SAN MARCOS, Texas — Redshirt freshman Desmond Trotter threw two touchdown passes in his first career start, but South Alabama’s 28-yard field goal attempt late in the game drifted just left of the upright and the Jaguars lost 30-28 at Texas State on Saturday.
The loss was South Alabama’s seventh straight.
Back and Forth in the First Half
The game began with Tra Minter stepping out of bounds at the 5-yard line while fielding the opening kickoff. South Alabama gained 3 yards and punted, giving Texas State the ball at midfield, and the Bobcats turned the possession into a field goal.
After a defensive three-and-out later in the first quarter, the Jaguars drove 77 yards in nine plays behind Carlos Davis and Minter to score a touchdown and lead 7-3.
Texas State kicked a field goal early in the second quarter to make it 7-6. Later in the quarter, the Bobcats put together an eight-play, 92-yard drive, aided by a face mask penalty on third-and-6 deep in their own territory, and quarterback Tyler Vitt threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Javen Banks for a 13-7 lead.
South Alabama answered. Davis opened the drive with an 8-yard run, and Tre’Veon Hamilton made a one-handed catch along the right sideline for 33 yards. Trotter then hit Davyn Flenord on a seam route for a 22-yard touchdown, and the Jaguars led 14-13 at halftime.
Trading Touchdowns
Texas State took the second-half kickoff and drove 75 yards in six plays, scoring on a 38-yard play-action touchdown pass from Vitt 2:36 into the third quarter for a 20-14 lead.
Trotter opened the next drive with a 12-yard completion to Jalen Tolbert and finished it with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Wayne. After a roughing-the-kicker penalty and an offsides call, Frankie Onate made the extra point for a 21-20 lead.
The Bobcats answered with a touchdown drive capped by a 17-yard pass for a 27-21 lead. After a South Alabama three-and-out, Vitt opened the next Texas State drive with a 40-yard completion to Hutch White, but the Jaguars’ defense held and the 44-yard field goal attempt hit the right upright.
South Alabama took over at its 28 and put together a 12-play drive that used 5:40, with Minter scoring on a 6-yard run. The Jaguars led 28-27 with 9:44 to play.
Final Minutes
Texas State returned the ensuing kickoff 60 yards from its 5 to the South Alabama 35. The Jaguars held the Bobcats to 21 yards on seven plays, and Texas State kicked a 41-yard field goal for a 30-28 lead.
South Alabama quickly faced fourth-and-1 on its next possession, and Minter was stopped, giving Texas State the ball at the USA 33. After a 4-yard loss on third down, Bobcats coach Jake Spavital elected to punt on fourth-and-12, but the snap was bobbled and South Alabama recovered at the Texas State 30.
The Jaguars moved into position for a 28-yard field goal, but Onate’s attempt stayed just left of the upright.
Statistics
Trotter completed 13 of 17 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns and ran 12 times for 34 yards. Kawaan Baker led South Alabama with four catches for 34 yards. Minter ran for 87 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, and Davis added 63 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
For Texas State, Vitt completed 23 of 33 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns with an interception and led the Bobcats with 42 rushing yards on 11 carries. White caught 10 passes for 165 yards, Banks had four for 63 and a touchdown, and Calvin Hill had four for 61. Anthony Taylor ran 11 times for 27 yards.
Up Next
South Alabama returns home to host Louisiana-Lafayette at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
