UTSA cares more about I-35 Rivalry than Texas State. It showed in the Bobcats loss

On September 12, 2026, Texas State faced off against rival UTSA in a college football game at UFCU Stadium in San Marcos, Texas. Texas State's coach, GJ Kinne, described the 31-26 loss as one of the strangest games he had ever witnessed. Despite outgaining UTSA's offense by 83 yards, the Bobcats struggled with special teams mishaps and a dysfunctional passing attack, leading to a four-point loss.

UTSA's quarterback, Owen McCown, faced consistent pressure from UTSA's defensive line throughout the game. UTSA's defense held Texas State to just 17 points through three quarters, despite McCown's respectable stat line of 28-of-42 passing for 214 yards. The Bobcats made up for their poor third-down success rate by succeeding on five of six fourth-down attempts, which made up for their struggles down the field.

Texas State's coach, Kinne, acknowledged the weight of the rivalry and its impact on the players. He acknowledged that UTSA's offense was more creative and that the Roadrunners made the most of their opportunities. UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor praised Texas State for their efforts but intended to instill the feeling of pressure and weight associated with the rivalry. As Texas State looks to avenge their loss in the future, they may need to learn to accept the pressure that comes with playing against their rivals.