Texas State Brings an Explosive Passing Game to the New Pac-12

Texas State arrives in the rebuilt Pac-12 with one of the more dangerous passing games in its tier and a projection that likes its chances. The Bobcats are forecast to finish around 8-3 and are favored in nearly every game they play. G.J. Kinne, in his fourth year, has built a program that throws it with the best of the Group of Five, and a favorable schedule turns that into a strong record.

A passing game that can carry the load

The strength is obvious the moment you look at the skill positions. Texas State's receiver group grades among the best in the country, and the tight end room is right there with it. That gives the offense a genuine downfield threat and a matchup problem in the middle of the field. Beau Sparks headlines a receiving corps that can win against most of the secondaries on the schedule.

Kinne's system is built to push the ball and score in bunches, and with weapons this good on the outside, Texas State can keep pace in a shootout and pull away when it gets rolling. The offensive line is solid enough to give the passing game time to operate.

Where the Bobcats are thin

The limitations are the running game and the defense. Texas State's backfield grades near the bottom of the sport, which makes the offense one-dimensional and puts more pressure on the pass to carry every drive. On defense, the front and back seven grade in the middle of the pack, good enough to get stops against comparable teams but vulnerable to a balanced, physical opponent.

That profile makes Texas State a team that lives and dies by its passing game. When it is clicking, the Bobcats can beat anyone in their range. When a defense takes away the throw and makes them run, the offense can stall.

A favorable schedule

The projection is optimistic because the slate cooperates. The only clear loss is a road trip to Texas, a money game against a far superior opponent, and the closest remaining test is a road date at Boise State. Everything else favors the Bobcats.

That is the kind of schedule that lets a pass-happy, well-coached team stack wins. Handle the games it should and steal the toss-up at Boise State, and Texas State reaches eight wins and contends in the new Pac-12.

Bottom line

Expect around 8-3, powered by an explosive passing game. Texas State has an elite receiver room, a strong tight end group, and a system built to score. The run game and the defense are the limitations, so the Bobcats need the pass to carry them. With a favorable schedule and only one clear loss on the board, this is a team set up for a strong first year in the Pac-12.