Texas State football’s debut season in the Pac-12 isn’t off to a roaring start, but things could be much worse. The Bobcats take to the road Saturday after going 2-2 in nonconference play, trouncing the Incarnate Word Cardinal last week 63-10.
San Diego State is suffering through its own issues, including an outbreak of mumps among at least 14 confirmed players. Injuries to running backs Lucky Sutton and Javion Kinnard were huge blows, leaving the Aztecs with a thin roster heading into Saturday.
MORE:Mumps? What to know about San Diego State ahead of Texas State’s Pac-12 opener
Although the Bobcats are favored, San Diego State has played quality competition in UCLA and James Madison. Here are Texas State’s keys to victory heading into the matchup:
Texas State running back Torrence Burgess Jr. (4) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the game against UIW at UFCU Stadium on Saturday, Sep. 26, 2026 in San Marcos, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)
Lean on the running game
The Aztecs reloaded at secondary in the offseason. Mike Lindsay, Jalen Thomeson and Caleb Ricks are a trio of skilled defensive backs and are allowing a 35.1% completion rate when targeted.
That’s not to say Texas State won’t air it out. But its wide receivers room is still working back to full health; Beau Sparks, Zechariah Sample and Kylen Evans were all listed as questionable on Wednesday’s injury report. In addition, San Diego State is allowing 172.5 rushing yards per game. The Bobcats’ ground game is averaging 281.3 yards per game, the best mark in the Pac-12.
With the offensive line’s excellent play along with running backs Torrance Burgess Jr. and Davian Jackson, it’d be in Texas State’s favor to establish the run.
Attack the Aztecs’ left tackle
Texas State head coach GJ Kinne gave props Tuesday to San Diego State’s offensive line. The Aztecs follow a similar build to the Bobcats, and the 6-foot-9, 340-pound Joseph Borjon is a prime example.
Borjon may also be the most exploitable piece along the line; he’s committed six penalties and has given up four pressures in 251 snaps. Texas State edge Tymere Jackson has the second most sacks (2½) in the Pac-12 and he leads the team with 17 pressures and five quarterback hits. Four Aztecs tight ends are out or doubtful while three more are questionable, so it’s not as simple as sending chip help to Jackson.
Force QB Jayden Denegal to the middle
San Diego State quarterback Jayden Denegal has the tools to hurt defenses deep. He’s also shown a propensity to help opposing teams out on occasion, throwing five interceptions and five touchdowns through four games.
The Aztecs might try to lean more on their passing attack because of their thin running backs room and the Bobcats’ suspect secondary. Denegal’s best throws come to the intermediate left side, where he’s completed 4 of 5 passes for two touchdowns and 61 yards, according to Pro Football Focus.
The middle of the field is a different story. Denegal has completed 16 of 31 attempts for 173 yards and two interceptions on throws beyond the line of scrimmage to that area.
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This article originally published at How Texas State football can beat tough San Diego State team dealing with mumps outbreak.
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