Kickoff: 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT local)
Venue: Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos, Texas (Capacity: ~30,000)
Broadcast: ESPN+
Weather Forecast (San Marcos, TX)
Temperature: ~88°F (31°C) at kickoff, cooling into the upper 70s by the 4th quarter
Conditions: Clear skies, humid, light winds (5–8 mph)
Impact: Classic Texas late-summer evening; hydration and depth could be factors.
Injury Report
Nicholls Colonels (Southland, FCS):
QB Pat McQuaide (starter, 3 TDs, 2 INTs through 3 games) healthy.
RB Collin Guggenheim (team’s leading rusher, 210 yards, 2 TDs) available.
WR Kendall Bussey Jr. (132 yards, 1 TD) active.
Defense led by LB Evan Roussel (team-high tackles).
Texas State Bobcats (Sun Belt, FBS):
QB Jordan McCloud (725 passing yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs) healthy.
RB Ismail Mahdi (312 rushing yards, 3 TDs) available.
WR Joey Hobert (245 yards, 2 TDs) and WR Ashtyn Hawkins (198 yards, 2 TDs) active.
Defense intact, led by LB Brian Holloway.
Key Player Matchups
QB Jordan McCloud (Texas State) vs. Nicholls Secondary
McCloud is averaging over 240 YPG; Nicholls’ DBs must avoid giving up explosive plays.
RB Ismail Mahdi (Texas State) vs. Nicholls Front Seven
Mahdi’s speed and versatility make him a mismatch; Nicholls must contain him to avoid long drives.
QB Pat McQuaide (Nicholls) vs. Texas State Pass Rush
McQuaide has been turnover-prone; Bobcats’ defensive line will look to pressure him early.
WR Joey Hobert (Texas State) vs. Nicholls Corners
Hobert is McCloud’s top target; Nicholls must double him in key situations.
Recent Team Form
Nicholls Colonels (1–2, Southland)
8/30/25: L 38–10 @ Tulane
9/6/25: W 27–14 vs. McNeese State
9/13/25: L 31–17 @ Southeastern Louisiana
Trend: Offense inconsistent, defense allowing 28+ PPG in losses.
Texas State Bobcats (2–1, Sun Belt)
8/30/25: W 34–17 vs. UTSA
9/6/25: L 41–28 @ Baylor
9/13/25: W 45–14 vs. Lamar
Trend: Offense explosive (averaging 35+ PPG), defense opportunistic at home.
Series History
Texas State leads the all-time series 15–14.
Last meeting: 2019, Texas State won 24–3.
The rivalry dates back to the 1980s, with the “Battle for the Paddle” first played in 1998 (Texas State won 28–27).
Betting Trends
Texas State:
2–1 ATS in 2025.
5–2 ATS in last 7 home games.
Overs hit in 2 of 3 games this season.
Nicholls:
1–2 ATS in 2025.
0–5 SU in last 5 vs. FBS opponents.
Unders hit in 2 of 3 games this season.
Head-to-Head:
Texas State has won 3 straight meetings.
Last two matchups stayed under the total.
Historical Betting Results
Texas State: Reliable ATS at home vs. FCS opponents; offense often pushes games over the total.
Nicholls: Struggles ATS vs. FBS competition; rarely competitive beyond the first half.
Sun Belt vs. Southland: Sun Belt teams cover ~65% of the time in these matchups.
Game Odds
Nicholls Colonels 55.5
Texas State Bobcats – 24.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 19, 2025
