by JASON GORDON
The Texas State football team began play in the Western Athletic Conference season just like it started the season.
Texas State rolled to a 38-7 homecoming victory over Idaho Saturday at Bobcat Stadium.
The Bobcats, who shocked the University of Houston in its first-ever game in the Football Bowl Subdivision to start the year, once again proved they belong at the level by pounding an established FBS program.
With the win, the Bobcats improved to 3-3 overall and 1-0 in WAC play. Idaho fell to 1-1 in conference play.
“It was a loud crowd that gave us energy,” Texas State head coach Dennis Franchione said. “I thought (quarterback) Shaun Rutherford really played well. We have to also give credit to our offensive line; they created seams for our backs who I thought ran extremely hard.”
Franchione added that watching his Bobcats win their first conference game as an FBS school was special.
“We had a chance to play a conference game finally after a year and a half, and I don’t know how long it will last but we’re on top,” he said. “It’s a nice feeling for our players and our program. I was proud of our kids.”
The Bobcats controlled the game early on, outgaining Idaho 265-165 in the first half.
Texas State opened the scoring when Shaun Rutherford connected with Andy Erickson on a 31-yard touchdown pass for Erickson’s third touchdown reception in as many games.
Rutherford extended the lead to 14-0 midway through the second quarter when he scampered in from eight yards on a fourth down-and-1. It was Rutherford’s second rushing TD of the year. He finished the game with 267 total yards rushing and passing to lead Texas State.
“This game was very big to us, being that it was our first WAC game,” Rutherford said. “Showing up for our homecoming fans was a good experience.”
Terrence Franks extended the Bobcat lead with a 5-yard touchdown run to begin the third quarter.
Marcus Curry put the game away for the Bobcats with a 24-yard run up the middle for his first touchdown of the day. It gave Texas State a 31-7 lead.
Backup Bobcat quarterback Duke DeLancellotti ran it into the end zone from 6 yards out late in the game to cap the scoring.
The Bobcats will have a week off before returning to action Oct. 27 at San Jose State in Texas State’s first conference road game of the year.
