SAN MARCOS, Texas – Calvin Hill rushed for a career-high 195 yards and the Texas State defense surrendered its fewest points in three years as the Bobcats downed FIU, 41-12, at Bobcat Stadium on Saturday.
 
Hill nearly ran for 200 yards on 28 attempts, setting career-highs in both categories. His 195 yards were the most by a Bobcat since 2015.
 
Texas State (1-1) finished with 226 yards on the ground, its most since 2018.
 
The Bobcat defense, meanwhile, forced two interceptions and limited the Panthers (1-1) to 313 yards of total offense. Kordell Rodgers had both of the interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"Overall, a great team win," said Texas State head coach Jake Spavital. "Something that we've been working for a long time. Last week I thought we got punched in the mouth and there was a lot of tough conversations and these kids responded. That's what we talk about all the time about showing back up and getting back to work, regardless of what happened just keep swinging."
 
Texas State, which has now held its opponents to 315 yards or less of total offense in back-to-back games for the first time in its FBS history, also totaled three sacks, seven quarterback hurries, and 10.0 TFLs.
 
Jarron Morris led the team with 11 tackles, including 2.0 TFLs, while Jordan Revels had 2.5 TFLs, a sack and four total tackles.
 
Offensively, Layne Hatcher threw for 226 yards to complement Hill and the rushing game. Hatcher connected with Charles Brown (67 yards) and Javen Banks (52 yards) for big-play touchdowns while also finding Ashtyn Hawkins for their third end zone connection this season.
 
The Bobcats led 20-6 at halftime, which was their most points in a first half since November 2020, thanks to the Brown and Banks touchdown receptions. Both catches capped sub-one-minute drives for Texas State in the first and second quarters, respectively.
 
After a scoreless third quarter, Hill took over as he ran for 108 yards in the final quarter of play. He scored a touchdown with 5:03 left to make it 34-12 – and capping a nine-play, 70-yard drive – before Rodgers' 60-yard interception return helped give the Bobcats their largest margin of victory since 2016.
 
"(I) just want to give a shoutout to my o-line," said Hill. "None of this could've been possible without them... Yes, it's good to get carries, but I feel like me, I'm the type of back that I just want to make something happen with the carries that I get."

Texas State will hit the road for its next contest as it will take on Baylor in Waco on September 17 at 11 a.m. The game can be seen on FS1.
 
 
POSTGAME NOTES
Cornerback Chris Mills was carted off the field after suffering an injury near the FIU sideline early in the third quarter. He was attempting a tackle before going down.

Mason Shipley hit a 54-yard field goal in the second quarter, which tied the program record for longest field goal made.
 
The last time a Bobcat had two interceptions in a game was Rodgers in his freshman year in 2018. He picked off two passes at Rutgers on Sept. 1, 2018.
 
The 12 points allowed were the fewest by the Bobcats since September 2019 (24-3, vs. Nicholls). It was the fewest points allowed to an FBS team, though, since November 2018 vs. Troy.
 
The 41 points were Texas State's most in a win at home since October 2018.
 
With the touchdown catches by Brown and Banks, this was the first time Texas State had two or more 50+ yard scoring plays since Nov. 4, 2017 vs. New Mexico State.