Texas State has had a start to the season that put the Sun Belt Conference on notice. Still a respectable 4-2, the Bobcats are 1-1 in conference play in what's shaping up to be an incredibly competitive Sun Belt West Division. Texas State lost on the road to Louisiana this week, 34-30.
As league play progresses, head coach GJ Kinne realizes that if they are going to win the division, a massive theoretical achievement for the first-year head coach, they'll need to win their Week Seven matchup with ULM to kick off a three-game home stand.
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"There's no doubt about it. Backs against the wall and back to our 1-0 mentality," Kinne said during Monday's Sun Belt Coaches Media Availability. "That's what we have to do from here on out. Anybody can beat you in this league, for sure."
Kinne went on to discuss defending against ULM's passing attack under offensive coordinator Matt Kubik, which will be a tall task for the Bobcats' secondary on Saturday.
"Offensively, I think their quarterback is extremely talented, they run a really good scheme. Coach Kubik does a great job with those guys. They've got some talented receivers. Some speed guys, some guys who can go up and make a play on the fade ball in the one-on-one matchups."
In addition to the offense, Kinne noted the challenge that the ULM defense will pose for TJ Finley and company, rebounding from the loss to the Warhawks' in-state rival. That includes linebacker Michael Batton, who is averaged just shy of nine tackles per game.
"On defense, they present a lot of different looks...They can cause problems. Then up front, they've got some really good players. They're a really solid football team. I'm glad we've got them at home...I'm excited about the challenge that's ahead of us."
Texas State and ULM are set to clash in San Marcos on Saturday, October 14 at 7 PM ET.
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