards and allow 20.6 points, with running back supplying a large share of the ground production.
Current storylines
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Look for: Watch Texas State’s first few handoffs and the location of first contact.
If you see it: The runner has crossed the line before a defender reaches him.
Here's what it means: The Bobcats are finding room against Boise’s strongest defensive feature. Contact behind the line would make the next passing decision much more urgent.
On screen
Look for: When Boise shows a handoff, watch Texas State’s linebackers.
If you see it: They step toward the runner and a receiver crosses behind them.
Here's what it means: The rushing threat has opened a passing lane. Texas State has to defend the ground game without letting the quarterback take an easy completion.
The central storyline
No. 20 Boise State has won six straight, while Texas State brings a rushing attack averaging 272 yards per game. Their first meeting puts two productive ground games on the same field, with Boise’s 99.1 rushing yards allowed offering the sharpest early test.
A read on both sides
Texas State
Team vibe
Unranked Texas State is 4-3 overall and 2-1 in the Pac-12 after beating Utah State 20-17. It averages 37.1 points and 517.7 yards, but allows 30 points. The last win needed a 100-yard kickoff-return touchdown, showing that the Bobcats can find an answer even when the offense does not reach its usual totals.
Boise State
Team vibe
No. 20 Boise State is 6-1 and 3-0 in conference after winning 31-10 at Washington State. It has won six straight since an opening loss to Oregon. The Broncos average 237.9 rushing yards and allow 20.6 points, with running back supplying a large share of the ground production.
Current storylines
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Look for: Watch Texas State’s first few handoffs and the location of first contact.
If you see it: The runner has crossed the line before a defender reaches him.
Here's what it means: The Bobcats are finding room against Boise’s strongest defensive feature. Contact behind the line would make the next passing decision much more urgent.
On screen
Look for: When Boise shows a handoff, watch Texas State’s linebackers.
If you see it: They step toward the runner and a receiver crosses behind them.
Here's what it means: The rushing threat has opened a passing lane. Texas State has to defend the ground game without letting the quarterback take an easy completion.
Players & Coaches
Players & Coaches
Texas State · Quarterback (QB)
He has 1,606 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. If Boise limits the run, Texas State will need him to turn passing opportunities into sustained possessions.
Players & Coaches
Boise State · Running Back (RB)
He has 963 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 140 carries. Texas State needs to reach him before a clean lane becomes a long chase.
Players & Coaches
Texas State · Defensive Back (DB)
He leads Texas State with 47 tackles. Against a productive running team, making the first hit count can keep a drive from moving a whole extra set of downs.
Players & Coaches
Boise State · Quarterback (QB)
He has 1,445 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. Texas State cannot commit every nearby defender to the handoff without leaving opportunities behind them.
The Stakes
Boise State is unbeaten in Pac-12 play. Texas State can hand the Broncos their first conference loss and earn its first win over an AP-ranked opponent.
Why it matters
Texas State’s first few running plays will show whether it can use its preferred offense. If Boise closes those lanes, the Bobcats need a passing response before every possession becomes a long-yardage problem.
History & Context
History & Context
Texas State and Boise State have never played. The Bobcats joined the Pac-12 in July 2026, and this visit gives the new conference matchup a first result to remember.
Conversation Starters
Conversation Starters
Texas State and Boise State have never played. Both have brought a running game for the introduction.
Conversation Starters
needs 37 yards to reach 1,000. The larger question is how many more he wants after that.
Conversation Starters
Texas State scored on a 100-yard kickoff return last week. I’m not using kickoffs as snack breaks.