Texas State vs. Baylor Short Report | Sep 2, 2023
McLane Stadium
Waco, TX
Sep 2, 2023
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Game Recap
The Texas State Bobcats stunned the Baylor Bears with a 42-31 victory, marking their first-ever win against Baylor. The Bears opened the scoring with a 23-yard field goal by Isaiah Hankins. However, the Bobcats quickly seized momentum with a touchdown pass from TJ Finley to Ismail Mahdi. The Baylor defense struggled to contain the offensive onslaught from Texas State, allowing several pivotal touchdowns.
TJ Finley was the linchpin for the Bobcats, amassing 298 passing yards and contributing significantly on the ground. Though Baylor's Blake Shapen rallied with a 53-yard touchdown pass, the Bobcats' staunch defense in the final minutes sealed the win. This victory heralded the start of head coach G.J. Kinne's tenure at Texas State on a triumphant note.
Key Plays:
Isaiah Hankins (Baylor Bears)
Baylor's kicker Isaiah Hankins opened the scoring with a precise 23-yard field goal, providing the Bears an early lead and setting the tempo for a competitive match.
Ismail Mahdi (Texas State Bobcats)
TJ Finley connected with Ismail Mahdi for a 10-yard touchdown pass, which showcased the Bobcats' effective passing game and took the lead quickly after Baylor's field goal.
TJ Finley (Texas State Bobcats)
Texas State's quarterback TJ Finley displayed remarkable athleticism with a 65-yard rushing touchdown, exploiting a gap in Baylor's defensive line and extending their lead.
Donerio Davenport (Texas State Bobcats)
Finley delivered a 27-yard touchdown pass to Donerio Davenport, reinforcing the Bobcats' dominance and exploiting Baylor's defensive vulnerabilities.
Blake Shapen (Baylor Bears)
Blake Shapen kept Baylor in contention with a 9-yard rushing touchdown, providing a much-needed boost just before halftime.
Jahmyl Jeter (Texas State Bobcats)
With less than a minute left in the first half, Jahmyl Jeter powered through Baylor's defense for a 1-yard touchdown run, further increasing Texas State's lead.
Drake Dabney (Baylor Bears)
In a desperate bid to close the gap, Shapen hurled a 53-yard touchdown pass to Drake Dabney early in the third quarter, showcasing Baylor's explosive potential.
Joey Hobert (Texas State Bobcats)
Finley continued his aerial assault in the final quarter, finding Joey Hobert for a 26-yard touchdown reception, sealing the game for Texas State.
Drake Dabney (Baylor Bears)
Dabney struck again with a 2-yard touchdown reception, but even his consistent performance wasn't enough to overcome the Bobcats' lead.
Sawyer Robertson (Baylor Bears)
Sawyer Robertson intercepted a pass, attempting to give Baylor another chance, but it wasn't enough to shift the game's momentum back in their favor.
Standout Players:
TJ Finley (Texas State Bobcats, QB)
Finley demonstrated his dual-threat capability by amassing 298 passing yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for a spectacular 65-yard touchdown. His leadership was instrumental in Texas State's historic win.
Ismail Mahdi (Texas State Bobcats, RB)
Mahdi's all-around performance was crucial, totaling 83 rushing yards along with a receiving touchdown. He provided consistent offensive support that kept Baylor's defense on its heels throughout the game.
Blake Shapen (Baylor Bears, QB)
Despite the loss, Shapen showcased his resilience by throwing for 303 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to also contribute on the ground with a rushing touchdown reflected his versatility and determination.
Joey Hobert (Texas State Bobcats, WR)
Hobert made pivotal plays with his six catches for 105 yards, including a crucial 26-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter that cemented the Bobcats' victory.
Isaiah Hankins (Baylor Bears, K)
Hankins provided reliable scoring for the Bears with field goals of 23, 53, and 24 yards, showcasing his consistency in special teams.
Drake Dabney (Baylor Bears, TE)
Dabney was a significant offensive weapon for Baylor, recording six receptions for 101 yards and two touchdowns, displaying his big-play capability.
References:
Texas State shocks Baylor with historic win
Texas State Bobcats vs. Baylor Bears - Final Score - September 02, 2023 | FOX Sports
Baylor Football Recap: Leverage Falls Short Against Texas State
Texas State Bobcats vs. Baylor Bears Live Score and Stats - September 2, 2023 Gametracker - CBSSports.com
Football vs Baylor on 9/2/2023 - Box Score - Texas State Athletics
Instant Reaction: Baylor vs Texas State
Kinne Era Starts with 42-31 Victory Over Baylor
OurDailyPodcast - Our Daily Bears
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Texas State Bobcats
14
14
7
7
42
Baylor Bears
6
7
11
7
31
