Texas State defended its home field with authority on Saturday night, defeating Nicholls 35–3 in San Marcos to keep control of the “Battle for the Paddle.” From start to finish, the Bobcats were in command, playing sharp, balanced football on both sides of the ball.

The Bobcats leaned on quarterback Brad Jackson to set the tone. Jackson was efficient through the air, completing 13 of 20 passes for 180 yards, but it was his legs that gave the Colonels fits. He rushed for two touchdowns and regularly extended plays, giving Texas State an extra dimension on offense.

The run game provided steady production behind Jackson’s efforts. Lincoln Pare carried the load with 15 rushes for 64 yards and a touchdown, while Torrance Burgess Jr. and Greg Burrell also reached the end zone. The trio ensured that Nicholls never had a chance to settle defensively.

Momentum really swung in the second quarter, when the Bobcats scored three touchdowns to break the game wide open. Their ability to finish drives and control the pace helped them build a 28–3 lead by halftime, effectively sealing the outcome early.

Defensively, Texas State left little doubt. The Bobcats held Nicholls to just three points and 224 total yards for the game, snuffing out most of the Colonels’ attempts to find rhythm. A highlight came late in the first half when cornerback Khamari Terrell intercepted a pass in the end zone, ending a Nicholls scoring threat and marking the team’s first forced turnover of the season.

Nicholls had a few flashes but struggled to generate consistency. Quarterback Deuce Hogan completed 15 of 21 passes for 97 yards, but his lone interception was costly. Miequle Brock Jr. provided some spark in the running game, yet the Bobcats’ front seven closed gaps quickly and prevented big plays.

Texas State’s advantage came not only from talent but from execution. They converted every red zone trip, controlled time of possession, and looked composed in key third-down situations. Meanwhile, Nicholls committed mistakes that stalled drives and gave the Bobcats extra opportunities.

By night’s end, Texas State’s offense had racked up 35 points, while the defense controlled the tempo and smothered Nicholls’ options. The Bobcats proved themselves disciplined and opportunistic, showing growth in areas that had been inconsistent earlier in the season.

The win pushes Texas State to 3–1 heading into their bye week, giving them confidence as they prepare for Sun Belt Conference play. Nicholls, now 1–3, will need to regroup quickly and address the lapses that were exposed in San Marcos.

For Texas State, this was more than a rivalry win—it was a statement of what this team is capable of when all three phases click. For Nicholls, it was a reminder of the gap they need to close against stronger competition. Both teams leave with lessons, but only the Bobcats leave with momentum.

Texas State dominates Nicholls 35–3 to keep the Paddle in San Marcos.

UTSA Dominates UIW, Snaps Losing Stretch With Convincing Win

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