Texas State football faces another tough road test Saturday, when it travels to Mountain America Stadium to face Arizona State.

The Sun Devils are a step up in competition from the Bobcats’ previous opponents. They won the Big 12 Championship in 2024 and nearly advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals, with Texas squeezing out a 39-31 overtime win. Texas State came within a few points of defeating that Arizona State team last September, losing 31-28.

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Things haven’t started great for head coach Kenny Dillingham’s Sun Devils. After initially being ranked in the AP Top 25, a 24-20 loss to Mississippi State knocked them out of the poll. Quarterback Sam Leavitt has 339 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions on a 57.4 completion percentage through two games.

Texas State tight end Blake Smith (6) celebrates a touchdown by receiver Beau Sparks (11) during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State tight end Blake Smith (6) celebrates a touchdown by receiver Beau Sparks (11) during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State receiver Beau Sparks (11) catches a pass for a touchdown during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State receiver Beau Sparks (11) catches a pass for a touchdown during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State quarterback Holden Geriner (13) kneels in the endzone ahead of the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State quarterback Holden Geriner (13) kneels in the endzone ahead of the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State quarterback Brad Jackson (8) runs the ball during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson (8) runs the ball during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State Univeristy president Kelly Damphouse leads the team onto the field ahead of the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State Univeristy president Kelly Damphouse leads the team onto the field ahead of the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State running back Lincoln Pare (7) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State running back Lincoln Pare (7) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State running back Lincoln Pare (7) runs the ball during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State running back Lincoln Pare (7) runs the ball during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanEastern Michigan running back Tavierre Dunlap (8) is stopped during the game against Texas State at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Eastern Michigan running back Tavierre Dunlap (8) is stopped during the game against Texas State at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanEastern Michigan defensive back Jesse Vasquez (12) breaks up a pass to Texas State receiver Kylen Evans (2) during the game at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Eastern Michigan defensive back Jesse Vasquez (12) breaks up a pass to Texas State receiver Kylen Evans (2) during the game at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State quarterback Brad Jackson (8) snaps the ball during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State quarterback Brad Jackson (8) snaps the ball during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State runnung back Greg Burrell (9) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State runnung back Greg Burrell (9) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State fan Clayton Geis cheers during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State fan Clayton Geis cheers during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State head coach GJ Kinne walks the field ahead of the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State head coach GJ Kinne walks the field ahead of the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State receiver Beau Sparks (11) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State receiver Beau Sparks (11) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State defensive end Kalil Alexander (2) hypes up the crowd during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State defensive end Kalil Alexander (2) hypes up the crowd during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State fans cheer during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State fans cheer during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State receiver Beau Sparks (11) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State receiver Beau Sparks (11) celebrates a touchdown during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State receiver Beau Sparks (11) runs the ball during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State receiver Beau Sparks (11) runs the ball during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanFrom left, Texas State fans Emily Garcia, Kyndal Martin and Sabrina Nodler cheer during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

From left, Texas State fans Emily Garcia, Kyndal Martin and Sabrina Nodler cheer during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-StatesmanTexas State running back Lincoln Pare (7) dives for a first down during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State running back Lincoln Pare (7) dives for a first down during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman

Here are some keys to a Texas State win.

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Texas State corner Jaden Rios (9) celebrates a defensive stop during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Texas State corner Jaden Rios (9) celebrates a defensive stop during the game against Eastern Michigan at Texas State University on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

If possible, limit Jordan Tyson

Every team that faces Arizona State will likely circle wide receiver Jordyn Tyson as one of, if not the biggest, offensive threats on the field. The Preseason AP All-American selection has 18 catches for 209 yards and three touchdowns through two games. Texas State safety Ryan Nolan said Tuesday that the defense must know where he is at all times and shade protections to that side of the field.

There might be no stopping Tyson, whom the Athletic’s Dane Brugler called the best wide receiver eligible for the upcoming 2026 NFL draft. But the Bobcats might be able to keep a handle on the Sun Devils’ other weapons. Leavitt has targeted Tyson 28 times this year. Wide receiver Malik McClain has the next most with eight and he’s only caught two of them for five yards.

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Texas State’s secondary needs to hold up against Arizona State’s other pass catchers, which should allow them to devote extra attention to Tyson. It’s not about shutting the receiver down completely — it’s about stopping him from completely taking over the game.

MORE: Texas State football coach GJ Kinne not worried about pass rush ahead of Arizona State

 Attack Javan Robinson

Texas State wide receiver Beau Sparks has been electric through two weeks, with 237 yards and five touchdowns on 12 receptions. He should draw Arizona State’s No. 1 cornerback, Keith Abney II.

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Hod Rabino, publisher for the Devils Digest, told the American-Statesman that one of Arizona State’s bigger areas for concern is the spot opposite Abney. Pro Football Focus rates Arizona State cornerback Javan Robinson as the team’s worst defender this season. He’s been targeted 11 times this year and has allowed eight catches for 220 yards.

Texas State head coach GJ Kinne should have multiple ways of going after Robinson. He could scheme Sparks onto him, or allow wide receivers Chris Dawn Jr. and Kylen Evans chances to win one-on-one. Regardless, the cornerback projects to be an exploitable part of Arizona State’s defense.

Win on the ground

Despite Cam Skattebo’s departure for the NFL, Rabino said the Arizona State ground game is still a strength. Starting running back Kyson Brown left last Saturday’s game early and is reportedly doubtful for the upcoming game. However, backups Raleek Brown and Kanye Udoh combined for 215 yards in his stead.

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On the other end of the field, Texas State’s run game hit a lull against UTSA. Running back Lincoln Pare averaged 3.4 yards per attempt, while Jaylen Jenkins fared better with a 7.4 average, albeit on seven attempts. Kinne said they need to execute better Tuesday, but one question that hasn’t been answered yet is whether running back Greg Burrell will make a reappearance on offense. 

Burrell participated in special teams but did not have an offensive snap despite being the second back on the field in Week 1. Kinne said Burrell is not injured and that Texas State needs to get him involved, but the optics are strange. If he is back in action Saturday, he could provide a boost in the rushing attack.

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