Texas State Blasts Rams in First Half, Wins 48-28 on Opening Day

With all the anticipation leading up to the 2009 season, the Bobcats had a decent showing, defeating Angelo State University 48-28 while showcasing the great receiving corps Bradley George has this year.

The Bobcats opened the game with a Karrington Bush kick off return to midfield putting the 'Cats in great field position. The first drive didn't take long before the offense scored with Da'Marcus Griggs touchdown reception. The Bobcats were up early but fans weren't able to celebrate too much because Junior running back Bush limped off the field because of bum knee. Bush didn't come back in the game, but was walking around on the sideline.

The real impressive part in the first half was the 'Cats defense. The defense only gave up 26 yards rushing in the first half and kept the rams from scoring any points. The Rams scored in the first half off of a kick off return that showcased the weakness the Bobcats have on special teams. The Bobcat offense kept the scoring going in the first half with a reverse hand off to freshman transfer Cedric Alexander who also caught a touchdown pass in the second quarter.

The 'Cats were up 27- 7 at halftime with the defense being the headline. Although the Bobcats were without there starting running back on offense, the wide receivers were showing looking good while George did a good job managing the ball.

In the second half, Will Thompson finally got his wish of getting an interception with a pick-off the Rams' first drive. Thompson also recovered a fumble on the Rams' next drive to put George and the offense in great field position to increase the lead. Bradley didn't have to do much because freshman standout running back Frank Reddic showed why he may be the third head on the three headed monster at running back this year. Reddic showed great speed and wouldn't go down on first contact.

Angelo State showed some fight toward the end of the game by driving the length of the field and scoring three touchdowns. The defensive and offensive line for the 'Cats were getting beat while the Rams were in desperation mode. It may have been late in the game and the Bobcats may have taken their foot off the pedal, but it showed the Bobcats would have to work on finding that killer instinct to put a team out of the game.

As much as the special teams looked bad last night, the biggest play of the game came when the Rams tried an onside kick with ten minutes left in the fourth quarter. Daren Dillard received the kick and took it to the house for a touchdown. This put the 'Cats up by a couple of touchdowns giving them a little more breathing room. The Bobcats were able to get one more touchdown through the air to tight end Kyle Anderson to finish the scoring at 48-28.

Overall the 14,000 plus that showed up to Bobcat stadium saw the 'Cats ability to put up a lot of points. The real excitement is that the wide receivers that include Cedric Alexander, Alvaro Garcia, Darius Bolden and De'Marcus Griggs all had over 48 yards receiving. The wealth at the receiver position, an experienced quarterback and Karrington Bush, Alvin Canady and Frank Reddic at running back might prove be one of the best offenses Texas State has ever seen along with possibly being the best offense in all FCS football. The defense showed some improvements in stopping the run, but the secondary is still going to need some work.

The Bobcats have a week off before they head up to TCU on September 19th. Head Coach Brad Wright said after the game his team needed to eliminate mistakes in order to be prepared for the contest against the Horned Frogs. You can listen to all the TCU game action on 89.9 KTSW starting with the pre-game 90 minutes before kickoff.

- James McNeal, KTSW Sports Staff Writer