SAN MARCOS — Texas State (2-2) shut out Houston Christian (1-2) 34-0 at home on Saturday thanks to another solid outing from quarterback Layne Hatcher and the Texas State offense. 

It was the Bobcats’ first shutout since 2014 — a 65-0 win over Arkansas Pine-Bluff — and their biggest win since 2015.

Sharp TXST offense

Texas State’s quarterback-to-receiver chemistry was once again on full display. 

Hatcher was efficient all evening, completing 65.9 percent of his passes, which was only slightly lower than what he completed against defending Big 12 champion Baylor last week.

He threw TD passes to Julian Ortega-Jones, Marcell Barbee and Ashtyn Hawkins, who set a Texas State program record with 13 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown against the Bears. Hatcher’s marksmanship helped the Bobcats jump out to a 21-0 second-quarter lead, which grew to 27-0 after two Seth Keller field goals.

“We were running by and making contested plays, they played man free the entire game,” Spavital said. 
Another one of Texas State’s bright spots was running back Lincoln Pare, who rushed for 84 yards and also hauled in a 17-yard reception.

Looking toward conference play

It’s time to tighten those chinstraps a little extra now as Texas State kicks off conference play against James Madison on Oct. 1.

“Every single game moving forward is going to be a war and we have to clean it up and be more consistent and be ready for anything that comes at us,” Spavital said.

Game Ball

Although Hill has been the Bobcats’ go-to running back, Spavital said they wanted Pare to “get in a few more touches” during this game. 

Pare definitely made the most of his opportunities, rushing for a season-high.

“Lincoln was doing a great job on the check downs and just everything in general,” Spavital said.