Texas State had one minute, 30 seconds to save its season last Saturday night against McNeese State.

The Bobcats started with the ball at their own 20-yard line late in the fourth quarter after the Cowboys took the lead with a 28-yard field goal.

Texas State’s offense just watched McNeese churn out a 15-play, 74-yard drive that spanned 7:19. The Bobcats were hungry.

It looked like Texas State would notch the tying or game-winning score as the Bobcats overcame obstacle after obstacle.

Texas State converted two third downs on long passes with eight men in coverage for the Cowboys. The Bobcats got down to the McNeese 39-yard line after Bradley George connected with San Marcos graduate Alvin Canady for six yards.

That was as far as Texas State would advance.

George forced his next throw into coverage and it was intercepted by the Cowboys’ Malcolm Bronson. Texas State’s senior quarterback hadn’t thrown an interception in 209 passes before that toss.

McNeese quarterback Derrick Fourroux took the next snap and kneeled out the final 22 seconds of the game.

“You can’t talk about wins or losses,” Bobcat sophomore wide receiver Mishak Rivas said. “You get out there and do what you can. As long as you gave your hardest, there is nothing to be mad about.”

Unfortunately, Texas State has plenty to be mad about after Saturday’s loss.

First, the Bobcats squandered another sizable lead in a Southland Conference game. Texas State held a 20-7 advantage with 8:19 left in the second quarter, but were unable to extend the lead.

The Cowboys scored 13 unanswered points in the final eight minutes to tie the game going into halftime. Momentum had effectively swung in McNeese’s favor.

Secondly, the Bobcats didn’t have a rushing attack that could eat time off the clock. Texas State only picked up one rushing first down in the second half while the Cowboys moved the chains five times.

McNeese was able to stop the Bobcats’ ground attack with three down lineman. The Cowboys didn’t respect Texas State’s running backs and knew it was only a matter of time until George made a mistake.

“Bradley doesn’t make many mistakes and when he does,” McNeese head coach Matt Viator said, “you have to capitalize.”

The Cowboys did and effectively ended the Bobcats’ season.

Texas State can’t repeat as SLC champions due to the loss.

Even if all the underdogs win Saturday, the Bobcats would still have the loss to McNeese on their record.

Also, Texas State’s chances at an at-large bid into the FCS playoffs took a hit as well.

A team needs seven wins against Division I competition to be considered for an at-large selection in the FCS playoffs. The Bobcats only have five — which could turn into six with a win Saturday afternoon.

Texas State will just be playing for pride against Sam Houston State.