First look at the Sun Devils' rematch with Texas State

Hopefully everyone has been able to process and recover from last weekend in Starkville, because it's time to turn the page to Texas State.

The final non-conference matchup of the season brings the 2-0 Bobcats to Mountain America Stadium in a rematch of last season's Week 3 game. The Devils overcame a slow start to win 31-28 in San Marcos after trailing 21-7 late in the 2nd quarter.

Last year's win showcased the grit and determination that the Sun Devils rode all the way to their College Football Playoff berth, something that can be rediscovered over the rest of the 2025 season.

The Bobcats come to town after winning their first two games of the season, last week gaining their first ever road win in the I-35 Rivalry against UTSA. Even though they play in the Sun Belt, they are not to be underestimated after finishing in second place in the SBC West Division and winning the First Responder Bowl against North Texas.

The Bobcats experienced significant roster turnover in the offseason, losing starting quarterback Jordan McCloud to graduation as well as three top receivers and three starters on the offensive line. Redshirt freshman Brad Jackson has emerged as a solid replacement, completing 65.2% of his passes for 500 yards and 5 TDs through two games.

Junior Beau Sparks has been Jackson's top target, hauling in 12 catches for 237 yards and all 5 of Jackson's 5 TDs. Senior running back Lincoln Pare had achieved nearly half of his 2024 output in the first two games, tallying 238 yards on 33 carries and 2 TDs.

Texas State boasts the 16th ranked total offense in the nation, averaging 530 yards per game through the first two weeks against Eastern Michigan and UTSA. Their 8.03 yards per play ranks 9th in the nation, while their 47.5 points per game ranks 17th. Their offensive scheme is very similar to what the Devils saw against Mississippi State, utilizing a fast tempo with lots of RPOs to open up the defense and utilize the speed and talents of each player.

For as much as the offense gains, the Bobcats' defense gives up nearly the same. Ranked 113th in FBS in total defense, Texas State has allowed 427.5 yards per game to their opponents. Their red zone defense is a major opportunity to exploit, having allowed opponents to score on 8 of 9 red zone possessions to start the season. Their 3rd down defense is middle of the pack, allowing conversions on 33% of all opportunities.

This could very well turn in to a shootout between two talented offenses unless the Sun Devil defense can learn from last week's experience against Mississippi State. The Maroon Monsoon will be out in force to give the Devils a home field advantage as they look to move past last week's speed bump. Follow along all week as we further break down what to expect from the Bobcats ahead of Saturday's 7:30pm kickoff.