The Texas State Bobcats secured their second consecutive SERVPRO First Responder Bowl victory on December 29, 2025, overcoming the North Texas Mean Green 30-28 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. This thrilling matchup not only showcased local college football rivalry but also underscored the Bobcats' growing prominence within the Group of Five programs.
Fans flocked to the game, eager to witness whether the Bobcats could replicate the success of the previous season when they triumphed over Rice 45-21. From the kick-off, it was clear the Bobcats were up for the challenge. Even before taking the lead, they showcased their resilience, coming back from an early deficit.
Initially, it was North Texas who took control of the scoreboard, going up 14-6 early on. Showcasing impressive composure, Texas State quarterback Jordan McCloud threw for 307 yards and would connect with his electrifying receiver, Jaden Williams, on multiple occasions. Their chemistry led to key plays, including a 24-yard touchdown right before halftime, allowing Texas State to enter the locker room with the lead at 16-14.
McCloud's performance was pivotal, particularly as he took command and rallied his team after falling behind. 'McCloud threw for 307 yards and a touchdown, as the Bobcats ran off 17 consecutive points after falling behind 14-6 early,' reported Art Garcia. Texas State capitalized on their momentum, scoring multiple touchdowns — one notable 73-yard run by running back Lincoln Pare, which broke the game open and put Texas State up 30-21.
Despite the Bobcats' impressive showing, fans expressed frustration at the officiation. Throughout the first half, they witnessed multiple controversial calls, particularly where appears three touchdowns scored by Texas State were ruled short of the end zone, igniting debates over the effectiveness and scrutiny of officiational reviews. Social media exploded with remarks criticizing the referees. Fans noted, 'The referees... just ignored THREE consecutive touchdowns by the Bobcats without a single review. Disgusting and obvious point shaving, in my opinion,' echoed by various spectators.
The pendulum of momentum continued to swing throughout the game, with North Texas clawing back after Texas State’s strong performance. Walk-on freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who had to step up after starting quarterback Chandler Morris entered the transfer portal, showed surprising poise under the pressure. He threw for 393 yards and led the Mean Green with two touchdown passes.
Late game action became riveting when Mestemaker quickly responded to Pare’s long run, answering back with his own 70-yard rushing touchdown, bringing North Texas within two points at 30-28. But as the Mean Green lined up for one final drive from their own 8-yard line with just 40 seconds left on the clock, hope lingered in the air. Yet, Texas State's defense stood firm, forcing two pivotal turnovers throughout the match to thwart North Texas' late-game efforts.
North Texas failed to capitalize on their final drives, with Mestemaker’s fourth-down pass being intercepted by Treylin Payne. With this interception came the sealing of the Bobcats' victory, celebrating their consecutive bowl win and improving their season record to 8-5. The Bobcats became the first two-time winners of the First Responder Bowl, asserting their position as formidable competitors.
Unfortunately for North Texas, they faced disappointment once again as they dropped to 6-7, marking their seventh consecutive bowl game loss. This streak ties them with UTEP for the longest losing run in college football bowl history. After the game, reflecting on the ups and downs of the season, their head coach, Eric Morris, will need to regroup as the Mean Green seek to move forward next year.
Looking to the future, Texas State aims to build on this burgeoning success, remaining focused on their performance as they navigate the upcoming season. With players like McCloud and Pare returning to build upon their impressive bowl performance, the Bobcats could soon assert even greater force within college football. They've proven they can win the big games, and with the right momentum, the next season could herald even more exciting outcomes for Texas State football.