There’s no doubt a new energy has surrounded the Texas State football program since GJ Kinne became the head coach.
The Bobcats have been one of the better teams in the Sun Belt, including last year when they went 8-5 overall and 5-3 in league play. They beat UTSA early in the season and lost to Arizona State, which won the Big 12 and earned a bye in the College Football Playoff, by just three points. Texas State also capped the year with a 30-28 victory over North Texas in the First Responder Bowl.
Now the Bobcats want to keep that momentum going into 2025.
Eastern Michigan vs. Texas State Betting Odds
Texas State is a -13.5 college football betting odds favorite against Eastern Michigan, with the Over/Under being 58.5.
The moneyline for Eastern Michigan is +400, while it’s -550 for Texas State.
Eastern Michigan vs. Texas State On TV
The matchup between Eastern Michigan and Texas State will be televised on ESPN+.
The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 30. The contest is taking place at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos, Texas.
Eastern Michigan vs. Texas State Prediction
I project Texas State will win and cover the 13.5-point spread. I also project the game will go Under 58.5 total points.
Texas State could end up making it to the Sun Belt Championship this year before going to the Pac-12. But the Bobcats will need strong play from their quarterback, who will be Brad Jackson in Week 1. Jackson played in three games at Texas State in 2024, completing 8 of 15 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 164 yards and four TDs.
Jackson will have some skilled players on offense to depend on. Lincoln Pare, who ran for 554 yards and eight touchdowns while catching 12 passes for 134 yards, and Torrance Burgess Jr., who was third on the team with 367 rushing yards to go with two TDs and caught 10 passes for 111 yards, are both back.
Chris Dawn Jr. and Beau Sparks are returning at wide receiver. Dawn caught 37 passes for 418 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, while Sparks added 271 yards and two scores on 25 receptions.
Left tackle Dorion Strawn and right guard Tellek Lockette return to lead the offensive line after starting all 13 games last season.
On defense, the Bobcats should be strong up front. Defensive end Kalil Alexander led Texas State with 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss while adding 39 tackles, two pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. Fellow defensive end Jo’Laison Landry was third on the team with 4.5 sacks and 7.5 TFLs and recorded 33 total tackles and two forced fumbles.
I think the Bobcats will play well enough on both sides of the ball to earn a 20-point home victory.
