COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF

Bobcats will want payback with ULM

The Countdown to Kickoff Series returns to follow the Texas State Bobcats as they trudge through the 2023 season.

This week will take a look at the Bobcats as they prepare to host the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks.

In their last meeting, ULM made a dramatic comeback, after trailing 21-0, to outscore Texas State 31-9 en route to a shocking 31-30 loss for the Bobcats.

The loss was the third of a string of one-possession losses for Texas State , which eventually led to the Bobcats becoming bowl ineligible for the eighth straight season.

Following the win, the Warhawks defeated Georgia State, before finishing the season with a 4-8 record, placing in the 5th ranking in the Sun Belt West Division standings.

Bill Connelly’s SP+ Ratings System doesn’t favor ULM this season, giving the Warhawks a -24.1 overall rating, with a 13.2 offensive rating and a 37.3 defensive rating.

Returning for the Warhawks is wide receiver Tyrone Howell, who made 50 catches for 852 yards and six touchdown catches.

ULM will be without starting quarterback Chandler Rodgers, who transferred to North Texas during the offseason.

On defense, the Warhawks are led by Kenard Snyder who made 59 tackles, including 34 solo tackles along with one sack.

Linebacker Zack Woodard also returns for the Warhawks, after making 77 tackles with 47 solo tackles and two sacks.

For the Bobcats, the early season key against the Warhawks will be establishing their offensive momentum, while attempting to was away the memories of last year’s collapse.

The history between Texas State and Louisiana Monroe dates back to when both schools were a part of the Southland Conference during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In fact, the Warhawks remain Texas State's most played conference opponent with 22 games.

ULM leads the series against Texas State 13-9.

Texas State and ULM were conference rivals in football between 1986 and 1993 before the Warhawks made the transition to FBS in 1994, while their Olympic sports remained in the Southland Conference.

Both the Bobcats and the Warhawks lone non-conference game came in 2000 when Texas State, then at the FCS level, defeated ULM, who was at the FBS, 27-7 in Monroe.

The series resumed when Texas State joined the Sun Belt in 2013, with the two teams regularly playing each ever since.

In terms of Sun Belt Conference play, ULM leads the series against Texas State at 6-4.

Kickoff for Texas State– ULM is Oct. 14 at Bobcat Stadium during Family Weekend.

Kickoff time is slated for 6 p.m.