It’s the fourth consecutive loss for the Bobcats and perhaps the worst of the season. Defeats against Texas Tech and UTSA were understandable considering the pedigree of both programs. A six-point loss to Ohio on opening night saw Texas State guard Saniya Burks provide a bright spot with her 34-point performance.

A 12-point loss to a Football Championship Subdivision team does not bode well for Texas State’s future. The Vaqueros played well, but the Bobcats did not put on a good performance in Strahan Arena. Here are some takeaways from Texas State’s loss.

When searching for the root of the offense’s issues, it starts with the guard play. No Bobcat recorded more than two assists against the Vaqueros. Through four games, KP Parr and Deja Jones lead the team in assists per game with two and 1.75, respectively.

The lack of a distributor gives Texas State’s half-court offense a clunky feel. They shot 34% from the field against UTRGV, its low point coming in the second quarter, when the offense scored three points on 1-of-17 shooting. The Bobcats are a team that struggles to infiltrate the paint with its guards. Burks made four of her seven three-pointers, but went four-of-14 on all other attempts. 

It’s still early in the year. However, Texas State’s current offensive output does not seem sustainable.

UTRGV dominated the glass, winning the rebound battle 46-28. It’s the second consecutive game that the Bobcats’ lack of size inside made a glaring difference, as Vaquero forward Charlotte O’Keefe, standing at 6-foot-3, racked up 18 boards. On the other side of the floor, 6-foot-1 forward Kyra Anderson led Texas State with six. 

The Bobcats will not magically grow a few inches overnight. But keep an eye on 6-foot freshman forward Kaliyah Murphy, who played a career-high 26 minutes against the Vaqueros. She recorded 13 points, six rebounds and two assists, and could provide some extra height to a team that needs it.

Texas State is only four games into the year. Head coach Zenarae Antoine is dealing with a young, inexperienced team that clearly is still figuring out how to play with each other.

Regardless, a convincing loss to UTRGV is not a good look for a team hoping to make waves in the Pac-12. Gonzaga, Washington State and Oregon State are consistent NCAA Tournament attendees. Can Texas State truly afford to be tripped up by FCS teams when the goals it set for itself are much higher?

It’s been a disheartening start to the season for the Bobcats. But perhaps all they need to kickstart a rejuvenated season is a single win. Texas State will get its next chance Thursday when it takes on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.