Bobcats ready to find their true measure

Offensive meltdown led to second-half blowout by FSU.

The difference in talent levels bet ween Texas State and Florida State probably stunted a perfect evaluation of the Bobcats’ strengths and weaknesses, but they expect to take a step forward with this weekend’s home opener against Prairie View A&M.

The Bobcats, who fell 59-16 to the 10th-ranked Seminoles at Tallahassee, Fla., on Saturday, were back on the practice fifield Sunday in preparation for this week’s game.

The Seminoles had it all, Texas State coach Dennis Franchione said.

“If you were to have the power to choose a group of players out of a catalog for their talent, looks and overall abilit y, you couldn’t pick a team that is as good as Florida State was Saturday night against us,” Franchione said Tuesday.

“We knew that they were over-the-top big, fast and strong, but seeing them in person — and being on the business end of the things they were doing — was something completely different .”

Texas State trailed by two scores at halftime 24-10, but the Seminoles pulled away in the third quarter, scoring touchdowns on a pair of long drives and holding the Bobcats to only eight offensive snaps.

“Our offense didn’t stay on the fifield, and that put the defense at a disadvantage. They just flflat wore out,” Franchione said. “Overall, we competed hard and never stopped fighting, and we made our own share of mistakes that we will work on this week. And we walked out of Tallahassee with our heads held high and having earned Florida State’s respect.”

Notes: The start of the Florida State game was delayed 53 minutes because of lightning in the area. ... Franchione said the loss produced only one signifificant injury — linebacker Stephen Smith broke his left hand. He will have a cast and padding and is listed as dayto-day for the Prairie View game. ... 63 players participated in Saturday’s game for the Bobcats. ... Running backs Robert Lowe (eight carries, 13 yards) and Chris Nutall ( fifive for 13 yards and a TD) combined for just 26 of Texas State’s 132 rushing yards.