Houston, Texas – In its first official game as a member of the FBS, the Texas State football team beat Houston, 30-13 Saturday night at Robertson Stadium in Houston. Marcus Curry led the Bobcats offensively with a career-high 131 yards rushing and three total touchdowns. It was the first time the Bobcats have beat an FBS team since 2000 when they defeated Louisiana Monroe.

The Bobcats got off to a strong start, forcing a three and out on the opening drive of the game, as Houston had three incompletions. Texas State built off the momentum as Shaun Rutherford broke off a 26-yard run on 3rd and 8, to take the ball into Cougar territory.

The Bobcats took the 7-0 lead on a 21-yard swing pass to Marcus Curry. As Curry got to the 10-yard line, Chase Harper delivered a big block to spring Curry for the score.

After Houston converted on a 50-yard field goal, Texas State was back in the endzone on its first play from scrimmage, as Curry, hurdled over a defender, as he ripped off a 73-yard run on the first play from scrimmage to go up 14-3, midway through the first quarter.

Texas State was forced to respond again after Houston scored on a 64-yard pass, to cut the lead to 14-10. It was Curry who led the response, breaking off a 20-yard run to get down to the Houston 19. He later scored on a two-yard run, to give the Bobcats a 21-10 lead.

The Bobcats continued to have luck on their side, midway through the second quarter, when they recovered a fumble at the Houston 22-yard line. It allowed the Bobcats to extend their lead, converting on a 32-yard field goal, to go up 24-10.

Right before the half, Rutherford hit freshman Brandon Smith for 22 yards to set up a field goal just as the first half expired. The Bobcats led at intermission 27-10.

Bobcat defensive back Craig Mager prevented Houston from inching closer at the beginning of the third quarter, when he undercut a post route in the endzone, for a touchback.

After Will Johnson connected on his third field goal of the night to put the Bobcats up 30-13, the Cougars made one last gasp to get back into the game. Houston went for it on fourth down from its own 35, but the pass was incomplete and Texas State took over with just over five minutes to go.

Harper put the exclamation point on the game, recording his first career sack on a third and 10, with just over four minutes left.