Texas State makes bowl debut in First Responder Bowl. Rice seeks 1st winning season since 2014
First Responder Bowl: Texas State (7-5, Sun Belt) vs. Rice (6-6, American Athletic), Dec. 26, 5:30 p.m. EST (ESPN) Line: Texas State by 5
1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Tied 2-2. WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Texas State is playing in its first bowl game since moving up to the FBS level in 2012. The Bobcats are guaranteed only their second winning record in that span — they finished 7-5 in 2014, but didn’t get a bowl invitation that season. Rice has to win for its first winning season since 2014. The Owls are in a bowl for the second year in a row, but lost the LendingTree Bowl for a 5-8 record.
KEY MATCHUP
Texas State’s versatile offense against Rice defense. Led by running back Ismail Mahdi (1,209 yards rushing, 10 TDs) and quarterback T.J. Finley (3,287 yards passing with 24 TDs), the Bobcats are 10th nationally with 470.8 total yards per game and have had three 50-point games The
Owls allow 370.1 total yards per game, which ranks 55th. PLAYERS TO WATCH
Texas State: Senior linebacker Brian Holloway has a teamleading 98 tackles, with a school-record 16 tackles for losses since becoming an FBS team. He also has two interceptions. He had 15 tackles in the regular-season finale against South Alabama.
Rice: Junior receiver Luke McCaffrey, who began his college career as a quarterback at Nebraska, had a career-high 12 catches for 141 yards in the regular-season finale. He has 68 catches for 963 yards and 12 touchdowns, with scores in each of the last seven games. FACTS & FIGURES
QB JT Daniels, who transferred to Rice for his final season after previously playing at Southern Cal, Georgia and West Virginia, threw for 2,443 yards and 21 touchdowns while starting nine games for the Owls. His last game was Nov. 4 against SMU, and Daniels told ESPN that he was advised to medically retire from football after multiple concussions.
... In Texas State’s 52-44 win over South Alabama to end the regular season, the Bobcats got touchdowns from their offense, defense and special teams for the first time since 2012... Rice senior left tackle Clay Servin’ is set to play in his school-record 56th career game ...Texas State’s defense has 34 sacks, its most since 1997.
In addition to covering The American Rodeo Championship on FOX, FS1 will bring fans The American Contender Tournament Regional Finals and National Final competitions throughout January and February 2024, providing fans with the opportunity to cheer on the Contender athletes as they try to punch their ticket to the Crown Jewel of Rodeo in Arlington, Texas. FS1 will also televise The American
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The American Western WeekendTelevision Schedule The American Contender Tournament Regional Finals and National Final on FS1 West Regional Final Sunday, Jan 14 at 12:30 PM ET-2:30 PM ET on FS1
Central Regional Final Sunday,
Jan 21 at 10:00 AM ET-12:00 PM ET on FS1
Eastern Regional Final Sunday, Jan 28 at 10:00 AM ET-12:00 PM ET on FS1 National Final Sunday, Feb 11 at 10:30 AM ET-12:30 PM ET on FS1
The American Performance Horseman Saturday, March 16th at 11:30 AM ET-1:00 PM ET on FS1
The American Rodeo Championship Saturday, March 16th at 1:30 PM.